Chinese Sign Profile: Rat

If the bait's there, the Rat will certainly take it. Clever and quick-witted, Rats revel in wretched excess and are utterly disarming as well. They are possessed of excellent taste and flaunt it at every opportunity. To top it all, they get along with almost anyone and have a good number of loyal friends.

Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are not always what they seem. They are highly skilled at promoting their own agenda, with greed often ruling their actions. This may be why they tend to appear persuasive and charming -- it's all part of the plan if money is at the root. Although they are hoarders, Rats can be very generous to those in their "pack," namely friends and family members who have proven their loyalty. Others, however, can perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. Verbal jousting is a pleasure for the Rat, a creature that everyone around will quickly learn to either love or hate.

Rats enjoy being on the outside looking in, the better to learn a thing or two. New challenges are also welcomed by the curious Rat as a way to stay sharp. Without challenges, the Rat could become rather bored, which would make this mouse no fun. This quest for adventure has many positive angles, among them an ability to keep this keen strategist in fighting form. Anything less would be a waste of some very precious skills.

A valuable lesson for Rats would be to learn to consider others above themselves. If they can develop their sense of self and realise it leaves room for others in their life, Rats could find true happiness.

The most compatible match for a Rat is the Dragon or Monkey.