Have you ever met someone for the first time, but felt as if you’ve known them forever? Thoughts flow between the two of you like a river between two stones; goals for the future align as if written by the same person; you feel as if you’ve met your best friend, and it feels fantastic!
Soul mate is often the word used to describe this unique, often once-in-a-lifetime connection, but certain relationships surpass the definition of “soul mate”. When the connection is beyond words and feels more profound, those individuals may be considered “twin flames”.
So what is the difference?
On the surface, soul mate and twin flame sound like the same thing, but there are a few differences worth mentioning:
When one finds their soul mate, they feel as if they have won the lottery. Life seemingly becomes brighter because there is a sense of connection with another person that goes beyond words. A soul mate is a person one’s soul feels most comfortable around, whereas twin flames are two halves of the same soul (which may be downright unpleasant to be around at times). Although twin flames may share similar goals, worldviews, and thought processes, they often highlight the faults one can not see in themselves. Soul mates often want to spend every waking moment with each other. Interestingly, the complete opposite may ring true for twin flames.
Soul mates are thought to be perfect matches for each other. Soul mates can be viewed as two people who work together within a romantic relationship as if they have known each other forever. Similarly, twin flames, often called “mirror souls,” are two individuals who also feel an incredibly deep connection to each other - the difference is that this connection may not be romantic in nature.
Many new-age philosophers believe that when an ascended soul splits and incarnates two bodies at the same instance, these individuals are thought to be mirror images of one another, or twin flames. Just as with mirrors, when twin flames interact, they often reflect back onto the viewer the traits or characteristics they themselves may find undesirable.
Twin flames offer deeper insight into one’s shadow self - the side of a person that they may find less desirable. A twin flame may encourage their partner to find the source behind perceived fear, pride, motivation, etc. to help them become the best version of themselves. Rather than being the cheerleader, a twin flame is often the coach on the sidelines, pushing their teammate to go beyond their comfort zone to succeed.
Twin flames push their partner to evolve and grow. They help keep each other on track, and challenge self-destructive thought processes. They help bring out and elevate hidden talents and traits by seeing through filters others may not be able to notice. Many believe twin flames can seamlessly interact without words, either on the astral plane or telepathically in the material world. This subconscious link can often be described as “otherworldly” or even “spiritual”.
Despite this often antagonistic dynamic, something metaphysical draws twin flames towards each other. Contrary to popular belief, twin flames often do not end up together in lifelong romantic relationships. Although there may be a strong connection, not many people enjoy constantly being reminded of their shortcomings or perceived character flaws - the things a mirror soul reflects effortlessly. Alternately, twin flames often remain lifelong friends - even best friends - simply because they know each other more intimately than a romantic partner may ever, which provides a sense of comfort in knowing they are not alone.
The twin flame relationship is something to cherish, but not to be relied upon for a lifelong romantic partnership. Breakups within this dynamic are often more difficult due to the deep connection between both people. It is important to understand that the purpose of a mirror soul or twin flame is to learn and grow from what is shown, not to get lost in what remains desired or unseen.
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