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We all have a special someone in our lives that we feel a deep connection with and whose presence brings us joy. But when it comes to twin flames and soulmates, there can be some confusion as to what the difference is between them and how they differ from each other.
In this article, we will explore 9 key differences between a twin flame and a soulmate, so that you can better understand the special connection in your life. But first, here are the definitions of a twin flame and a soulmate.
What Is a Twin Flame?
A twin flame is a person who helps you awaken the profound depths of your soul. They often act as a mirror, reflecting the aspects of your soul that you may have disregarded or repressed, such as your shadow side. The primary purpose of a twin flame is to help you achieve spiritual awakening and oneness with your true self. As twin flame accelerates your spiritual growth, the relationship can be both challenging and rewarding.
What Is a Soulmate?
A soulmate is a person who supports your spiritual journey and seems like a perfect fit. They complement and understand you, making it easy to connect and foster a harmonious relationship with them. The primary purpose of a soulmate is to help you grow and evolve as an individual. We enter this world in clusters, often with a soul contract to support each other. Soulmates can be friends, family, or partners, appearing for a season or a lifetime, depending on their purpose.
Twin Flame vs. Soulmate: 9 Undeniable Differences
1. A twin flame connection is more intense, while a soulmate connection is more harmonious.
Both the twin flame and soulmate connections evoke a sense of homecoming. However, a twin flame connection can be intense and bring up deep emotions. Acting as a mirror, our twin flame illuminates both the light and dark sides of us. They bring out our deepest selves, even the aspects we wish to hide from others, so they often have a rollercoaster effect on our lives.
On the contrary, a soulmate connection tends to be harmonious and peaceful. The feeling of homecoming stems from familiarity and complementary characteristics rather than sameness. As a soulmate typically offers love, understanding, and support, the connection tends to be easier and gentler with fewer challenges.
2. Twin flames and soulmates are both spiritual connections, but their purpose is different.
Unlike a soulmate, the main purpose of a twin flame is to help you to awaken spiritually. They share similar energies with you and can help you unlock hidden talents and uncover your true purpose in life. The intensity of the connection often causes an awakening, pushing us closer to our true spiritual selves.
In contrast, a soulmate is there to support your journey rather than bring on a spiritual awakening. They are not here to change you, but rather to be a companion on your path of life and help you in times of need. They can support you in different areas of your life, depending on their purposes.
3. A twin flame appears when you are ready for spiritual awakening. A soulmate may enter your life at various stages.
Twin flames often enter our lives when we are ready for spiritual awakening. They can act as catalysts for our awakening through relationship challenges and breakups. However, a twin flame can also manifest in other stages of spiritual awakening, like the Dark Night of the Soul or when we find ourselves at a crossroads in life. During these crucial moments, our twin flame may unexpectedly appear, guiding us along our path and providing a deeper understanding of our spiritual essence.
A soulmate, on the other hand, may enter your life at any time. Although they may teach us valuable lessons, it is not necessarily linked to any spiritual awakening or epiphany. The duration of their presence depends on their purpose and the nature of our interactions. For instance, soulmates can be our supportive parents, fulfilling our practical needs. They can also be like-minded friends who introduce us to new hobbies, but may gradually fade away when our interest wanes.
Read this article on spiritual awakening if you are not sure what it is.
4. There is only one twin flame that you will have in your life, but it is possible to have multiple soulmates.
Twin flames are often considered the closest connection you can experience with another human being. It is believed that there is only one twin flame for each person in this lifetime. Each of us only needs one mirror to reflect our deepest self. Once we are awakened spiritually, life will never be the same again and we start seeing from the spiritual perspective. So we don’t need multiple mirrors in our lifetime to fulfill the same purpose.
On the other hand, it is not uncommon to have multiple soulmates throughout our lives. We may experience strong connections with multiple people, each providing us with different kinds of lessons and growth opportunities. These relationships come in many forms, ranging from platonic friendships to blossoming romances.
5. Twin flames often communicate through intuition, while soulmates are more verbal in their communication.
Twin flames are known to communicate without words. They often have an unspoken or telepathic bond, where they can sense the other’s emotions and understand what the other is thinking. This connection extends beyond physical contact, allowing them to feel each other from a distance or interpret non-verbal cues such as body language.
In contrast, communication with soulmates is often more verbal. Rather than relying on non-verbal cues or intuition, soulmates express their thoughts and feelings through words. They can be great conversationalists who are empathetic and understanding, providing support and comfort during difficult times.
6. Twin flames know each other from an extremely deep level, while a soulmate connection is not as deep.
A twin flame connection is often felt on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Your twin flame knows you better than anyone else. They understand your strengths and weaknesses, your joys and sorrows, and your deepest secrets easily even without verbal communication. So when you are with your twin flame, you often feel seen, heard, and understood. However, at the same time, this level of understanding can make you feel very vulnerable because they can see right through your facade.
