Discover the true meaning of a perfect match based on mutual love. In challenging times when many Americans feel more single and lonely than ever, 60% of U.S. adults still believe in the concept of a soulmate.
"Meant to be" can be a comforting thought after a series of bad first dates or a marriage that ended in divorce. Even 52% of Americans who have been married before still believe in "the one."
This belief brings a strong sense of hope for those already in relationships, especially during tough times.
However, it also comes with potential downsides.
Believing you're with the "right" and "only" person can lead partners to stay in abusive and toxic relationships (Franiuk et al., 2012).
It can also cause people to leave relationships too soon, thinking the "right" person is still out there, just a swipe away on their dating app.
But relying solely on either the traditional soulmate theory or the work-it-out approach is a false choice.
What if your soulmate was someone highly compatible with you, and what was "meant to be" was finding that level of compatibility?
Why not someone who also makes a consistent effort?
"Meant to be" refers to a healthy, lasting relationship with someone you are highly compatible with, sharing and enjoying life together.
Here are six signs that you're in a highly compatible, secure, and strong long-term relationship:
1. You experience a strong and consistent emotional connection.
2. You have fun together and enjoy similar activities or adventures.
3. You are physically attracted to each other.
4. You find joy in quiet moments together.
5. You accept your partner as they are and feel accepted by them.
6. You and your partner feel chosen by each other.
This is the ideal scenario of high compatibility in the way you love. Soulmate relationships are less about a checklist of matching traits or qualifications and more about the way you feel when you wake up next to each other in the morning.
You might have met a soulmate if you also:
- Feel appreciated, respected, and valued.
- Feel comfortable being vulnerable.
- Experience support for your dreams.
- See significant alignment of interests, personality, and lifestyle.
- See consistent growth in communication, conflict resolution, and meaning-making.
Meeting your soulmate may also mean a deep bond with spiritual significance if spiritual and religious beliefs were part of your family culture. Sharing core beliefs about spirituality and your relationship is a good indicator of soulmate potential.
If you've been together for at least a year and have been discussing marriage, sit down with your partner this weekend and consider the following questions:
- How would you describe your emotional connection?
- What exciting activities have you enjoyed together this year?
- How would you describe the quality of your sexual experience in the relationship?
- What is your experience when sharing space?
- Why do you choose each other out of the 8.1 billion people in the world?
- Do you feel like your best selves with each other?
If you've found your person, cherish and celebrate them. Ensure your partner understands their value to you.Commit to actions that reflect your love.