Soulmates:  Two people who are very compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, and  sensitivity.  Those who use this term in regard to primary relationships view it as  a way of describing those who are meant for each other in a very special and  unique way—almost as if they were spiritually or mystically connected.

What Kind of Soulmate Are You?  

Not everyone is a hopeful romantic.  Just as there are different types of personalities and temperaments, we human beings seem to gravitate toward one of four clearly identifiable relationship approach types. We can’t help it.  Whatever the factors that go into shaping our view of love from childhood through adulthood; we still find ourselves clearly manifesting the characteristics below.  

Look over the four types of soulmates.  You may not be able to immediately identify yourself or your mate, but take some time to consider which one best fits you.  After doing this, take a further look at the other types.  Perhaps you will be able to

identify your mate or lover.  How do these soulmate types interact with each other?  What would it be like for two people of the same type to be with each other?  Could those who are so different from each other still be referred to as “soulmates?” 

After you’ve read the basic descriptions of the four types of soulmates, stay with us to consider some other important insights.....

The Romantic Soulmate

Seeks permanence and completeness in a loving, caring relationship.

Feels a stronger sense of self-identity resulting from the relationship which produces fulfillment. 

Shares all aspects of life as expressions of togetherness from the mundane to the major.

Focuses on finding ideas and ways to enhance the intensity and quality of the relationship.

The Sharing  Soulmate

Views sharing love and life with another as the best possible way to change and grow.

Senses completeness only when sharing self with another in a primary relationship.

Perceives sharing dreams, plans, and projects as the means of demonstrating love.

Sees intimate relationships as a way for two people to mutually improve and find purpose in their lives together.

The Constant Soulmate  

Sees consistency, faithfulness, and loyalty as the finest expression to demonstrate love to another. 

Values the other person’s individuality by being available without feeling a need to always lead.

Focuses on refining the relationship which results in a greater sense of self-worth.

Emphasizes the importance of both being dependable in the context of the relationship.
 

The Independent Soulmate

Views a primary relationship as a partnership for each to help the other reach their full potential. 

Accepts their mates as separate individuals and need the same kind of acceptance for themselves. 

Values his/her own autonomy and is sensitive to any hint of being controlled or coerced by others. 

Enjoys the intensity and novelty of the experience of love.

Romantics love to demonstrate their love and affection to and for their mates.  However, the warning here is that, even when matched with another romantic, no one can tolerate such attention on a continual basis.  The “24X7 Romantic” will seem absolutely wonderful at first (especially to someone who has been alone for awhile) but then begin to wear on the other person. 

Independents are especially sensitive to this as they begin to feel guilty that they cannot return the love from a romantic as quickly or often as it is given to them (they will even misinterpret it as being controlled).  As one woman expressed it, “One gets tired of lobster and crab legs after awhile.  Most of us are more comfortable with a good hamburger.” 

The idea here is for the romantic to learn how to balance his/her tendency to continually do special and nice things for their beloved within the context of normal, everyday living.  Be romantic but give your lover room to breathe at the same time. 

The bottom line is that romantics can overwhelm their partners to such a degree that they are not able to respond with any real confidence.  Making someone else feel inadequate is destructive to a relationship. 

A true romantic knows how to give their lover just enough loving to keep them going strong.   Keeping that balance proves the romantic’s natural capability to keep their soulmates coming back for more.

Constants and Independents can get along fine as long as they both work harder at such things as showing affection and making sure they schedule time for each other.  Independents can be most supportive of each other’s interests as long as they don’t completely ignore or alienate each other. 

The main consideration here is that many people have good relationships and do not consider themselves to be soulmates.  However, the point is that those who do sense strongly that their’s is a very special relationship and would qualify as being true “soulmates” are motivated to work at developing and maintaining the best possible relationship between them and their loves. Perhaps the bottom line is not which soulmate type you are as much as how willing you are to identify your approach to a primary relationship and your determination to work at it on an

ongoing basis. 

Whatever your soulmate type, rest assured that there is someone for everyone.  None of us are perfect matches but we can enjoy a very good match if we determine within ourselves to either find the right person or truly learn everything we can about the one we are already with.  A good soulmate is someone we know that we are

meant to love and be loved by.  Finding such a person does not happen too many times in life.  Only those who seek will find. 

Love just happens.

Relationships take time and work.