A soulmate connection can also be deep but usually not as deep as a twin flame connection or felt on all levels. While you may share a strong emotional bond with your soulmate, they don’t quite get you as a twin flame does. So even though you feel safe and loved around your soulmate, you may keep some parts of yourself hidden from them.
7. Twin flame relationships bring about rapid transformation, whereas soulmates tend to experience gradual growth together.
Twin flame relationships often bring about rapid transformation in both partners. They can be challenging because they involve healing the wounds from your past and illuminating your shadows. With twin flames, you will experience intense lessons on unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance at an accelerated pace. Your twin flame may intentionally or unintentionally challenge you to overcome your deepest fears. They know which buttons to push in order to make you grow spiritually. It can be so uncomfortable that you may need to break away from your twin flame from time to time.
On the other hand, soulmates experience gradual growth together within their comfort zones. There is growth and changes but the shift is slow and may not be as transformative as a twin flame relationship. Your soulmate usually fits perfectly with your current worldview. They don’t challenge your perspective as much or disrupt your belief system entirely. Hence, the growth is much slower and less transformative.
8. Twin flames often experience separation, while soulmates tend to stay connected.
Throughout the twin flame journey, separation is common and can occur multiple times, although it doesn’t mean that the relationship has ended. The time apart helps both parties to work on themselves and heal inner wounds. During this stage of the twin flame connection, they may feel a physical separation from each other while still being connected on an energetic level. They may also feel a need to run or chase after their twin flame. This is known as the Runner and Chaser dynamic.
On the other hand, there is less of a need to break away from your soulmate when you are in a relationship with them. Soulmates usually remain connected with each other even if they are not together romantically or physically. Even if the relationship ends, it is possible for them to stay in touch on some level and find ways to support each other’s growth.
9. Both twin flames and soulmates can have past-life connections, but your past life with a twin flame tends to be more painful.
Past-life connections are common between twin flames and soulmates. However, these past-life connections tend to be more intense in a twin flame relationship. While it is possible for soulmates to have had multiple past lives together, the raw energy of a twin flame connection usually indicates that both parties have had at least one particularly painful life experience together.
Abandonment is a common theme in twin flame relationships. Many twin flames have experienced being left behind or betrayed in their past, which can carry over into their current lives. While this can create challenges in their relationship, it also presents an opportunity for healing and building a new bond based on trust and love.
The separation can also be caused by a traumatic event or tragedy. Watch the video below to see how my past life trauma shaped my current relationship with my twin flame.
Twin Flame and Soulmate Q&A
1. How can you tell a soulmate from a twin flame?
The best way to tell a soulmate from a twin flame is by paying attention to the energy between you. Soulmates tend to be more harmonious and comfortable, while twin flames will have similar yet opposing energies that can often be chaotic or turbulent. It is also important to pay attention to how the relationship evolves over time – if it gets progressively more intense, then it could be a twin flame connection.
2. Are soulmates and twin flames always romantic relationships?
No, not necessarily. While both soulmates and twin flames can be involved in romantic relationships, they can also exist as platonic friendships or familial bonds. It is important to recognize that the energy of these connections goes beyond traditional labels, so it is possible to have a deep spiritual connection to someone without having a romantic relationship.
3. Do you marry your soulmate or twin flame?
Whether or not you choose to marry your soulmate or twin flame is a personal choice. Perhaps the question to ask yourself is do you want to marry “yourself” or do you want to marry a friend?
Twin flame connection brings about ego death and spiritual development. It may not be aligned with traditional concepts of romance and marriage. Soulmates, on the other hand, can be optimal for a long-term commitment because they offer stability and security within the relationship. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what resonates with you.
However, it is important to note that everyone has free will. If one person feels uncomfortable with the idea of marriage, then it might not be the best choice. It is best to respect their choice.
4. Which connection is stronger: twin flame or soulmate?
Twin flame connection tends to be the strongest. The connection often feels magnetic, as if you are pulled together by forces outside of your control. It may even feel like you have known each other for years.
The soulmate connection is also strong, but it can be less intense than the twin flame connection. The soulmate connection often feels like a deep friendship that has been nurtured over time and become something more. It may feel like two pieces of a puzzle fitting together perfectly.
5. Which is better: twin flame or soulmate?
There is no definitive answer to this question. What is “better” will depend on the individual and their personal needs and goals.
Twin flame connection is better for spiritual growth, transformation, and enlightenment. The soulmate connection is better for stability, security, and companionship. Both connections have the potential to be incredibly rewarding experiences if the parties involved are willing to put in the work.
Final Thoughts
The differences between these two types of relationships can be subtle, yet significant. It is important to recognize the distinctions between the two in order to fully embrace all that each connection can offer.
If you are unsure if someone is your twin flame or not, read this article on twin flame signs.
Featured Photo Credit: Josh Willink
