Soulmate Gem
Photo by JACK REDGATE Pexels Logo Photo: JACK REDGATE

What is common between soulmates?

"Soulmates will have a basic, shared vision for their future," Shlomo Zalman Bregman, rabbi and matchmaker, tells Bustle. "It's vital that a couple share a basic, overall picture of how they'd like for their lives to unfold — financially, children, spiritually, lifestyle, contribution to the world, etc.

What signs love attention?
What signs love attention?

And every group has a person who loves to seek all the attention towards themselves. These zodiac signs love to be the centre of attraction: Leo,...

Read More »
Why is making art so hard?
Why is making art so hard?

Making art can require Olympian strength and endurance. Before the advent of power tools, weeks and even months of hard labor were required for...

Read More »

Despite how romantic it seems, I have to admit that I've never been a huge believer in the traditional definition of a soulmate: I just don't agree with the notion that there's exactly one other person floating around out there who exists to "complete" me. However, the concept of a soulmate as someone (or many someones) who fulfills me, helps me grow as a person, and shares an intense connection with me? That I can get behind. Although I believe there are many people who could potentially be "soulmate material" for me, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with having a more romantic, traditional view of what being soulmates means. No matter your definition of the word, though, you're probably wondering: How can you tell if you've found your soulmate?

"Soulmates are something you can become through work, ongoing communication, clear expression of needs, negotiation, and commitment — you’ll never find a soulmate," Astroglide's Resident Sexologist, Dr. Jess, tells Bustle. "Relationships don’t work out because you’re 'meant to be'; you can choose to make a relationship work or not work. This choice/agency is empowering and lays the groundwork for a much healthier relationship than so-called fate." Sure, it's possible to feel an immediate spark and then develop an intense connection with someone, but making a relationship last long-term takes a lot of effort beyond those initial lovey-dovey feelings. Nonetheless, there are certain things that a couple with long-term, soulmate-level potential might have in common — here are eight things to be on the lookout for in a partner. 1 You Have Similar Senses Of Humor Pexels Being able to laugh with your partner is one of the most crucial components of a healthy, lasting relationship. Whether you share a dry, morbid sense of humor or you're both total goofballs, a partner with soulmate potential will be someone with whom you can act silly and spend lots of time laughing together. "If one person is more serious and the other is silly, it will not be the same connection as if both can be silly and laugh at life," Carolyn Cole, Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Expert, tells Bustle. "A soulmate connection... usually [means that a couple can] be silly and playful together." 2 You're Both Intrigued By Each Other Pexels It's always nice to have the same hobbies as your partner, but sharing a love of cycling isn't nearly as important as having a genuine curiosity and interest in your partner's passions — even (and perhaps especially) when it comes to the hobbies you don't have in common. "It can be common to have similar interests but moreso, having a sense of curiosity and feeling intrigued towards one another [is important]," Cole says. "Even if you have separate interests, if you appreciate your partner's passions and want to learn more about their passions from them, that is important. You don't want to stop learning about your partner and what makes them 'tick'. Even the person's imperfections you learn to adore rather than becoming annoyed by them." 3 You Have The Same Vision For The Future Pexels If you're with someone who has soulmate potential, the two of you will be on the same page when it comes to major life decisions, such as when/if you should get married, how many kids you want, and where you want to settle down someday. "Soulmates will have a basic, shared vision for their future," Shlomo Zalman Bregman, rabbi and matchmaker, tells Bustle. "It's vital that a couple share a basic, overall picture of how they'd like for their lives to unfold — financially, children, spiritually, lifestyle, contribution to the world, etc. When this is in place, it serves as an irreplaceable 'true north' and helps clarify what each partner should be working towards daily, as well as helping the couple clarify how to make some of the tougher decisions in life."

What kind of art is trending in 2022?
What kind of art is trending in 2022?

The company's findings show that the most popular art styles in 2022 are expected to be abstract (54%), followed by contemporary (48%) and modern...

Read More »
What are 5 ways to say I love you?
What are 5 ways to say I love you?

Classic ways to say “I love you” I love you. Sweet, simple and easy to remember. ... I'm in love with you. This phrase is a bit more intense than...

Read More »

4 You're On The Same Page About Finances Unsplash It's OK if you're more of a spender while your partner prefers to save — what matters is that you're able to openly communicate about your finances and budget, and come to a mutual agreement that you both stick to. "Good communication is the key to any successful relationship and when it comes to money — ignorance is not bliss," Megan Speeth, vice president of Fidelity Investments, tells Bustle. "Couples don’t always agree about money, but it’s important to have open and honest conversations with each other. Make it a priority to communicate openly, work as a team and develop a plan. This plan should help guide your financial choices, manage your expenses and investments, and finally keep you on track to reach your short and long-term goals." 5 You Have One Or More Love Languages In Common Unsplash If you're unfamiliar, the five Love Languages — Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, and Receiving Gifts — represent how we each feel most loved and valued by a partner. Couples who have similar Love Languages might feel a soulmate-like connection, simply because they find it easier and more natural to express their love for each other because they give and receive affection in similar ways. But that doesn't mean you're doomed if you and your partner have totally opposite Love Languages; just remember to keep your partner's Love Language in mind any time you want to show them how much you care. 6 Your Core Values Align Pexels Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely possible to have a "soulmate" with whom you disagree on matters like religion and politics. But if you and your partner's core values and worldviews align when it comes to such important topics, your connection will feel even stronger — because you'll both just "get" each other on a deep, personal level. If you disagree on these topics, it's crucial that you still respect each other's opinions, and can come to a compromise. "If neither party agrees to compromise, the relationship simply might not be a good fit, because it could be holding each partner back from living the life that is best suited for them," Kali Rogers, founder of Blush Online Life Coaching, tells Bustle. "Core values are simply nonnegotiable."

At what age is kissing OK?
At what age is kissing OK?

Interestingly, this is largely agreed upon across generations. No need to wait for the official first date to get a little face time, however....

Read More »
What is the hottest eye color on a guy?
What is the hottest eye color on a guy?

Results found that blue was the most attractive eye color in males, garnering 47 out of 173 total matches—or 27.17 percent. The next most popular...

Read More »

7 You Feel Comfortable Being Yourselves Pexels In any relationship, being your most authentic self is key to making it last. If one person is totally open and vulnerable while the other is holding something back and not being completely honest, the potential to truly connect in a soulmate-like way will be lost. "Soulmates can be their most honest, 'real' selves around each other," Bregman says. "Whereas many people go through life holding back major pieces of themselves from everyone else, and only sharing what they want seen... when you find your soulmate, they really can 'see' you. Moreover, you will feel comfortable to be yourself and feel accepted and loved, without any pretense."

Who is a male best friend?
Who is a male best friend?

The dog is man's best friend. He has a tail on one end.

Read More »
Why is dating after 40 so hard?
Why is dating after 40 so hard?

"Dating is more difficult in your 40s because your life is usually more settled, and doing new things doesn't come as easily as it did in your...

Read More »
How do you go from seeing someone into a relationship?
How do you go from seeing someone into a relationship?

If you feel confident at this point that you want things to be serious, go ahead and tell them that you're ready to move from a casual to a...

Read More »
What should be the age gap between husband and wife in Islam?
What should be the age gap between husband and wife in Islam?

Islam does not edict an exact age for marriage, but rather leaves freedom for partners. All that Islam wishes is the strength of the marital life...

Read More »