General Characteristics of a Tiger

Tiger is the animal that represents authority. They are proud and will exert their leadership as they are born leaders.  Forceful and aggressive, they are usually in the lead and it is difficult to deny them their rights. It is of no coincidence that many of the world’s famous revolutionary leaders are born under the Tiger sign- Sun Yat-sen, Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx and Jiang Zemin.

A goal-getter, the Tiger has a great deal of self-confidence and no setbacks can stop them from achieving their goals.  They set high realistic goals and work hard to achieve them steadily and consistently. They are only happy when they see everything settled and completed.

The Tiger loves to be the centre of attention and they look for approval from peers and family. The astute and quick thinking Tiger knows how to take advantage of situations to rise to power and positions, where he will excel even further in what he sets out to accomplish.

A humanitarian, the Tiger will fight for noble ideals, especially when it concerns something close to their hearts – a loved one or their honour. They are definitely not the type to be oppressed and pushed around and are known to be rebellious, always ready to put up a good fight for the rights of others.

Strengths

Tigers radiate enthusiasm. They have tremendous amount of energy and these qualities enhance their ability to command and persuade others. As they are always eager to please, they are well known for their lively and charming personalities that easily endear people to them.

Adventurous and highly competitive, the Tiger loves challenges. He is always active and out trying new things – just to prove that he can accomplish it just as successfully as the challenge before! Tigers are constantly on the lookout for the next mountain to climb or the next milestone and love to take chances and tempt fate. More often than not, they emerge even stronger than before and won’t hesitate to tell you all about it!

The Tiger believes in the “all or nothing” or “do or die” approach and this is how he chooses to live his whole life. As Tigers are very assertive, once they set sight on something they want, it’s very hard to stop them. Not motivated by money or power, they are not easily influenced to take sides or sway from their original goals and have incredible focus in what they set out to do.

Weaknesses

Tigers usually think and act fast, and hence can be regarded as abrupt, hasty or impulsive. Their direct and outspoken character may not be welcomed by everyone. As they want to get things done fast, they prefer to work alone. They are also quite self-centred and like to do things their own way; they often don’t like putting value on others’ opinions believing theirs is the best way.

The Tiger will be very disturbed and even depressed if they fail at a task or feel unproductive in their daily lives and at work. As success-oriented as they are, they also don’t take criticism well, especially from loved ones.

The Tiger likes to dominate and be in charge and has little tolerance for error or incompetence. He will even revolt against authority and superiors to prove a point. At their worst, if Tigers feel they are not respected or being put down, they can become hostile and plot revenge. They might sometimes even take hasty action without analyzing the situation which could result in quite a storm!

Career and Working Life

Vibrant and competitive, the Tiger will excel in business activities which are aggressive. However, the best types of work that appeal to them are those that require them to champion for the rights of others, especially the oppressed.  Their passion, energy and focus will bring great results for the benefit of others if they choose to do social work or promote a good cause.

The Tiger does not like to take orders. Self-sufficient and independent, he will work hard to move up to secure his own position of authority; it’s not unlike a Tiger to move up in the ranks quickly and even at a very young age, far surpassing many of their peers. They are charismatic leaders and excel in management or leadership positions.

They should work in jobs that are challenging as the Tiger is known for making frequent job changes when they are bored or in a position where things are stagnant. They also like jobs that that have tradition, weight and formality.

The Tigers are good actors, explorers, revolutionists, and pilots. The best industries for them to get involved in are sales and uniformed careers.

Love and Relationships

Being with Tigers is always exciting. They are legendary for their charm and charisma and will sweep you away with their presence. You will be smitten with their unpredictable nature as they surprise you with gifts, grand gestures and their exciting, courageous ambition. The head-strong, impulsive streak of the Tiger may cause plenty of heartache though – he is likely to have affairs even after he is in a committed relationship.

He expects his partner to live by different rules though. Despite his own tendency to wander, the Tiger is very possessive; a Tiger might wear his partner out with his constant demands and incessant need for attention. Further, the Tiger loves excitement and activity, so you must always be able to keep up with his plans, movement and non-stop activity.

The Tiger’s partner must also be able to stand the mood swings and the rollercoaster ups and downs. Do not expect Tigers to be understanding partners as their nature is to dominate; they are not used to playing the submissive role. Their partners need a huge amount of tolerance and patience to remain in a long-term relationship with a Tiger, and can expect to be giving out a lot more than they’ll get back.

Finance

The capable Tiger will never be short of opportunities to make money and will never worry about money. However, as they love enjoyment and comfort, they often squander away their cash without much thought. They must remember to save up for rainy days.

The Tiger is also not very good at investing as he has a tendency to rush into things without much thought for the long-term effects of his actions. A Tiger’s investment plans are often short sighted.

