After taking a required Intro to Psychology course as an undergrad, I have never looked back. Since my doctoral program, I have specialized in adult relationship therapy. Through my studies and clinicals, I wrote several articles for professional journals and currently in the midst of writing a book.
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Soulmate or Twin Flame? The Difference Clarified
People often use the terms twin flame vs soulmate interchangeably. But in reality, these are two very different deep connections. So, let’s dive into these two terms in more depth – you’ll get a better understanding of soulmate and twin flame differences.
Typical Soulmate vs Twin Flame Relationship Scenarios
It’s a twin flame: You meet someone, and there is a type of deja vu moment. You both feel that you have known each other but can’t put your finger on how or where. There’s just this strong connection with intense emotions. You begin to date and, ultimately, end up in a romantic and sexual relationship. In time, though, despite the intense connection, the relationship sours. That instant connection may turn into a toxic relationship, and it ends.
It’s a soulmate: You meet someone, have an instant connection, and begin to date. You seem to complement each other perfectly. As a romantic partner, this person is all you have been looking for. They are your best friend, your lover, your supporter, and more. This is someone you may want for your life partner, and your connection stands up to any challenge you encounter.
Related reading: What Are the Symptoms of Soul Ties?
Who Are Twin Flames?
“These connections aren’t always romantic, and sometimes not easy or pleasurable. They are meant for growth…and reflect things within you that need to heal, change, grow, or evolve.”
Monica Reyna, a Reiki master teacher, mind-body specialist, and sound healing therapist
The twin flames concept is closely connected with the spiritual belief of reincarnation. The largest religious group that believes in reincarnation is Hinduism, although many new-age religions also incorporate various forms of reincarnation.
According to the belief in reincarnation, souls are housed in human bodies for life on earth. Once that person dies, the soul moves into a spiritual realm and returns to a new body. Now, some believe that this process continues until the soul has completed all of its “lessons” and then moves into a permanent spiritual realm. Others believe that the process is continuous and never-ending.
By understanding how reincarnation works, the concept of twin flames is not difficult: it’s your mirror soul that happens during the transition stage. A soul splits into two mirror souls, and each soul returns to earth in a separate body. When these two souls meet up on earth, there will be an immediate “recognition” and attraction, which are often called twin flame connections.
The purpose of twin flame relationships is for spiritual growth and lesson learning. Your twin flame relationship may very well turn romantic and sexual, but more often, it will be tumultuous and not result in a permanent romantic relationship. That’s because twin flames share with you a soul from a past life and comprise you for the sake of a greater spiritual awakening. They are way too much alike to be able to complement each other like a soul mate will do.
Since each person is a twin soul of the other, they are ultimately not going to make a long-term romantic relationship.
Twin flames will not always encounter each other. But there are definite clues that you have met yours. Compare twin flame relationships to those that exist between real-life twins. Twin flames will experience many of the same bonds that real-life twins do:
- They will share the same emotions and feelings at the same time when “confronted” with the same situations and events.
- They will have many of the same interests and points of view.
- They can communicate with each other without saying anything.
- They have a silent and deep understanding of each other’s thoughts and feelings.
It sounds like magic, even though it’s not a romantic fairytale but a painful experience arranged for your personal growth.
Related reading: Karma’s a B**ch, or How to Deal with Karmic Relationships
Who Are Soul Mates?
“It’s all about the vibe… The connection is easy and loving”
Soulmate connections are different from twin flame relationships because they involve two separate souls that form a deep connection based on compatibility. And as you move through life, you can certainly have more than one soulmate, even at the same time. Because it’s not about past lives but more about harmony in your connection here and now.
You may have soulmate relationships with romantic partners, as a platonic friendship, or share these sentiments with a family member. It feels the same in all these cases: you two just find yourselves so compatible that you naturally meet each other’s needs.
There are some definite signs you have met a soul mate:
- Complementary traits: They have strengths you don’t have, and your own strengths minimize their weaknesses. In short, you balance out each other’s weaknesses and strengths.
- Emotional security: You feel safe and comfortable with them, even in negative situations.
- Genuine care: You prioritize their happiness, and they prioritize yours.
- Healthy dynamic: You have respect for each other’s independence and boundaries.
When you do find a romantic soulmate, the chances of that relationship becoming long-term and permanent are high. You can be your true selves throughout life because the strong bond holds you together even through adversity. And you allow each other to continue on a path of self-discovery and self-awareness without judgment or criticism.
