Twin Flame Vs. Soulmate: How Can You Tell The Difference?

Discover their differences and similarities, and which one is your "anam cara."

Reviewed by Ronald Hoang, Relationship & Family Counselor
Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Gracia Odile, MA  • 

Which one’s better for you? Twin flame or soulmate? Here, we try to understand twin flame vs. soulmate, their similarities, differences, and what suits you better. There are two types of partners or lovers you see in your life. One is the twin flame, and the other is the soulmate.

Those who stay in a relationship with you for a short period are called twin flames. On the other hand, soulmates are for a long time. The twin flame reflects our overall personality, and soulmates help us grow.

In this article, we have detailed everything related to a twin flame and a soulmate. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s jump straight in and know more about these two kinds of people. Scroll down!

What Is A Twin Flame?

What is twin flame
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If you believe destiny is a guiding force, a twin flame is someone who represents an opportunity to know yourself better. Twin flames are mirror images of each other, meeting somewhere in the middle rather than opposite ends. The energy between twins can be intense since it is often fueled by a deep understanding that goes beyond the physical.

protip_icon Trivia
The term ‘twin flames’ first appeared in ‘A Romance of Two Worlds’, an English novel published in 1886 and written by Marie Corelli.

Twin flames tend to:

  • Be drawn to each other like magnets initially, but eventually feel immense frustration and indifference.
  • Have many shared interests and enjoy spending time together.
  • Push each other to grow and take their lives to a new level.
  • Get involved with people who demand the best from them.

They are comfortable with confrontation since the relationship is based on challenges and mutual understanding.

A soulmate is quite different from what most people commonly believe. You will have a deep, natural affinity towards your soulmate, but not in a needy or dependent way.

What Is A Soulmate?

What is soulmate
Image: Shutterstock

A soulmate isn’t someone who seems like your other half. Instead, it is a strong platonic connection that helps you grow in ways that aren’t possible on your own. A relationship with a soulmate is all about self-discovery. If you feel this connection to someone, you are not as much in love with their looks or personality as you are fascinated by who they are and what they represent. You may find it hard to put into words why you love them so much.

In a survey with 4,529 US adults, respondents were asked about their views on meeting a soulmate. 43% believe they have already met their soulmate and are currently in a relationship with them. Another 8% think they have met their soulmate but are not currently in a relationship. 12% expect to meet their soulmate in the future, while 19% do not believe they will ever meet them. 18% are uncertain about the possibility.

Soulmates nurture us to grow and expand into our best selves. A soulmate is like an energy-charged magnet that keeps two people together long enough for each person to bring out the best in the other.

Soulmate relationships may not always be perfect, but they carry an intense connection. Soulmates tend to:

  • Have a strong friendship before there’s attraction.
  • Not connect right away; there are usually many starts and stops before seeing past their differences. Once they do, however, the connection is unstoppable.

Hali Tsotetsi, a blogger, shared her experience of meeting her soulmate. She met him in her yoga class after having many bad relationships. She tried running from the connection for a long time before accepting the decision of the Universe. In her blog, she wrote, “I have always been able to control men, situations and the path of my destiny. So, it was daunting to admit that I couldn’t this time. Only recently have I released complete control over this because I know that The Universe has a plan bigger than I can imagine and I am grateful to be in caring and supportive hands (i).”

  • Have a “rags to riches” story, where they overcome great obstacles together, or one helps the other grow.
  • Share similar challenges and usually emerge stronger.
protip_icon Trivia
The term ‘soulmate’ made its debut in the English language in 1822, originating from a letter by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Both twin flames and soulmates will feel like home and are a part of your destiny. However, you need to understand the differences and similarities between them to pursue the relationship uniquely.

Twin Flame And Soulmate: Similarities

  • Both are likely to be interested in similar things, such as good food, adventure, or spirituality.
  • They want to grow and expand their lives together.
  • They usually feel very comfortable with their other halves and can be themselves around them.
  • They tend to spend time with their partners and care about what’s going on in their life.

Twin Flame Vs. Soulmate: Differences

  • Soulmates usually become best friends before starting a romantic relationship, while twin flames typically fall in love quickly and easily.
  • Twin flames may go through many cycles of connecting and disconnecting with each other, whereas soulmates tend to become more committed if they follow through on their promises.
  • Twin flames often feel like the relationship is happening to them, while soulmates feel like the relationship has happened for
  • Twin flames may get deeply hurt by each other, while soulmates usually build up confidence and see their partner’s greatness.
  • Soulmate relationships are about compatibility and honoring your past, whereas twin flames fight for the relationship until both are ready to let go.
  • The relationship usually grows and fizzles out very quickly for twin flames, while it slowly and strongly develops for soulmates.

The major distinction between a twin flame and a soulmate is that twin flames are two halves of the same soul, whereas soulmates are two separate souls linked extraordinarily. You may feel very close and connected to your soulmate, but you aren’t the same soul. Soulmates are contracted to be together, and they don’t always mean romantic love.

How Do You Know If Someone Is Your Soulmate Or Twin Flame?

How to know if someone is twin flame vs soulmate
Image: Shutterstock

Soulmate and twin flame relationships are very similar. Both involve strong connections between partners, personal growth and development, and time and effort to maintain the relationship. However, the difference lies in how people within these relationships feel about each other.

Soulmates connect from an inner knowing and respect for each other, making them compatible in several ways. In contrast, twin flames usually meet in a whirlwind of energy that can intimidate both partners. They are volatile with extreme highs and lows that can be challenging to maintain over time.

If you have a soulmate, don’t worry about finding your twin flame. The way you feel about each other will bring out the best and allow you both to grow. You will go through many challenges as a couple, but your experience of each other will bring you closer and give you the tools to face whatever life brings.

However, if you have a twin flame relationship, be aware that you and your partners are on very different paths. Unfortunately, twins don’t always realize that they are not on the same page. Therefore, you must be prepared to make sacrifices because you might get hurt and feel betrayed by your twin. However, if both partners are willing to work on their relationship with devotion and commitment, they can establish a beautiful, long-lasting bond.

Differentiating your twin flame from your soulmate might seem tricky. If there’s only one person in your life who makes you feel at home, you need not have any doubts about taking your relationship further. However, if you feel that there are two people who connect and understand you more than anyone else, you may sometimes get confused. While you may be in love with both, the relationship with your twin flame may most often be platonic. The tips and traits mentioned above can help you differentiate one from the other so that you can decide the next step accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are twin flames meant to be together?

Yes. Twin flames are meant to be together as they are considered two halves of the same soul.

Do you marry your twin flame or soulmate?

It differs from person to person. While a soulmate is naturally compatible with you, a twin flame is quite like you. A twin flame will trigger your energy and challenge you unless you have undergone intense healing.

How do you know if your soulmate is thinking of you?

If you see angel numbers, dream about your soulmate, experience a rollercoaster of emotions, and feel a metaphysical touch, your soulmate may be thinking of you.

Key Takeaways

  • Twinflames have many shared interests and enjoy spending time together.
  • Soulmates share similar challenges and usually emerge stronger.
  • Soulmates usually become best friends before starting a romantic relationship, while twin flames typically fall in love quickly and easily.

Romantic relationships are full of ups and downs that can make you wonder whether you are each other’s soulmates or twin flames. This following video will help you recognize your connection. Check it out.

Personal Experience: Source

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