What's the Difference Between a Twin Flame and a Soulmate?

Do you believe certain people are fated to be in your life? If you’ve ever met a stranger and felt a instant magnetic pull toward them, there could be a reason for that: The theory of twin flames and soulmates suggests that this individual shares an ancient connection with you. When you meet such a person, you likely feel an instant attraction (which may or may not be romantic) and a deep sense of familiarity and comfort. However, while you may use the two terms interchangeably, there are key differences between the two. Below, we break down twin flame vs. soulmate.

A twin flame is the other half of your soul. A soulmate is someone you feel deeply connected to—but has a separate soul from you. While you can have multiple soulmates over the course of your life, you'll only have one twin flame. Wondering how else these powerful connections compare to one another? We asked a Kundalini yoga instructor and a psychic channel to explain the similarities and differences between them. Ahead, here’s everything to know about twin flame vs. soulmate. 

What Is a Twin Flame?

Your twin flame is the other half of your soul. Since twin flames originate from one soul, the two of you likely have the same interests, perspectives, and emotional responses to the same situations. You're able to communicate without saying anything and understand what the other is thinking and feeling.

Because you share the same soul, the two halves have a strong desire to reunite. "When the two parts of the same soul incarnate in this world in different bodies, they go on different journeys to find each other at the end,” says Amrita Kaur, Kundalini yoga instructor. When you meet your twin flame, you feel an intense pull and attraction toward them and a feeling of recognition.

Your twin flame teaches you important lessons and accelerates your spiritual growth. Since twin flames act as mirrors, they expose your insecurities, doubts, and fears. While these revelations are aimed to help you heal, having a relationship with a twin flame can be challenging and painful. You may be unable to handle what is reflected back to you. "It's something you shouldn't seek unless you're ready to experience ranges of emotions that could break you down," Aycee Brown, a psychic channel, says. Because of this intensity, twin flames aren’t always conducive to romantic relationships.

What Is a Soulmate?

Sometimes, you meet someone and feel and instant connection. Whether it’s a romantic spark or an inexplicable mutual understanding, that person may be one of your soulmates. A soulmate is someone you feel deeply connected to and are compatible with. When you meet your soulmate, you’ll feel as if you’ve known them forever, creating a feeling of home, Brown says. If you enter into a a relationship with a soulmate, you'll likely complement one another’s strengths and weaknesses, meet each other’s needs, and provide a feeling of security.  

Contrary to popular belief, you can have multiple soulmates over the course of your life. "We meet our soulmates every day," Brown says. However, not all of them will be romantic partners; some are friends and others are family members. Yet due to the comfortability and deep bond that both individuals share, soulmates make an ideal long-term partner or spouse.

Twin Flames vs. Soulmates: 4 Key Similarities

Although twin flames and soulmates are different concepts, they do share a few similarities. Below, the experts break down some of the ways that they overlap with one another.

They involve an instant connection.

During your first encounter with your twin flame or your soulmate, you’ll feel an instant connection. When you cross paths, you’ll experience an intense attraction and a sense of familiarity. From the start, your bond will be deep, meaningful, and irresistible.

They serve an important purpose in your life.

Both twin flames and soulmates have a oversized purpose in your life. Your twin flame sheds light on your insecurities and unresolved issues, pushing you into the process of self-discovery and healing. Soulmates make you feel safe and secure by accepting you for who you are, filling your voids, and meeting your needs.

Neither has to be romantic.

While twin flames and soulmates are both relationships that include a profound connection, neither one has to be a romantic. Since twin flames spark an intense (and often difficult) self-discovery process, sustaining a long-term partnership isn't always feasible or healthy. Similarly, some of your soulmates may romantic, but others can also be platonic.

Either can be toxic.

If you do start a romantic relationship with your twin flame or soulmate, it may become toxic. Since your twin flame offers insight into the habits, thoughts, and behaviors that you need to change or abandon, you can quickly become codependent. And while soulmates typically have your best interests at heart, they may have difficulty managing their emotions or communicating their thoughts and feelings, which can hurt you in the long run.

Twin Flame vs. Soulmate: 11 Key Differences

Even though twin flames and soulmates share some commonalities, they are also distinctly different. Read on to discover the points at which they diverge from one another.

Twin flames share one soul.

Twin flames are two halves of the same soul, so they derive from one single soul. Soulmates, on the other hand, are two entirely separate souls that are inextricably linked.

You can have only one twin flame.

Your twin flame originates from the other half of your soul, so there can be only one in your lifetime. However, you can have multiple soulmates. When you meet someone that you have a strong connection with, Brown says there’s a high likelihood they're a part of your wider soul family.

You may not meet your twin flame.

Since you only have one twin flame, it's less likely that you'll encounter them over the course of your life. (However, you'll always be spiritually connected—even if your paths never cross.) With soulmates, you're more likely to come across them, whether it's in a romantic, platonic, or familial setting.

Twin flames have the same personal attributes.

Known as "mirror souls," twin flames share the same positive and negative characteristics, such as both being outspoken or seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. However, soulmates have qualities that complement one another. For example, your soulmate might be loud and assertive—while you may be more reserved and quiet.

Soulmates have different perspectives.

Because twin flames are two halves of one soul, you possess the same viewpoint. Yet your soulmate isn't exact replica of your thoughts and opinions, so they'll likely have a different perspective than you. However, even though the two of you may not always agree with the other's point of view, you both understand and respect where the other is coming from.

Twin flames can have turbulent relationships.

Since twin flames uncover one another's shortcomings, the relationship can be intense and difficult to endure. "The relationship is karmic, and usually, you have a debt to pay in this lifetime with the twin flame," Brown says. When the other person reflects your doubts and insecurities back to you, you may have a natural inclination to run from the relationship—especially if you haven't done the inner work. Unlike your twin flame, your soulmate is a more stable and nurturing presence in your life.

Soulmates are more inclined to be romantic partners.

Due to the complicated, tumultuous relationship between twin flames, this type of connection doesn't always translate to a sustainable romantic union. Since your twin flame mirrors your issues, unhealthy habits, and self-limiting beliefs, they're often effective at inspiring change within you. However, you likely aren't looking for a significant other who wants you to become a different person. Because soulmates are stable, compatible, and supportive, they make excellent romantic partners.

Twin flames incite spiritual growth.

The sole purpose of a twin flame is uncovering your faults to prompt change—and accelerate your spiritual journey. And while soulmates can help you grow, it's a byproduct of this dynamic, not the primary focus of it. Instead of motivating your evolution, your soulmate accepts all of your strengths and weaknesses without trying to change them.

Twin flames may hurt your self-esteem.

Twin flames bring out your insecurities, which may damage your self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Since these types of connections accentuate all of the qualities that you've hidden from yourself or the public eye, meeting your twin flame can be an uncomfortable experience. However, due to their total acceptance of who you are, soulmates may give you a confidence boost.

Communicating with your twin flame is effortless.

One of the biggest signs that you’ve encountered your twin flame? Your communication. Instead of needing words to illustrate your feelings, your nonverbal communication is strong. "Communication mostly happens through the aura and the subtle body," Kaur says. "It's the closest we can ever get from telepathy." While soulmates can be perceptive, they aren't mind readers, so they may need to vocalize their thoughts and feelings more frequently.

Soulmates can fade.

Your twin flame will always be in your life. Even if you live in different places and have zero communication, you'll still be connected—at least on a spiritual level. However, one or all of your soulmates don't have to be a part of your life; whether it's intentional or due to external factors, you can always part ways.