Soulmate vs. Twin Flame: What's the Difference?
It's hard to forget the feeling of intense love once you've experienced it yourself. Whether you've found it in a platonic, familial, or romantic relationship, love can make you feel as though you've met your other half. You may even believe that the bond you share with the other person extends beyond just the worldly, straightforward enjoyment of each other's company, but to something much more spiritual and esoteric.
Some use the terms "soulmate" and "twin flame" to describe this bond. Although many people use these terms interchangeably, they describe different types of relationships. We've broken down both of these terms for you below.
What Is a Soulmate?
A soulmate is someone who carries the same energy as you, feels connected to you, and accepts you fully for who you are. A soulmate doesn’t have to be a romantic partner; many people think of their best friends as their soulmates.
Despite popular opinion, a person can have many soulmates in their lifetime. These can be friends, family members, or romantic partners. Soulmates find each other and learn from each other through shared experiences.
What Is a Twin Flame?
Twin flames are a little more complicated. These are two people who share one soul. Their souls mirror each other in every way, including both the good and the bad. The connection between twin flames is particularly intense because of the internal pain they share.
Despite the fiery passion that exists between twin flames, these relationships are not always about love; they are also about teaching and helping each other grow. One person in the relationship is a "teacher" and the other a "student", but these roles can change depending on the area of learning. For example, one partner may be the teacher when it comes to learning to be more vulnerable, while the other partner may be the teacher when it comes to work ethic and persistence.
Twin flames often have to put in extra work to allow their partnership to succeed. The dynamic between twin flames can be tricky; since they are two parts of one soul, they may think they need the other to complete them. This can lead to unhealthy habits such as codependency or other imbalances.
Soulmates vs. Twin Flames
When it comes to soulmates and twin flames, both can make you feel as if you are destined to be with your loved one forever. Both involve deep, intense, and special connections between two people. And both help you learn and grow.
The most significant difference between the two connections is that a twin flame relationship involves a shared soul, while a soulmate relationship consists of two intensely connected souls. As mentioned before, a twin flame relationship tends to become toxic, while a soulmate relationship does not carry the same level of risk.
Defining Your Relationship
When it comes to defining your own relationship, you should examine the dynamic to see whether you and your loved one share one soul or have two deeply connected souls.
Not everyone has a twin flame, or at least one they encounter in their lifetime, but chances are you have a soulmate or two out there. It’s possible to make either connection succeed, as both will help you to learn and grow—just in different ways.