Have you ever heard of soul mates? A soul mate means one soul in 2 bodies. A relationship with a soulmate is the most passionate relationship a person can experience. In this article, we talk about the signs of such a relationship, the stages of this relationship, and the difference between a soul mate and a half-lost one. Stay with us.
What is a soul mate?
Couples and family therapist Dr. Lestinia Francis points to the possibility of a soulmate and says, “A soulmate is a mirror held up to you. “This mirror allows you to progress, develop your skills, and remove trauma and triggers.”
Scientists use the word limerence for a better explanation. Limerance describes a state of overwhelming and excessive interest in another person. Psychologist Dorothy Teno coined the term limerence after conducting numerous studies on romantic love. The subjective experiences of the people he interviewed and the observations collected from them formed the basis of the theory of limerence.
While some people may not accept it, according to the theory of limerence, soul mates exist, and you may feel an inexplicable attachment to the other person.
Signs of a relationship with a soul mate
Now that you know there is a soulmate, you probably think of someone special and want to see if he is the one. This person can be anyone, from someone you have known for years to someone you met through social media and think you have a special feeling.
Although it is difficult to recognize this state, we have introduced several signs that may indicate a relationship with your soulmate in this section.
- You feel a special connection with him: soul mates connect and communicate with mind, body, and spirit. This connection is a pull you feel toward him.
- You feel like you know him: a deep sense of familiarity and security in his presence.
- If you feel that this love is one-sided, you will feel disappointment: if you are not sure of his feelings for you, you may experience disappointment or even physical pain until you do.
- You experience physical sensations: Limerence may cause physical reactions such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, or shivering.
- You can’t help feeling for him: According to the limerence theory, emotions are uncontrollable and involuntary. Therefore, you probably cannot suppress your feelings when dealing with your soulmate, and it will be tough not to think about him.
- You don’t experience these feelings with another person: Researchers believe you can only share such intense feelings with one person in your lifetime.
- When you see him, you will be filled with passion: If you are in contact with your soulmate, you will find that the void in your life is filled with his presence, and you will be filled with passion and intoxication.
Stages of a relationship with a soul mate
- First meeting: This relationship starts when you meet the person you are attracted to.
- Doubt: After this person catches your attention, you ask yourself, “Does he feel the same way about me?”
- Obsession: This doubt may cause you to contemplate this person.
- Increased passionate feelings: At this stage, regardless of whether he feels the same way as you or not, your passion for this person rises significantly.
- Diminished feelings: According to the theory of limerence, when a person’s love is reciprocated or denied, the doubt (fuels romantic feelings) disappears, and the intensity of feelings decreases.
The difference between soul mate and half-lost
A soulmate is a part of yourself, or rather, the other half of yourself. In contrast, a missing half is someone with whom you have a particular emotional connection because you share similar feelings, attitudes, and beliefs.
| Characteristics of soul mate | Semi-missing features |
| It is based on strong romantic feelings. | It is formed based on the compatibility of two people. |
| It is usually short-term, and only sometimes, it may be lifelong. | It may be short-term or long-term. |
| It has a romantic and sexual nature, and sometimes it can be platonic. | It may be romantic, sexual, or platonic. |
| They are the opposite. | They have similar characteristics. |
Can a relationship with a soulmate end?
Unfortunately yes. According to Dr. Francis, a relationship with a soulmate can reach the end of the line just like any other relationship. However, remember that any relationship strained by unhealthy patterns, incompatibility, distance, or lousy timing can end in a breakup.
Are soul mate relationships toxic?
There is no conclusive evidence that such relationships are inherently toxic. According to the researchers, the relationship’s toxicity depends on the people involved and their level of emotional intelligence during their time together.
Overthinking about your soul mate can be problematic and lead to love addiction. Love addiction, also called pathological love, is an obsessive form of love. People addicted to love may become so interested in another person that they neglect other aspects of their life.
Researchers advise people not to focus too much on this concept in their relationships. If we value this concept too much, we may move away from our standards, intuition, and logic day by day; this is where this concept becomes a harmful belief. We must always control our judgment, thoughts, actions, and decisions.
What happens if our partner is not our soul mate?
It is difficult to determine whether the emotional partner is a soul mate. According to Dr. Francis, commitment and striving to be the best in any relationship is important and influential.
Another point is that how you look at your spouse also affects the quality of the relationship. According to research, people who believed their partner was their ideal spouse were more satisfied with their relationship than others.
last word
Remember that the concepts of soul mate and lost half are subjective and internal. So before you take online relationship compatibility tests and ditch your partner, know that the goal of every relationship is to create a bond where you feel safe and respected. With these interpretations, if you are satisfied with your relationship, appreciate it and stick to it!
What do you think about marrying a soulmate or half-lost? Is the missing half true? Please share your valuable comments and experiences with us and our dear users.
