If you’ve ever been in a romantic relationship with someone you know is “the one,” then you’re not alone.
According to an article by the BBC, about 2/3rds of US adults have had or are currently dating their soul mates. And for many, these relationships are considered the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences they can imagine — even more so than being married.
What do we mean when talking about soul mates? Are there specific traits that make them up? Do all soul mates have similar personalities, values, interests, and characteristics?
Let’s dive deeper into how we define our soul mates and what makes them unique to us.
Soul Mate Traits
“My soul mate…is my best friend.” – John Lennon
There’s no denying that soul mates share a deep connection. They seem to always understand each other perfectly without trying. They feel safe around each other and more comfortable in each other’s presence than anyone else.
While it might seem like a fairy tale idea, true soul mates also tend to have some of the same traits and qualities. According to a study by Dr. Jean Twenge from San Diego State University, the number of people who believe that soul mates possess common characteristics has increased significantly over the past two decades.
These common traits include:
- A sense of humor
- An appreciation for music and art
- Intellectual curiosity
- A love of community service
- Compassion and empathy
- A desire to help others
While some of those traits may sound like something you’d expect to find in every soul mate, it turns out that this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, according to a study by Dr. Twenge, only about 10% of people share the same traits as their soul mate.
Another thing to note is that while soul mates may share certain traits and sometimes even have some of the same hobbies and interests, it doesn’t mean they’ll enjoy the same things.
For example, someone who loves skiing and snowboarding could end up with a partner whose favorite hobby is gardening. So if you think you know what your soul mate looks like, consider what you want out of a relationship before jumping too far ahead with this assumption.
Love Match Quotes to Live By
When it comes to finding your true love, it helps to remember that you don’t have to settle for anything less than the perfect person. If you’re looking for a soul mate, here are some quotes that will inspire you to keep searching until you find your ideal match. “To fall in love is to accept the inevitability of loneliness, and to know that life is worth living anyway.” – Anne Lamott.
“The love between a man and a woman is a bridge built on the understanding that neither can live fully or truly without the other.” – David Schnarch.
“You never know where love will lead you. Sometimes it takes years, and sometimes it happens overnight.” – Steve Martin.
“I want to be your soul mate because I need someone who understands me better than anyone I’ve met. Someone who knows me inside and out and sees the good stuff and the bad stuff. Someone who knows my strengths and weaknesses and still wants to spend time with me. A soul mate is someone who accepts me wholeheartedly and unconditionally.” – Anonymous.
“Be willing to let go of everything except that special person. Let go of your expectations, even your hopes. Then watch as they show up.” – Unknown
“Don’t worry about whether or not you’re ‘ready’ to meet the right person. You’ll know when you see them. Trust yourself.” – Unknown.
“Sometimes your soulmate can be the last person you expected.” – Unknown
Finding Your True Love
Finding the right person to share your life with doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start by taking steps toward becoming a better version of yourself.
Here are five tips for finding your true love: Identify goals and values you want to achieve.
Take action toward achieving your goals.
Develop healthy habits and routines that give you more energy and improve your overall health.
Exercise regularly and eat nutritious meals.
Learn new skills and develop talents that will benefit you later in life.
Once you identify your goals and values, you’re ready to begin identifying qualities that you value in a potential partner. And once you do, you’ll be able to narrow your search for the real thing. Here’s some advice from relationship expert Elisa Riedlmayer, Ph.D., author of How to Find Your Soulmate:
“Remember that your soul mate could be right before you, but you might not recognize them at first glance. Be open to the possibility that you’ve already found your soul mate, even though you haven’t yet met them. Don’t wait for your soul mate to come to you; instead, actively seek someone who shares your values, beliefs, and aspirations.”
The Art Of Dating For The Right One
Whether trying to find your soul mate or simply looking for a great date, there are ways to set yourself apart from everyone else. To learn more, check out these articles: 4 Ways to Make Yourself Stand Out Online
5 Things Only Highly Qualified People Will Tell You About Their Job Search (And Why They’re Cool With It)
If you’re serious about finding that special someone, take advantage of these online tools and resources to get started:
- Match.com
- eHarmony
- Zoosk
- Lavalife
- Yahoo Personals
