It’s time to discuss these three tantalising terms and truly understand what makes them different. Also, find out if your relationship or past relationships can be placed into any of these categories.
A dear friend of mine asked me to write about the concept of soul mates and if they exist. I am so excited to delve into this topic which has so many layers and opinionated beliefs. My thought is that not only do soul mates exist but there is also the existence of ‘life partners’ and ‘twin flames’. All three are beautiful connections that are different but equally impactful love relationships any person can experience or may not experience in their lifetime. I learnt a lot whilst doing research on these romantic relationships and I hope everyone gains some clarity and understanding why different love-bonds are made for different reasons.
What is a soul mate? After reading what felt like an entire library of conflicting theories, soul mates can be viewed as people you have a deep soul connection with or you feel linked to in some way (almost like you knew each other from a past life). Both partners seem to just click naturally. The majority of people claim this happens in their first serious relationship and the experience tends to open you up as an adult, providing an avenue for growth as you develop into the individual you are meant to be in the future. Many think they lose their soul mate and experience their first intense encounter with heartbreak and never feel quite the same chemistry with anyone after. There is also a common belief that you are allowed only one true soul mate in your lifetime, according to most relationship experts this is not the case, friends and family can be soul mates. For instance, you can meet someone and develop such a bond of closeness and love leading to a deep level of friendship, not just romance. Therefore, soul mates are known to be kindred spirits that support us and understand us on a level that very few can.
Twin flames are indeed different from the concept of soul mates. Your twin flame is said to be the other half of your soul and he/she adds a feeling of completion to your life. It is a highly passionate, spiritual and sexual connection that brings out extremes in your behaviour. Many feel like they are addicted to their twin flame partner and all their energy shifts from external factors into this relationship. It is common for these partners to have a soul tie and unexplained psychic ability to read into one another in a way nobody else can. They tend to “bump” into one another on random occasions, even if they break up. This is due to a deep intensity that pulls them close and there may be many reconciliation attempts if they decide to split up. Many believe that twin flames sometimes need to separate and develop themselves as individuals before aspiring towards a lasting relationship with one another. This type of connection can become so intense that it can develop into something unhealthy and destructive in the long run. It can be overbearing emotionally and even bring old triggers from past wounds to the surface, resulting in either defeat or healing and growth. This invigorating relationship is indeed a one-of-a-kind, core-shaking experience that can be compared to no other.
A life partner is the third type and indeed the love relationship that is most reliable and promising. It is described as a healthy love that makes you feel “at peace”. There is a yin/yang energy as both of you bring balance, different strengths and healthy independence to each other. It is a love that works through tough times with patience and the security of knowing your partner will not leave you at the drop of an over emotional hat. A wonderful sexual and spiritual connection where chemistry and longevity are prevalent, these relationships often lead to marriages that last, not only on paper, but in each other’s heart space. It is the people that get up each day and decide to make it work in a manner that heals and supports without jealousy and games. The concept of ‘life partner’ can happen with soul mates and twin flames but both individuals have to reach a level in personal development and growth for the connection to be a healthy balance of growing pains, intensity and of course, love. It is also possible that your life partner has the ability to develop a stronger soul connection with time.
All three unions are wonderful in their own way and many of us may have experienced at least one in our life so far. On the flip side, some of us may have never gone through any. No journey is the same, but it really shows how many different types of love relations exist.