Lifestyle

7 Things You Need To Know About The Leo Woman

by Sandy Reitman

While Leo's time has come and gone this year, the sun never sets on a Leo woman. Leo is a fixed fire sign, and its members are born between July 23 and Aug. 22. And while 2015 might have been a rough year for some lions in the world, it wasn't so for our Leo women.

All you Leo ladies out there are tough leaders with a real soft side. You might seem like a ferocious lion on the outside, but your inner cub is still in there.

You're a combination of strong but sensitive, charismatic but careful, and elusive but predictable.

Famous Leo women include Jennifer Lawrence, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Sandra Bullock, Monica Lewinsky, Martha Stewart, Mae West, Lucille Ball, Kim Cattrall, Julia Child, Jacqueline Kennedy, J.K. Rowling, Halle Berry, Gillian Anderson and Emily Brontë.

Maybe you'll follow the lead of these women. You might be the world's largest pop star or one of the most famous female comedians of all time. Maybe you'll be a writer or a chef. The options in the spotlight are endless.

If you know a Leo woman -- or are one yourself -- here are some things to remember:

1. Leo women are the leaders of the Zodiac.

You're generally optimistic and seemingly fearless. You approach all situations head-on and are ready for anything.

If you're with a group of hesitant people, you take action and lead everyone else through the door. You are the leader of your pack.

You manage everything that comes at you -- whether that means planning a night out, handling the bill at a restaurant, or convincing people to stay out later. People put down what you're putting out.

2. Leo women are the center of attention.

You're the decision maker who's always seeking approval. People look to you to make suggestions and execute plans.

At the same time, you're always waiting for their praise. While you look confident on the outside, you're very aware of how others perceive you.

You bring people together. And though you enjoy big groups of people, you enjoy going off on your own. You're very sensitive about not making people feel left out, but you also like to be left to yourself.

You might even look like a Leo woman if you have big hair, loud outfits and dominant features that make you stand out from the crowd. You spend time and money on appearances, but you do this for yourself.

3. Leo women are sensitive.

You're an emotional woman whose feelings can easily be hurt. While others might criticize your tough exterior, you thrive on praise. Your extreme confidence can mask insecurity.

It is essential for Leo women to show their vulnerable side in order to earn the respect from people around them. If you aren't vulnerable, people will perceive you as confrontational and aggressive.

You're also very sensitive to those around you. You're easily affected by surrounding auras and often try to improve others' feelings, even if it's at the expense of your own.

Learning how to balance your "inner cub" with your "outer lioness" will be one of your most difficult challenges in life. Take time to process emotions before reacting. There's a time and a place for your lioness to shine. But everyone really loves that cub.

4. Leo women are straightforward.

You're not one to shy away from an argument. You have opinions and you make them heard. While you can be stubborn at times, you can also move on easily once something has been resolved. You don't hold back, and you don't hold a grudge.

You know what you want out of life, and you go for it. No one is getting in the way of your goals. While others might find this competitive, you are your only competition.

5. Leo women are wildly romantic.

You're willing to go on the long hunt for that perfect kill. You want to explore all that the concrete jungle has to offer, but want to settle down someday. You enjoy being single and adventurous, but you're often waiting to settle for the right one.

Your sex drive is strong, and you're willing to try almost anything. You have a freak flag, and you let it fly. While you like being the center of attention outside the bedroom, you're generous in the sack.

You don't shy away from telling your friends about your sexcapades, but you prefer to keep some secrets to yourself. You can sometimes be a little shady, but you'd never hurt your loved ones.

Your relationships are deeply emotional. They're wild rollercoaster rides of passion. You and your lovers fight, you argue, and you get jealous. But you really do love each other.

Leo women thrive on this passion, but it's hard to find someone who can handle it. Never apologize for your intensity, for that's what makes you YOU.

6. Leo women are great friends.

You're often misunderstood, but you already know that. You're a kind and loyal friend who is exceedingly generous and often overly protective.

You're ambitious and take failure in stride. People enjoy being around you, and you add more to their lives.

7. Leo women get along.

I'm a Leo, so I understand the good and bad that comes with the territory. And Leo women generally get along with other Leo women. We're in this together!

A Tennessee Williams quote perfectly describes life as a Leo: "Kill all my demons and my angels might die, too."

We need to take time to understand ourselves and to find this balance. If we do this, then everyone else can appreciate our complexities. Never be ashamed of that Leo prowess.

I am a Leo woman -- hear me ROAR!