How to Text a Capricorn Man

Capricorns hate to feel like their time is being wasted. Hard-working Caps try to make the most of their time and don’t respond well to junk that gets in their way. It may only take a few seconds for them to read a pointless text, but those few seconds still indicate that you don’t value their time as much as they do. However, if you send a text that has a clear reason to exist, a Cap guy will carefully read it as part of their evaluation of you.^[2]

• Avoid texting generic greetings or observations (like “Hey,” “Nice day, huh,” or “What’s up?”) that don’t really lead anywhere. Texting for texting’s sake doesn’t make sense to a Capricorn. They text with a purpose and expect you to do the same.
• What’s a clear purpose? Questions, observations, or statements that are directly relevant to the guy and invite him to respond.

Capricorns take pride in their ability to solve others’ problems. Capricorns have a strong drive to help others that is definitely laudable, but can also come off as a bit condescending—like you and everyone else needs their help. Asking for their assistance puts you in a vulnerable position and makes them feel obligated to do something for you.^[3]

• Try stroking their ego a little when you ask for assistance:
  • “You always understand these history assignments, but I don’t get this one. Can you explain to me what we’re supposed to write about?”
  • “Can you offer any advice for my presentation tomorrow? You always stay so calm and cool during these things!”

Validate the importance Capricorns put on career achievements. Caps often define themselves by their work and like to be recognized for the dedication they show. So, if you can manage to text a question that requires the guy’s assistance while also pointing out his career success, you’ll earn double the points toward making a great impression.^[4]

• For example: “Everyone says you’re the best DJ in the city, so can you share any advice I can give my nephew who’s really into that?”
• Or: “That was amazing how you closed that deal with Acme Corp. when no one else could. What’s your secret?”

Caps don’t do things halfway—they go all in with their interests. While it’s incredibly hard to get a Capricorn guy to chat about things that don’t interest him, it’s easy to get him started talking about things he really loves. Often this passion is career-focused, but it can also be about hobbies, adventures, recreational activities, sports, family, and so on. ^[5]

• Try something like this: “You were a machine during that fundraiser walk-a-thon yesterday! How’d you first get involved with the local food bank?”
• Or this: “I can’t thank you enough for stepping in to help with the basketball camp on short notice. I could tell that those kids mean the world to you.”

Capricorns like people who are as driven as they are. You don’t necessarily have to be passionate about the same things in order to draw his interest—although that can’t hurt. What’s more important is that you show that you’re truly passionate about your passions. If you’re wishy-washy, indecisive, or half-hearted, things just aren’t going to work out with a Cap guy.^[6]

• This might work: “Thanks again for donating to the Alzheimer’s fundraiser. I’m determined to top last year’s total and you really helped out.”
• Or maybe this: “Sorry I didn’t stop to chat at the pool. I was trying to beat my best time for 20 laps (and did!)”

Caps have a funny side, but don’t get too silly right away. Don’t let descriptions of Capricorns as practical, hard-working, goal-driven, and hyper-focused lead you to believe they’re also humorless. They like a good laugh as much as anyone. That said, think through a funny text before sending it out. Relate it to things you already know about the guy so it doesn’t feel generic.^[7]

• For example, if he’s a lawyer and you’re an accountant, you might send this: “What did the lawyer say to the accountant? (Awaiting your response) (No hurry) (Seriously, I can wait)”
• Or, if you know he’s a big Seinfeld fan, you might send this on December 23: “Happy Festivus! What’s your all-time most impressive Feat of Strength?”

Capricorns like to test themselves—and like that quality in others. Having a drive to succeed means that Cap guys are always seeking out new challenges to conquer. They also love a good adventure—especially when it’s directly relevant to one of their passions. Otherwise, they may decide the adventure or challenge isn’t a practical use of their valuable time.^[8]

• If he’s just gotten into off-road biking, you might text something like this: “Have you heard of the Switchback trail at Westwood Park? Wanna tackle it with me on Saturday?”
• Or you might try this if he’s really into sports: “I’m looking for a partner for quiz night at Ray’s Tavern. I hear you know your sports trivia. Wanna team up?”

Present yourself as calm and practical, not out of control. Capricorns pride themselves on their self control, and are attracted to the same quality in others. Your texts don’t have to seem like they’re from an emotionless robot, but they should be controlled and focused.^[9]

• DON’T:
  • Text repeatedly to try to get an answer from him.
  • Complain about how hard your day was.
  • Go on about how cute or kissable he is.
• DO:
  • Text once and let him respond on his own time.
  • Ask if he has advice for a problem you had today.
  • Compliment him on his good looks and his positive qualities.

Capricorns rarely go straight from texting into dating. A Cap guy is likely to see texting as a practical way to get introduced to someone, but not a good way to actually get to know someone. In other words, they’ll text to meet a potential new friend, but not to actually make a new friend or romantic partner. Use your texts as a point of entry on your way into his “inner circle” of people he cares about—from there, you can build a romantic connection.^[10]

• So, instead of asking him out (or waiting for him to ask you out) via text, use texting as a way to get to know each other a little. Ask questions, share observations, and let your connection develop over time.