Here’s what mbg’s resident astrologists, the AstroTwins, have to say about how Mercury retrograde can influence our relationships and what we can do to keep things as steady as possible through this turbulent transit. So when it’s retrograde (which usually happens for three weeks at a time, a few times a year), there’s a tendency to speak carelessly, or “put your foot in your mouth,” they note. We might not think about how what we say will affect the person we’re speaking to, and this can cause “a chain reaction of unintended upsets and insults,” the twins add. As far as romantic relationships go, Mercury retrogrades are often accompanied by blasts from the past. “Retrogrades rule the past,” the twins say, “so people from our past often come back. You might get a ping from an old crush or love interest, for example.” “It’s a time that can be very confusing,” the twins note, but it’s also “a good relationship review period if you can talk about the things that are bothering you both calmly,” they add. However, because it creates so many misunderstandings, there’s a good chance conversations can quickly turn sour during a retrograde, so tread lightly. The big takeaway is that interactions, whether romantic or not, may be tenser, snippier, and harder to navigate than usual during this time. Misunderstandings are likely, as is impulsivity. This makes slowing down essential, no matter your sign.