What's the Difference Between a Twin Flame and a Soulmate? (2024)

Do you believe certain people are fated to be in your life? If you’ve ever met a stranger and felt an almost 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 and serves a significant purpose in your life. When you meet these types of people, you feel an instant attraction (which may or may not be romantic) and a deep sense of familiarity and comfort. Through both encounters, no matter how brief, both touch you on a deeper level.

While these types of connections have some similarities and are often used interchangeably, they’re distinctive relationships. A twin flame is the other half of your soul, whereas a soulmate is someone you feel deeply connected to—but you each have a separate soul. On top of that, you can have multiple soulmates that come and go—but just one twin flame that lasts a lifetime.

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 flames vs. soulmates.

What Is a Twin Flame?

Your twin flame is the other half of your soul, your “mirror soul,” that you share an intense connection with. Since twin flames originate from one soul, the two of you both have the same interests, perspectives, and emotional responses to the same situations. Both are 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 Kundalini yoga teacher Amrita Kaur. Since you are one soul, if and when you meet your twin flame, you feel an intense pull and attraction toward them and a feeling of recognition.

The purpose of encountering your twin flame is to learn important lessons and accelerate your spiritual growth. Since twin flames act as mirrors, they expose your insecurities, doubts, and fears. While these revelations are supposed to help you heal, having a relationship with a twin flame can be challenging and painful. Some may be unable to handle what is reflected back to them until they evolve as an individual first. "It's something you shouldn't seek unless you're ready to experience ranges of emotions that could break you down," psychic channel Aycee Brown admits. Because of this intense nature, twin flames aren’t always conducive to romantic relationships.

What Is a Soulmate?

Have you ever met someone and felt an 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 one, you’ll feel as if you’ve known one another forever, creating a feeling of home, according to Brown. If you sustain a relationship with a soulmate, both parties complement one another’s strengths and weaknesses, meet each other’s needs, and provide a feeling of security.

Contrary to popular belief, you may meet countless soulmates throughout your life."We meet our soulmates every day," Brown explains. But not all of them will be romantic partners; some are friends and others are family members. However, due to the comfortability and deep bond that both individuals share, soulmates make an ideal long-term partner or spouse because when you're together, you'll overcome setbacks and help one another reach your goals.

The Similarities Between Twin Flames and Soulmates

Although twin flames and soulmates are separate concepts, these two relationships do share a few similarities, which we explore below.

They involve an instant connection.

During your first encounter with either your twin flame or your soulmate, you’ll feel an instant connection. When you cross paths, you’ll notice an intense attraction and a sense of familiarity, like you know them. 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 significant presence in your life. Your twin flame comes into your life to shed light on your insecurities and unresolved issues, prompting the process of self-discovery and healing, so you can become self-actualized. Soulmates also serve an important purpose in a less potent way: They make you feel safe and secure by accepting who you are, filling your voids, and meeting your needs. They can also teach you lessons at times, per Kaur.

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 one. Since twin flames spark an intense, often difficult self-discovery process, sustaining a long-term partnership isn't always feasible or healthy. With soulmates, since you meet many throughout your lifetime, some might be romantic, but others may be platonic, whether it's a colleague or your sister.

Either can be toxic.

If you do start a romantic relationship with your twin flame or soulmate, just like any other intimate connection, 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. Plus, the turbulent nature of this relationship contradicts the loving, stable essence of a partnership. While soulmates typically have your best interest at heart, they may have difficulty managing their emotions or communicating their thoughts and feelings, which can hurt you in the long run.

The Differences Between Twin Flames and Soulmates

Twin flames and soulmates have some commonalities, but they are vastly different types of connections. Read on to discover the differences between them.

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 life; it's just a matter of finding that person. With soulmates, however, you can have multiple connections that each play a different role in your life, whether it's romantic love or friendship. Whenever you meet someone that you have a strong connection with, Brown says there’s a high chance they're a part of your wider soul family.

You may not meet your twin flame.

Since you can have just one twin flame, you're less inclined to meet them in person; however, you'll always be spiritually connected. Meanwhile, with soulmates, you might come across multiple in your lifetime, whether it's romance, friendship, familial love, or mentorship.

Twin flames have the same personal attributes.

Otherwise known as "mirror souls," twin flames share the same characteristics—whether positive or negative. Your twin flame and you may both be outspoken and opinionated, for example. Soulmates, though, have qualities that complement one another. In the aforementioned instance, your soulmate might be loud and assertive, but you may be more reserved and moderate in your thinking.

Soulmates have different perspectives.

Because twin flames are two halves of one soul, you possess the same viewpoint. On the other hand, soulmates aren't intended to be an exact replica of your thoughts and opinions, so both parties have different perspectives. In a soulmate relationship, the two of you may not always agree with the other's point of view, but 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. Soulmates are much more stable and nurturing in nature due to the mutual support and acceptance they possess.

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, fulfilling romantic union. Plus, since twin flames mirror your issues, unhealthy habits, and self-limiting beliefs, they're often effective at inspiring change—but you probably 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, accelerating your spiritual journey. While soulmates can help you grow, it's simply a byproduct of this type of relationship, not the primary focus. Instead of motivating your evolution, soulmates accept 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. Due to their total acceptance of who you are, soulmates, meanwhile, 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 talking to one another through words, your nonverbal communication is strong."Communication mostly happens through the aura and the subtle body," Kaur notes. "It's the closest we can ever get from telepathy." Soulmates can definitely be perceptive, but they aren't mind readers, so they might 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. 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.