Soul Mate
A romantic belief that every person's soul has a counterpart and true happiness and fulfillment can only be found by meeting and joining with that counterpart. In some cases this search may span several reincarnations.
The soul-mate tradition is a popular one and so many definitions of soul mate have been put forward that it is difficult to determine its origins. A popular theory is that in a remote time and place a breakage occurred, leaving each soul imperfect and destined to search for its other half. Another theory suggests that a soul mate is not a missing half but another soul with whom one has spent many lives and developed a strong affinity. Such soul mates gravitate towards each other every time they are reincarnated to further develop their relationship and help each other find fulfillment. They are so in tune with each other that they can communicate without words. They love each other unconditionally and cannot bear separation.
Other theories suggest that soul mates are not necessarily lovers or relatives but certain people with whom we have intimate bonds, or people who come into our lives to teach us important lessons, or people who share a common purpose or ideal.
Some people consult psychics, astrologers and so on in an effort to find or attract their soul mate. Opinions differ as to whether soul mates will come together naturally or whether they must earn their affinity. It is generally thought, however, that an obsession with soul mates puts unnecessary pressure on a relationship by creating impossible expectations.