It’s no secret that finding a soul mate is difficult, but how do you know when it happens? And more importantly, what does “soul” mean anyway?
Finding love can be challenging. But if someone truly is your soulmate, they’ll make you feel like you’ve been given a gift. They’ll make you laugh and appreciate life in ways you never thought possible. They’ll help you take on the world with confidence.
How to Decide When It Happens
To find your soulmate, you must start by deciding exactly what that means.
“Soulmate” is a term thrown around a lot, but there isn’t any standard definition. So we asked several relationship experts and psychologists to weigh what makes a person a “true soulmate.”
Here are their responses:
What Does “Soul” Mean Anyway?
The soul is used as a metaphor in this context. It’s a synonym for “heart,” “spirit,” or “passion.” It represents the core of who you are. The idea is that your soulmate has an innate understanding of who you are and why you’re here. It will always support you and compliment you.
Your soulmate won’t just tolerate you; they’ll embrace you. They’ll accept you for who you are — flaws and all. That’s because they understand that you’re not perfect either. You’re probably a little bit imperfect. But together, you’ll overcome those imperfections and become something even more significant than you ever could have separately.
Soulmates are partners and friends who share the same sense of self, who understand each other and celebrate each other’s strengths without judgment,” says Dr. Lori Freedman, founder of Psych Central. “They don’t have to agree on everything, but they both recognize the other person’s value and respect that they are unique individuals.”
Dr. Daniel Wilemon, author of The Modern Man’s Guide to Love, agrees. He explains that soul mates are “self-aware, confident, secure, and authentic.”
But what about the “finding your soulmate” thing? How can you tell if you’re actually in a relationship with one?
The Best Dating Apps for Finding Love and Making Friends
There’s no shortage of dating apps out there, but some are better than others at helping you find your true soulmate. Here are our picks for the best dating apps.
Are There Other Ways To Know If Someone Is The One For Me?
Once you decide that you’re ready to be in a romantic relationship, you might consider talking to a friend or family member about it first.
It’s important to remember that everyone perceives relationships differently. Some people may think you should spend time getting to know someone before considering them a potential partner. Others may view things very differently. It’s okay if you find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure.
“I’m not saying that you have to talk to everybody first,” says Dr. Wilemon. “That’s a personal decision only you can make based on your feelings. Just keep in mind that every person is different. Each person has their way of navigating through these waters.”
Some people also suggest trying online dating sites and apps. This allows you to meet new people and get to know them before committing to them. However, it’s important to note that most online dating sites and apps aren’t designed to find your soulmate. Instead, they’re meant to connect you with people who share your interests.
While it’s likely that you’ll meet some interesting people along the way, it’s still wise to proceed with caution. Online dating sites can be dangerous places. People are often interested in having a fling rather than looking for a lasting connection. As such, it’s essential to set boundaries early on.
According to Dr. Wilemon, the best approach is to avoid comparing people to one another. Instead, focus on appreciating the qualities that make each person unique.
“You don’t want to compare every person you meet with the idealized version of yourself,” he says. “Instead, ask yourself questions like ‘Who am I attracted to?’ and ‘Why am I drawn to this person?'”
It’s also important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to settle down right away. You might want to explore the possibility of starting a casual relationship first.
If you’re worried that you’re too old to date now, don’t worry. According to a study from the University of California, San Diego, nearly half of Americans between 50 and 59 have been married, divorced, or widowed. While many think that older people are less desirable, age doesn’t matter if you’re happy with the person you’re dating.
5 Tips for Getting Along With Anyone
Whether you’re dating, working with, or living with someone, it’s easy to feel frustrated when you cannot communicate effectively. It’s helpful to remember five tips for getting along with anyone.
Make Sure the Person You’re Talking To Isn’t Just Playing Around.
No one likes to play games. No matter how good of a sport you are, you’d hate to be tricked into doing something you didn’t intend to do. So, it’s essential to pay attention to body language and tone of voice.
“A lot of times, people are playing games because they don’t want to say what they mean,” says Dr. Wilemon. “So they use sarcasm and put words in other people’s mouths. Or they try to hide what they think underneath a veneer of politeness. Once you realize that someone is playing games, it becomes easier to identify the real meaning behind the words.”
Dr. Freedman adds that you should also pay attention to the tone of voice. Are they being friendly and encouraging or critical and dismissive?
Listen Carefully.
Listening is essential for communication. It helps you understand what the other person is saying and encourages them to open up. If you’re struggling to listen, practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and counting backward slowly. These methods will help you stay focused while you’re listening.
Pay Attention to Your Emotions.
Most people tend to react emotionally when they’re upset or annoyed. If you notice yourself reacting negatively to a particular person, step back and remind yourself that you’re human. Try to see the situation from their perspective instead of letting your emotions cloud your judgment.
This is especially important if you’re dealing with someone who’s very argumentative or aggressive. Maintaining your composure, remaining calm, and responding calmly are crucial. Otherwise, you risk escalating the conflict.
Watch Your Emotions.
People often act differently when they’re angry versus when they’re sad. When you’re stressed or anxious, you might negatively express anger and frustration instead of using positive language. Conversely, you might use positive language when feeling sad or depressed.
It’s essential to watch your emotions closely, but it’s equally important to protect the other person’s emotions closely. It’s necessary to look for signs that they’re experiencing stress or anxiety as well. If you notice that they’re becoming agitated, it’s worth taking a break and returning later.
Don’t Be Afraid of Being Single.
Many people believe that being alone is inherently wrong. But according to a recent survey conducted by Bankrate, 44% of people surveyed said they preferred being single over being in a committed relationship. The reason? They were able to pursue their passions and live independently.
If you’re single, it’s excellent! It means that you have the freedom to pursue whatever it is that you enjoy. Of course, it’s also important to remember that you’ll miss out on many experiences if you’re not in a relationship.
