For me, as for most people, the concept of “soulmate” immediately associates with something romantic and intimate. Although literally it translates as: soul - soul, mate - friend, partner. So in a literal sense — partner of the soul, which indicates a more spiritual and profound origin of this concept. Rather than what we see in romcoms.
Origin of the word and concept
The word soulmate appeared relatively recently. It was first used by the English Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge around the beginning of the 19th century. Even he, in his poems, imbued it with more than just a romantic connection. The term indicated a soulful affinity between people who were not necessarily lovers.
And it’s no wonder Samuel looked at this more deeply. After all, kindred souls have an ancient philosophical and mythological origin. Plato himself, in his work "The Symposium," described an interesting myth. According to it, once people had two heads, four arms, and four legs. Strangely enough, the ancient gods were frightened by such mutants their power and split them in half.
Since then, each half seeks its other part to become whole again. It’s hard to call it romantic. But what can we take from the creator of “platonic” love? Yes, that same Plato.
“Soulmate” in other languages
Nevertheless, this myth brought the idea of “soulmates”, which is still used in various cultures. It also sounds different in various languages, having similar or sometimes unique meanings. We already know it in English and Ukrainian, but here’s how it is said in other languages:
French: âme sœur - literally “sister of the soul,” used, of course, like everything French, in a romantic context
German: seelenverwandte(r) - a truly German long word (try pronouncing it in company after a drink), means “soul relative,” long and precise, what more can be said
Spanish: alma gemela - “twin soul,” considered something almost mystical
Italian: anima gemella - similarly to the Spanish version, Italians love to mention anima gemella in love lyrics
Portuguese: alma gêmea - the same “twin soul,” in the Latin-Romance language group this idea is very similar
Japanese: 運命の人 (unmei no hito) - “person of destiny,” which speaks more about predestination than about soulfulness
Hindi: जीवन साथी (jīvan sāthī) - “life companion,” a more practical meaning
Chinese: 灵魂伴侣 (línghún bànlǚ) - “partner of the soul,” the Chinese borrowed the definition from the West. But they have their own quite interesting and meaningful concept, both similar and different, of yin and yang
How to find your soulmate?
I think it’s obvious that there are no practical tips in this matter. So far, no special apps or dating sites have been invented that would use algorithms to find your soulmate. Therefore, we have to settle for some universal methods and tips like:
be yourself: banal, but effective. Only by being sincere and genuine can you attract a person who will truly be on the same wavelength as you.
but not only coincidences: shared preferences and hobbies are great and important, but there are even more important things. Life values, views on some fundamental issues, emotional maturity - these are the foundation and basis of any healthy relationship.
listen to yourself: also not a super unique piece of advice, but it will come in handy. This can be called intuition, but I would pay more attention to the feeling in the presence of a person. If it’s inner peace and some lightness, could it be a sign?
and don’t rush: you can’t always immediately feel that in front of you, as the Spaniards would say, alma gemela. People are different, they may open up gradually. Thus, the connection may unfold and strengthen over time.
How to understand that this is “your” person
It could be simply written: you immediately feel that this is “your” person and questions won’t arise. But not all people are so “enlightened” and can trust their feelings. Therefore, there are several signs that can help you understand:
when there’s a feeling as if you’ve known the person for a long time, even though you just met;
when it’s pleasant to just be silent in their presence and it doesn’t cause awkwardness;
when after shared meetings you don’t feel exhausted, but rather feel an emotional recharge;
when in the relationship you grow together, rather than hold each other back;
when you respect and accept differences if your thoughts don’t align.
It all sounds very nice, easy, and simple. But it’s worth remembering that a soulmate is not about an ideal partner. It’s about harmony, complete understanding between people in a romantic or friendly sense. It’s about a connection on different levels: spiritual, mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical. You can believe in this or not. But I think no one would refuse such a person in their life.
