A soulmate is often defined as “a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or a romantic partner,” but what does that really mean? There is a multitude of ways this phenomenon can be portrayed, either platonic, romantic, or anything in between. We may find ourselves trying to find our “perfect soulmate” by turning to astrological signs, fortune tellers, or matchmakers (all of which people criticize as being hoaxes) when it is actually said that your soulmate grows up within two hours of you, give or take a little. So tell me, then, do soulmates really exist?
So how do you know if you’ve found your soulmate? Well, there are 10 elements that those lucky people who have found their soulmates have shortlisted as the criteria for someone to be your romantic or platonic soulmate.
1. It’s something inside.
It’s difficult to articulate just how they make you feel, but you know deep down exactly how it is.
2. Familiarity.
When it comes to reincarnation and past lives, you and your soulmate have known each other before. It’s the sense of déjà vu you get in certain situations with this person, as soulmates tend to come back together in every lifetime.
3. You just get each other.
We can quote from Frozen, “You know it’s crazy, we finish each other’s sandwiches,” or really, you finish each other’s sentences. You just understand each other.
4. You love every part of them.
Soulmates have an easier time accepting, and even learning to love, each other’s imperfections. You love them as they are, making the bond between you two harder to break.
5. Intensity.
Your relationship may be more intense than normal, in both good ways and bad. But, always remember to look past a bad day and into the future; don’t let a spat hurt your relationship.
6. You two versus the world.
Soulmates often see their relationship as “us against the world.” They feel as if they can do anything as long as they have their soulmate by their side.
7. You’re mentally connected
The mental connection between you two is like that of twins; you always seem to know just what your other half is thinking. For example, you pick up the phone to call him or her only to see that he or she is calling you. Strange, isn’t it? Not to them!
8. You feel safe around him or her.
Your soulmate makes you feel secure and protected. If the person plays with your insecurities and fears, they are not your soulmate.
9. You can’t imagine your life without them.
You can’t stand being apart from them, and separating from them is hard. You two stick things out and work through problems, letting nothing come between you.
10. You look each other in the eye.
This may seem miniscule, but it’s something natural between soulmates. Looking a person in the eye when speaking shows a high level of comfort and confidence in that person’s presence.
Now personally, my favorite part about soulmates is the wide variety of ways in which people imagine their soulmate reunions, most of which are set in alternative universes. These dreamed-up alternative-realities are creative, intriguing, and just downright awesome. Here are five of my favorite scenarios:
The Timer
In this alternate universe, everyone is born with a timer on their wrist, counting down the time until they meet their soulmate. Some people have low times, and some people have times that mean they will be very old once they finally meet. And sometimes timers just stop working or hit zero and nothing happens, usually symbolizing the death of your soulmate.
Hair Color
Another less-popular alternative universe is that once you meet your soulmate – or alternately, once you realize you’re in love with them – your hair begins to change color. Each emotion changes your hair to a different color, the standard color being your color for love.
Tattoos
This alternate universe has many different variations, from being born with tattoos symbolizing how they’ll meet, or a tattoo of your soulmates favorite song lyrics. The most common variation is having the first words your soulmate says to you tattooed on you at the time of your birth.
Vision
Yet another alternative universe soulmate theory says that everyone starts out seeing in black and white and once they meet their soulmate, they start to see colors. The sad part? Once your soulmate dies, your vision turns back to black and white.
Physical Connections
This is an alternate universe where you experience all the injuries and scars your soulmate receives, without having the same amount of pain they have. It’s a little trickier, especially if you would happen to have a soulmate where they never get hurt (which would be hard to believe).