What are twin flames? If you’ve fallen into the New Age spiritual scene, you may see things that say they are your other half… the yin to your yang… that together, you are complete.

The problem with New Age spirituality is that it often doesn’t dive too deep into the concepts it teaches. It can be very superficial with ancient concepts and practices, leading people down a potentially harmful path.

Twin flames are one of those casualties of the superficiality of New Age spirituality, unfortunately, and it has led many people to stay in unhealthy and even abusive relationships.

If you look up signs that you're in a relationship with your twin flame, you’ll read things like… You’ll complete each other. When you meet, there will be instant recognition. They’ll push you to do and be better.

Then, sometimes, it will also say that the relationship is very intense and tumultuous.

And therein lies the rub. This hint at the rollercoaster nature of twin flames is all you get. They never seem to dive into why these relationships are so intense and tumultuous.

Are these relationships passionate with intense attraction? Yes, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. And the picture looks very different when you also look at what a soulmate is. In the heat of the relationship, you might be confusing the two.

So, here it is… The truth about twin flames vs soulmate!

What Are Twin Flames?

Let’s get one this straight right away… The idea that your twin flame completes you in any way is toxic. You are a whole soul, being, and person.

No one can complete you except you.

Your twin flame can show up in any relationship. Your best friend, the person you’re dating, and even family members. However, it most often shows up in a romantic relationship.

It’s usually a rollercoaster of a relationship. The highs are very high, and the lows are very low. It is full of passion on a soul level but also uproots your shadow self. It’s the type of relationship that acts like a mirror to the truth you may be running away from.

Sometimes, as you avoid your shadow self, you can worsen an already tumultuous relationship. This is what leads to these relationships becoming toxic and even abusive.

It’s usually when you get out of these relationships that you are able to take the time to heal the shadow self (and the potential accumulated trauma) that came out during your time with them.

Quick Note On Karmic Relationships

A karmic relationship can feel similar to a twin flame connection, and they sometimes get confused.

However, a karmic relationship contains a lesson or test. Often, only one person is in the relationship for a karmic reason. That person typically evolves while the other stays the same. In some cases, your relationship with your twin flame can also be a karmic relationship.

What Is A Soulmate?

A soulmate is a person or persons (yes, you can have more than one) that has a deep heart connection with you. This is someone your soul feels at home with. Again, this person can be a friend, partner, or family member.

In a romantic relationship, It is not the love at first sign, Disney movie fantasy we all know and love. You can feel a zing, that sense that something is different about this attraction, but most often, a soulmate starts off just like any other relationship.

For some, it feels like you’ve known each other before. As if in another lifetime. They are someone who makes you feel grounded when you’re anything but.

These relationships can feel like they flow with ease and can still be very passionate, but not in the intense rollercoaster way because your soulmate is the person you find harmony with.

Twin Flame Signs In A Relationship

When you’re in a romantic relationship with your twin flame, the passion can sometimes feel like it’s turned up to 11. There is instant attraction, passionate sex, and passionate fights.

When they say that these relationships will push you to be and do better, that can be true. But it’s not the person who is pushing you to do and be better. It’s the lessons you learn and the shadow self that comes out in these relationships that push you to be better.

Signs They Are Your Twin Flame:

There was a passionate, instant, and strong attraction.
Often noncommittal
The shadow self is exposed.
Usually, you cannot be your true self when around this person
You are very in tune with each other with a deep soul connection but not compatible on an earthly level due to differing values, morals, cultures, family expectations, etc…
This relationship triggers a spiritual awakening, but only after this relationship has ended.
It can be borderline abusive or fully abusive due to the unhealed shadow aspect of both people.
You’ve come in and out of each other's lives.
You feel like you have to push for or fight for the relationship you need this one to be.
They feel like your whole life or push to be your whole life.
Everything feels intense, both the good times and the bad.
You feel more insecure in this relationship than in others.

Soulmate Signs In A Relationship

A soulmate relationship might not feel as hot and sexy. You might not be getting the same dopamine hit that the intense passion of your twin flame gave you.

Sometimes, all those romantic comedies you watched as a teen can get in your head and make you feel like the right relationship for you is the tumultuous and passionate one.

But those relationships just make for an entertaining story. The relationship you truly benefit from is your soulmate relationship.

Signs They Are Your Soulmate:

Deep heart connection or bond
Harmonious
Both people encourage each other to grow but have separate journeys and lessons in life.
You feel at home with them.
You ground each other.
You are each other's best friend.
You are instantly attracted to the person, but it grows over time.
The relationship flows with greater ease.
They balance you.
You both feel secure and supported in the relationship.
You feel safe with them.
They add to your life.
You can’t imagine your life without them.

Twin flame relationships hold an important and sometimes karmic role in your life, but their purpose is not to stay with you forever. Their purpose is to show you what needs healing so you can move on to find and be ready for the relationship that is truly meant for you, your soulmate.

The Truth About Twin Flames vs SoulMates