Capricorns aren’t consumed by the need for attention, but are not immune to it. They simply don’t indulge in attention-seeking behavior. Capricorns don’t want attention for their looks or style or ingenuity. They don’t want to be admired, but they do want to be respected. They don’t care to be the center of attention. Instead it’s like they need to prove their own abilities to themselves. They plow through adversity with blinders on until they reach success.

Capricorns are constantly competing with themselves. They do want praise, though. Praise is a simple acknowledgment of a job well done. Praise is a pat on the back. They use this as validation to compensate for general feelings of incompetence and inferiority.

Capricorns are masters of discipline. The wringing of the hands, the constant reminders, the exacting structure, the ever-increasing goals, the tidal wave of self-criticism that lasts forever. They are the ultimate perfectionists. They can be so absorbed in their own internal monologue that it becomes impossible to get them to look away from themselves. Capricorns are often called “workaholics.”

They are incredibly pragmatic. Capricorns are rule followers with a highly developed moral compass. From a young age, it is impressed upon them that their whole sense of worth and meaning is based on their ability to hunker down and force their way to the finish line. Their drive to succeed is a reflection of their fear of failure. The most stressful time in a Capricorn’s life is when they question their own authority. When a Capricorn is in a position of power, they are most stable. When they’re put in a position where they have to cater to someone else’s agenda, they can become a little unhinged.

Capricorns collect responsibility. And they always seem to take it all on. Capricorns need to be the one to fix everything. Responsibility is their natural state. They have a “can do” attitude. Capricorns are both the martyrs and the champions. They are the guardians and the judges. The team captains. The chief of chiefs. The general. The leader. But even as they lead the charge, Capricorns can feel like the loneliest people in the world. They wish to be completely self-sufficient, because they are so scared of depending on others.

Capricorns are ambitious and have a “push yourself to succeed” work ethic that can often rub other people the wrong way. But they do have a tender side. They can be deeply emotional under the glossy veneer of “adulting.” Their softness gets buried in the rocky terrain of their exterior. Capricorns are taciturn by design, not by nature.

They are very practical. It may seem like they don’t really care about their friends’ feelings, but they will do anything they can to help them succeed. Capricorns don’t want to be wasteful with their resources, and think about how each of their actions will affect the future.

Capricorns are also very emotionally dependable. They will be there for you when you need them, and you can be certain that they won’t freak out on you. They know that being dependable is a sign of respect.

Capricorns are incredibly loyal friends and expect as much from other people. Capricorns have a deep need for security. They like structure and repetition. Capricorns want to know what to expect in stable, scheduled increments. They need to know that their environment is reliable.

Capricorns need purpose in everything they do, so they will only dedicate themselves to people, projects, and ideas that revolve around their values.