Do Soulmates Exist?

Soulmates. We hear people talk about them everyday whether through songs, television, or the people we're close to. I love the idea of us having one true soulmate, but something always bothered me. Why do people give that category to the worst candidates?

Growing up I was the definition of a romantic. I had planned details of my proposal, wedding dress, wedding venue and anything else you can think of. I bought into the idea of the "one true love" because it was all I ever wanted. I spent most of high school fantasizing about what it would be like to date over the real thing.

As an outsider, I quickly learned that relationships aren't as smooth and easy as most people would make you believe. All the drama of high school relationships made me realize that the grass definitely isn't greener on the other side. For me the phrase "the one" got played out and no longer really meant anything.

Many would use this phrase for the significant others that caused them the most stress. I quickly realized this pattern and started wondering if this idea of a soulmate is just a coping mechanism for a failing relationship. If "the one" really existed, would it be so hard to keep a healthy relationship with them?

I started to think about this culture we live that pressures us to believe our choice is so limited. I've seen this mentality completely break people down because they're so convinced that the person they're with fits the bill. I've noticed that when people are drowning in infatuation they tend to be the worst about this.

The idea that you can't live without someone is a bit extreme, but people say like it's nothing. A lot of times this mentality is just codependence in sheep's clothing. After a few heartbreaks and let downs, I've found that it is absolutely possible to move on from someone you really truly thought was the one.

Going through those let downs also made me rethink this idea that we only have one soulmate. I believe that soulmates aren't just romantic. You can meet them through friendships, mentorship, and even family. So many people would feel a lot more free with this mentality.

If it became more culturally accepted to think this way, then people would gracefully let relationships run their course when they no longer served them. I am no longer afraid of ending all types of relationships from friendships to romantic relationships because I quickly find something that aligns with my path. Even though I've said all this, I hope when I'm thirty I'd have found my life partner because I am still a romantic at heart.