Leah Flores / Stocksy
It all began with the ancient Greek philosopher Plato.
He once surmised that humans werent vessels with two arms, two legs, and one face.
Instead, we had four arms, four legs, and two heads.
Leah Flores / Stocksy
Joined from joint to joint with our perfect match, we wandered earth intertwined with one another.
That is, until the Greek god Zeus decided to split humans in half, punishing us for ouregoicnature.
Thus, the concept of soulmates was born.
There isnt one definitive authority on an idea that is equal parts folklore, science, andpsychology.
But, there is compelling evidence that suggests soulmates, in one form or another, are real.
Myth Versus Reality
Beyond Platos musings, the idea of finding our one foreverlovecontinually permeates our culture.
So, are soulmates real?
Depends on who you ask.
Keep in mind, this doesnt mean that there isnt hardship in this pop in of relationship.
It means there is a deep willingness to find a way forward together, by any means necessary.
The One?
Or More Than One?
Thischemistryhas a scientific component that may surprise you: body odor.
She briefly considered her beliefs on the concept before swiftly stating, Well, youre my soulmate.
I was surprised, realizing my viewpoint on this concept was one-dimensional until that point.
Her statement is factualwe met, and something instantly clicked into place.
We have found our way through conflict with tact and care.
Her words illuminated a key component that is often overlooked in favor of romance:platonic soulmates.
She continued by explaining that these relationships can be just as impactful and long-lasting as romantic soulmates.
Curious about the certain platonic chemistry that fires off infriendships, I consulted some literature.
According to a 2022 study published in the journalScience Advances, we can also sniff out friends from foes.
A Word for the Skeptics
Perhaps you arent convinced that soulmates exist.
Or, youre in a wonderful relationship with someone you just dont feel istheone.
Dont let either one of these circumstances hold you back from experiencing lasting love.
These can coexist, but may muddle the question of finding the one.
Dropping the semantics and leaning into your current relationship can help you find peace.
Dont wait around for your soulmate to come along.
Focus on building astrong bondwith the person youre with now, she concluded.
Dont let the idea of a soulmate hold you back from finding true happiness in your relationships.
The reality is a bit more complicated, particularly withmarriageon the decline and individuals choosing to get married later.
Younger generations have deviated from the norms of our elders, fearlessly exiting relationships that are no longer aligned.
And perhaps, that one failed relationship is just an indicator thatthey have yet to meet the one.
Plato: The Symposium.
Cambridge University Press; 2008.
Behav.2019;207:179-184. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.05.003
Ravreby I, Snitz K, Sobel N.There is chemistry in social chemistry.Sci Adv.
2022;8(25):eabn0154.
doi:10.1126/sciadv.abn0154
United States Census Bureau.Census Bureau Releases New Estimates on America’s Families and Living Arrangements.
