Do Soul Mates Exist?

Books, TV and movies seem to show nothing but romanticized relationships and promote the idea that there is one perfect partner out there for each of us. But if that were true, you'd have a one in 6 billion chance of finding that one specific person you were destined to be with.
Isn't it possible that a man can have a number of soul mates in his lifetime? After all, Ms Right Now is much easier to find than the classic ideal of Ms Right.
Here are some things to think about on both sides of the debate:
What is a soul mate?
Most of us will define soul mate as a life partner we're in love with; someone with whom we're connected spiritually and sexually. This is a romantic view of a soul mate and might better be spelled as "sole mate."
The dictionary definition of soul mate is "One of two persons compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, or sensitivity" and "someone for whom you have a deep affinity." (Source: Dictionary.com) This broader definition opens up the possibility of applying the soul mate principle to a variety of people in your life.
There are lots of people you share common interests with. You like the same music and hobbies, you hold similar jobs, you have the same sense of humour. A soul mate has all these attributes but represents a deeper, more spiritual connection.

According to Greek mythology, our ancestors originally had two heads and four arms until they angered the gods and were split in two, condemning humans to a lifelong search for their soul mates. Maybe that's why so many of us are looking for someone to make us feel complete.

Thousands of soul mates?
If we separate the concept of a soul mate from the romantic ideal, we broaden the field. There could actually be thousands of soul mates out there for you. That girl you've known since childhood, whom you've always described as your sister; the colleague who answers questions almost before you ask them; your best buddy, the one you trust, the one with whom you can talk about anything in complete confidence; these could all be considered soul mates.
Our need for connections is different in various stages of our lives. Just as your interests as a teenager were different than now, so are your spiritual and emotional needs. You probably know at least one older man who remarried after his wife died and who seems to have found a second soul mate. They are committed and comfortable. They seem to have a metaphysical connection. They seem to complete each other.
Reflect on your past. Certain people made an enormous impact and made you feel complete. Perhaps it was a teacher who saw potential and encouraged you. Maybe it was a friend or grandparent with whom you shared secrets about the meaning of life. Maybe it was an old girlfriend, with whom you grew apart as your goals changed. Soul mates make a dramatic impact on your life, your outlook and your inner spirit, even if your time together is brief.
It's in the cards
Does destiny play a role in finding soul mates? Perhaps. Some people believe that everything in life happens for a reason, that things are pre-ordained and that there is no such thing as coincidence. Others believe that we are all reincarnated and that our strongest spiritual connections are with people we've known in previous lives. It's often said that opposites attract, but true soul mates seem to think alike, share the same interests and have common values.
Whether or not you believe soul mates exist, being open to new experiences and being comfortable with yourself are paramount to finding someone who makes you feel complete.
What can you do?
Look for someone who best suits your needs, who has similar interests and goals in life. If you are both equally willing to invest in the relationship, you may be able to build a future together.
Most couples that consider themselves soul mates pride themselves on being friends, first and foremost. If you motivate each other, make each other happy and trust each other, you have something special. Being comfortable together in silence is important. Honesty, mutual respect and laughter are also signs of a spiritual connection. All those attributes apply equally to a meaningful friendship.
Look at it this way
Is there one perfect partner out there for you and will you ever find her? The odds are lower than being struck by lightning, which is one in 700,000, but it's still very possible. Maybe you'll even find more than one. After all, there are guys who have been struck by lightning more than once. Just don't be like park ranger Roy C. Sullivan of Virginia, USA who held the Guinness World Record for being struck by lightning seven times between 1942 to 1977. In 1983, he committed suicide, apparently because of a failed relationship.

We may never know if we should be looking for one or many soul mates or if they even exist. In the meantime, look for someone who seems like the best fit.

Be open to meeting new people and don't get your hopes up about finding your perfect dream girl. For your own spiritual contentment, accept that you don't need to find your "one true love soul mate" to be happy and fulfilled.

Consider yourself lucky if you find several people throughout your life that make you feel complete and, if one day you realize that you have actually found the ideal soul mate and sole mate, congratulations.

Source: Do Soul Mates Exist?
Eddie Chandler