Social life

Since Tigers are restless and love exploring, a cosy home means nothing to them although it is much appreciated. Remember, a Tiger is a giant cat, is fueled by curiosity, independence and a love of freedom to wander. He is at his best when he’s out there in the great big world, meeting people, doing things, chasing dreams.

A naturally sociable creature, the Tiger loves making friends and is most comfortable when surrounded by many friends. Generally, the Tiger is a warm and generous person, and will always welcome social visits. He will open his heart, home and wallet to you any time.

The Tiger is also a party animal, and will usually be surrounded by hoards of people during social gatherings. The confidence they exude and the great conversations they can hold naturally draw people to them. They are also great hosts and do not mind spending to impress – expect great parties with lavish meals. They love to entertain and throw the best parties to be the centre of the attention.

Life Lessons

The Tiger should sometimes slow down and think matters through. It is good to prepare well for whatever he intends to set out to do, instead of charging ahead impulsively. He must learn to realise that there is a higher chance for success if he only stopped to plan his moves more strategically. Charging forward may have short term gains in the battlefield but not for the long-haul war of life.

The Tiger also needs to stop being so suspicious of everyone around them and open their hearts to a few confidantes and close friends to support them. Although fiercely independent, the Tiger will also need encouragement and a pat on the back. He needs to relax his need for power and authority, and practice a little patience for people who may not act as fast or as powerfully as him – stop and chat to your subordinates once in awhile, you may be surprised to find that they too have great ideas if only they were given time and space to express themselves.

The Tiger should not push himself nor others too far, and must take care to not make enemies along the way. The Tiger should learn to develop a more balanced approach to life and not just pounce on anything that comes their way.

COMPATIBILITY

Who the Tiger will go to battle with

The Tiger, Horse and Dog form one of the four trios of the Chinese zodiac. This group is action-orientated and works for the bigger causes of humanity. Tigers will do very well to work with or find partners in the Horse and Dog, who will champion a good cause just as strongly and passionately as the Tiger. The Tiger will appreciate the Horse’s similar outlook in life and honesty, and find comfort in the Dog’s loyal, supportive company.

The Tiger will also have harmonious relationships with a Boar, whose caring, friendly side will indulge the Tiger’s many impulsive ideas and plans. They also both love the good life, which make them excellent friends who will spend time together enjoying good food, company and shopping.

The Tiger will also find good friends in the Rat, Rooster, Dragon or another Tiger – their energy, enthusiasm and ambition will gel nicely with the Tiger’s powerful drive.

Who the Tiger will pounce on

The Tiger despises slyness and cunning characteristics, which make them dislike Monkeys and Snakes, known for being sneaky and evasive. Although both the Tiger and Monkey are competitive and intelligent, there is a mutual distrust and no one wants to be in the second place. The Tiger is also suspicious of the shifty, calculating Snake who loves strategies and material wealth.

The Tiger will also find himself at odds with the Ox, whose stoic, approach to work and life, will frustrate and suffocate the Tiger. Both are also very stubborn in their own ways – the Tiger being aggressively obstinate and the Ox deliberately unmoving. Each with their own huge ego, it will be very hard to find a compromise.

How to work well with a Tiger

The Tiger is impatient and very cautious of others so you will need to give him assurance of your capability and gain his trust first, be it a business partnership or in a relationship. More importantly, always be honest and sincere with them – even if you can’t work as fast and as powerfully as him, he will appreciate you most of all for your effort and care.

Because Tigers can be very sensitive and prone to emotional outbursts, you have to be careful to not hurt them. Approach the Tiger gently – you either take his side against “the rest of the world” and join him in the fight; or you counter his aggression with quick, intelligent, focused logic. They will appreciate a cool-headed companion and partner who is loyal and comforting.

As Tigers are always outspoken and straightforward, they do not like subtle comments and it is good to be direct with them, especially in business.

5 Positive and Negative Traits

Famous Tigers

Oscar Wilde, Princess Anne,  Agatha Christie, Beethoven, Marilyn Monroe, Marie Curie, Karl Marx, Charles de Gaulle, Charles Lindbergh, Sun Yat-sen, Ho Chi Minh, Jiang Zemin, Dwight Eisenhower, Christian Bale, Robbie Williams, Demi Moore, Jodie Foster, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder, Emily Bronte, John Steinbeck, Annette Benning, Charles de Gaulle, Enya, Germaine Greer, Jay Leno, Jon bon Jovi, Marco Polo, Oscar Wilde, Queen Elizabeth II, Rosie O’Donnell, Paula Abdul, Sir Richard Branson, Victoria Beckham, Phil Collins, Mel Brooks, Kofi Annan, Hugh Hefner, Hilary Swank, Steve Martin, Jim Carrey

Other Lunar Animal Signs

1. I am the Rat

2. I am the Ox

3. I am the Rabbit

4. I am the Dragon

5. I am the Snake

6. I am the Horse

7. I am the Sheep

8. I am the Monkey

9. I am the Rooster

10. I am the Dog

11. I am the Pig

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