Year of the Rabbit: what Rabbit people are like

The Rabbit, fourth in the cycle, is gentle and quick on its feet. People born in its year often have a soft way of making others feel at home. They notice small comforts: good light, a tidy desk, the right word at the right time.

Born in January or early February? Check the Lunar New Year date for your year.

What Rabbit people are like

Rabbit people tend to be kind, tactful and thoughtful. They like harmony and often find creative ways to keep the peace. None of this is a rule. A Rabbit can be fierce when it matters, and many are.

• Gentle. Rabbits tend to speak softly and listen closely.
• Tasteful. They often have a good eye for design, style or a cosy room.
• Diplomatic. When two friends disagree, a Rabbit can usually find the middle path.
• Careful. They like to look before they leap, which often saves the day.

Because they care about harmony, Rabbits sometimes keep their own wishes to themselves. Their voice belongs in the room too, and things go better when they remember that.

Good company

The Rabbit's trio partners are the Goat and the Pig. The Goat loves beauty and calm as much as the Rabbit, and the Pig brings easygoing warmth and a big laugh. The Dog, steady and loyal, the kind of friend who walks you home, is often named the Rabbit's secret friend.

Real friendships ignore the chart, of course. The pairings are just fun to compare.

A small thing to try this week

Make one corner of your space a little nicer this week. A plant on the windowsill, a cleared shelf or a soft lamp by the bed would do it. Rabbits feel the room around them, so give yourself one spot that makes you feel welcome. If you share a home, ask the others what would make it cosier for them too.

In Slipmatic

Press the button on the Robo-Booth ’84 and it prints a slip on how your Chinese year sits with today. With Slipmatic Plus, a fresh slip for the Rabbit is waiting every morning.

For entertainment and reflection.