Soulmates just share a connection that is as close to unconditional love as they can get.
Related reading: 17 Weird Soulmate Signs – Is It Meant to Be?
7 Relationship Differences Between Soulmates and Twin Flames
First, let’s define the core difference straight. Soulmates are those who connect with you on all levels. You begin with a strong attraction in both cases – but as these relationships develop, you realize it’s a soulmate when you have a desire to permanently spend time with themy.
Another difference already outlined is that you can have more than one soulmate over your lifetime and even at the same time. They can be new friends, long-term best friends; they can be romantic partners, maybe many more than one in your lifetime. But you only have one twin flame because you are twin souls when a single soul split during transition.
Romantic twin flame love will never end well, so the idea of soulmate twin flames is a myth.
Let’s now dig deeper into the differences so you know for sure whether you’ve met a twin flame or soulmate?
1. Twin Flames and Soulmates Are Not Interchangeable
While both twin flames and soulmates mean having a deep connection, twin flames can in no way provide the same romantic love that a soulmate relationship can.
If you are looking for a twin flame to be a part of your love life, you can ditch that notion right now. Remember, a twin flame is a mirror of you, and that person may help to keep you on the right path of growth and development – nothing less and nothing more than that.
But while a soulmate supports you in your goals, those are yours to choose, not theirs. Twin flames have the same growth and development paths – you and your soulmate do not. You are just naturally compatible based on the personality paths you’ve taken.
2. Soulmates and Twin Flames = Many People Vs. Only One Part of Two Halves
There will only be one twin flame in your life, because there is only one divine masculine and divine feminine possible. It’s a question of finding your twin flames in your current incarnation, not everyone can take this place in your life but only one person on this planet.
But the good news is there may be many soulmate relationships in your life, some of which can be developed simultaneously. Having many soulmates in different roles is normal for your life – and what a relief that is!
Related reading: Appreciating a Platonic Soulmate
3. Twin Flame Relationships Are Based on Similar Personal Traits
Your twin flame is a mirror of you and will have the same traits and attributes that you do, including strengths and weaknesses.
But soulmate relationships complement one another. Both partners may be at different stages of their personal growth and development, but these soulmates share self-love and support each other’s individuality.
4. You Are Not Likely to Have Differing Viewpoints With Same-Soul Twin Flame
A twin flame and soulmate will look at things differently:
- If you’ve met your twin flame, your perspectives will be the same. That is because the inner work of twin flames is the same, making them one connection.
- Soulmate relationships mean that partners learn from each other. Unlike twin flames, they are valuing their different perspectives and their opinions.
5. Toxicity Is Dramatic With a Twin Flame
Toxicity may happen to both soulmates and twin flames, but it is treated differently:
- With a one-soul twin flame, you canoften experience toxicity too. Although talking to the person can be hard, your connection cannot be broken. You two will always have an emotional connection, even if you don’t talk to each other.
- In soulmate relationships, a person may end up in a toxic relationship too. But in this case, the ending is much easier: you simply part company and move on.
6. Relationship Complexities Are Different for Twin Flame vs Soulmate
Soulmates tend to have simpler relationships. They complement and support each other, as well as comprise and even celebrate the differences.
Twin flame relationships are more complicated. And they are more intense because of their spiritual connection. This relationship can bring conflict, pain, and even the motivation for one of the soul-halves to run away. They are trying to help each other overcome their weaknesses and faults, and this often translates as judgment and criticism. Each big difference is a drama, in short – but a drama for good.
Related reading: 8 Signs a Karmic Relationship Is Ending
7. The Purposes of Soulmate and Twin Flame Relationship Are Different
Twin flames have the purpose of cleansing each other of faults and promoting mutual spiritual growth and development. Because they are mirrors of each other, they see their weaknesses in each other as the same; they are intense in their need to mutually overcome these weaknesses and develop strengths.
Soulmates don’t do this. Each person in the relationship accepts the other with all of their strengths and faults and does not have a burning desire to force the other person to work on growth. The purpose of a soulmate relationship is acceptance, compromise, and building together within the realm of those differences.
Whether You’ve Met a Twin Flame or a Soulmate, Celebrate That
A twin flame and a soulmate are two totally different people in your life. Each relationship has its own characteristics and unique nature; both are equally important for your life.
But when you confuse a twin flame and a soulmate, you will be on a path of difficult relationships ahead. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the difference between the two and how you can successfully manage each one.
Geoffrey Williams
