Hopeless romantic? Happily single? Looking for your perfect match? Whatever your relationship status, we reckon you all want to know what’s in store when it comes to love. Here, astrologer Karen Tom reveals what you can look forward to (and who you should avoid) in 2012.

CAPRICORN
Love will be more than holding hands in 2012, as your crushes are bound to challenge you in new ways. You’ll broaden your horizons on three of the most important levels: emotionally, spiritually and physically. Of course (as is generally the case), stepping out of your comfort zone will be confronting at first, but it will ultimately lead to a more powerful union. To that empowerment, we say, “Bring it on”.

Luckiest love months: March, May, July

AQUARIUS
You won’t have in-between emotions in 2012: it’ll either be black or white, love or hate. This year, there will be a lot of extreme feelings, dramas and obstacles that’ll be out of your control. Whatever the situation, patience is the key to getting what you want and staying on top. One thing you need to remember is that fairytale endings are possible, but only through a lot of perseverance and confident liaisons.

Luckiest love months: June, August, October

PISCES
Avoid relationships that you can’t openly talk about, because part of the fun of romance for you is gushing about your guy when you’re with friends. You might have a secret rendezvous this year, but you can always find a solution to the madness. Remember that you have rights in your relationships, and nobody is allowed to dictate how you should behave. So go forth and enjoy living your life.

Luckiest love months: March, July, September

ARIES
That famous Aries strategic thinking will be working overtime in early 2012, changing your perspective on love and making you say no to guys who won’t commit. You’ll be fed up with putting your crushes on a pedestal without them even making a move. After all, it can’t be true love forever if you do all the work. So don’t be afraid to set ground rules and even make demands – a little confidence will make you irresistible to guys!

Luckiest love months: August, September, October

TAURUS
You’re the universe’s star, with Jupiter (the planet of luck) in Taurus until June! This means all your dreams are within reach. However, in order for this to happen, you have to make a commitment to moving forward and striving for bigger and better! If you’re single, forget old loves. If you’re happily in love, expect your bonds to go deeper. Yes, all you’ve wished for can become reality, but only if you take that leap of faith!

Luckiest love months: March, September, November

GEMINI
For Geminis, life can literally change second-by-second in 2012! Yes, crazy twists of fate will lead you from one adventure to the next, meaning spontaneous Geminis will love the many options the universe presents. If you want to play the field, 2012 is your year. For those wanting a deeper commitment, several perfect matches will be on the horizon… but since you’ll be revelling in a new freedom, he’ll have to catch you! Enjoy.

Luckiest love months: June, October, December

CANCER
You’ll form an intellectual bond with crushes this year – there’s a whole new route to your heart in 2012! The best relationships are likely to start from healthy friendships, through a love of common activities (instead of mere physical attraction). That’s not to say you won’t think he’s cute – you will – but you’ll learn that there’s a whole lot more to falling in love than his adorable Ian Somerhalder-esque eyes.

Luckiest love months: January, November, December

LEO
It’s all about who you know – and luckily for you, your friendships cover a wide variety of personalities, making 2012’s romantic possibilities filled to the brim with diversity and excitement. You’ll be on everyone’s guest list, which will provide many interesting opportunities for love. This may also make you a target for gossip, so try to ignore haters. Think of it this way: the attention just adds to your glamour and mystique!

Luckiest love months: February, October, December

VIRGO
You’ll be ready to break your own rules and take on bold new challenges this year. This new attitude brings better love opportunities (cuter, sweeter and waaay better matches for you). When you start expecting more of yourself, the world will listen and throw exciting situations your way. This will help show who you are when you’re solo and in a relationship. Your potential is limitless this year, so aim for the sky (and the awesome guy)!

Luckiest love months: January, March, November

LIBRA
Prepare yourself: it’s going to be one wacky year, as far as your tastes go! You’ll click with such a wide range of guys that you won’t be able to recognise your “type” anymore. Each relationship will be totally different to the next, so as well as getting to know a bunch of different guys, you’ll explore new sides of yourself. Get ready for heavy doses of mystery, passion and – importantly – chemistry in this most unpredictable of years.

Luckiest love months: February, April, July

SCORPIO
Cupid is out to find you in 2012, and no-one deserves it more than you do! Love works in funny ways, and chances are your Prince Charming won’t be quite the guy you were expecting. Hone in to your instincts; he might be a diamond in the rough, so trust your gut when it comes to love. Remember that just because he doesn’t sparkle at first glance, that’s no reflection of his actual pricelessness.

Luckiest love months: March, May, December

SAGITTARIUS
Yes. No. Whatever. Your heart will be flip-flopping constantly in 2012, and the pressure to commit will make relationships less appealing. After all, Sagittarius is the sign of freedom, and this is your year to take advantage of it. I’m not saying there won’t be romance, but you’ll only be up for it if it brings adventure and fun, not responsibility and constant compromise. This year, love is a luxury, not a taxing necessity.

Luckiest love months: February, April, June

Words: Karen Tom