How to Tell the Difference Between Your Soulmate and Your Twin Flame (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 soulmates and twin flames suggests that this individual shares an ancient connection with you and that they are part of the very fabric of your soul. So, what’s the difference between these individuals, and how will you know when you meet each of them?

Ahead, experts Amrita Kaur and Aycee Brown explain the similarities and differences between twin flames and soulmates.

What Is a Twin Flame?

A twin flame is one-half of a soul. "Twin flames are the yin and yang of a soul," says Kaur. "Like everything in the universe, a soul has a polarity—masculine and feminine. 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," adds Kaur. Based on that theory, as you travel through your life, you’re destined to find them again. "It's a hide-and-seek game."

While it all sounds breathtakingly romantic, push the idea of that meet-cute out of your mind. "We all will encounter a twin flame relationship but it's something you shouldn't seek unless you're ready to experience ranges of emotions that could break you down," admits Brown.

What Is a Soulmate?

Have you ever met someone new and felt an instant connection? Whether it’s a passionate spark or simply an inexplicable understanding between the two of you, this could be a sign that the person is one of your soulmates. Contrary to what you may have heard, you may meet countless soulmates throughout your life.

"We meet our soulmates every day," explains Brown. However, understanding whether to pursue this person as a romantic partner will be obvious. "When it comes to a romantic soulmate, you will know because it will feel like you are meeting someone you’ve known forever. It will be a comfortable feeling; it will feel like home."

Twin Flame vs. Soulmate: Similarities

There will always be a deep connection.

Whether you encounter a soulmate or your twin flame, the theory surrounding how you will feel is the same. The bond will be deep and meaningful from the offset. Whether you have known this person for five minutes or five years, the pull that you feel will be hard to resist.

We can learn from both soulmates and twin flames.

One of the central beliefs about twin flames is that they allow us to resolve any issues or insecurities we may have. In essence, this individual comes into your life to ignite a process of discovery within yourself. While likely not as potent, our soulmates play a similar role to many of us. "These individuals usually come into our lives to teach us painful lessons," explains Kaur.

The relationship may be romantic.

When you hear the word soulmate, your mind may wander to red roses and heart-shaped chocolate boxes. However, while twin flame relationships are always romantic, the connection with your soulmates doesn’t have to be. It’s likely that your closest friends and family members are also your soulmates.

Twin Flame vs. Soulmate: Differences

Twin flame relationships can be hard.

While connecting with a soulmate may feel effortless, meeting your twin flame could be an entirely different story. Don’t be surprised if this period is a challenging one. "A twin flame is a romantic and sexual relationship that can be very difficult to deal with," says Brown. "The relationship is karmic and usually you have a debt to pay in this lifetime with the twin flame."

Soulmates aren’t always romantic.

Love isn’t always in the air when you meet your soulmates. Believe it or not, most of the time, these relationships will be platonic. "A partner can be a soulmate, but so can some of our best friends, or a brother, or a sister.A soulmate can be anyone we have a deep connection with," explains Kaur. "A twin flame will always be a romantic partner."

You can have more than one soulmate.

"You will meet many soulmates in your current lifetime," says Brown."You only have one twin flame." Whenever you meet someone with whom you have a strong connection, the theory suggests that there’s a high chance that they could be a part of your wider soul family.

Twin flames bring out your insecurities.

While soulmates may give you a confidence boost, twin flames could have quite the opposite effect. However, there’s a reason that this happens. "All your insecurities will be amplified so you can address them within yourself," says Brown. Meeting your twin flame may be uncomfortable as it can accentuate all of the qualities you have hidden from yourself.

Communicating with your twin flame is effortless.

One of the biggest signs that you’ve encountered your twin flame is in your communication. You don’t need words. Your nonverbal communication will be through the roof. "It's so easy to be around them; communication mostly happens through the aura and the subtle body," says Kaur. "It's the closest we can ever get from telepathy."

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you marry your twin flame?

"Yes, but that’s only after intense personal healing," explains Brown. "The twin flame relationship is meant to bring up issues that you need to experience and learn from in this lifetime." Despite the fact that you technically can marry your twin flame, Brown advises caution. "I personally would not recommend it because of the mental and emotional toll a twin flame relationship can have on you."

Can your twin flame be your soulmate?

While there’s a wealth of crossover between twin flames and soulmates, the chances of one person ticking both boxes are unlikely. "No, I do not believe that [one person can be your twin flame and soulmate]," explains Brown. Chances are, you will meet many soulmates in your life and have lasting connections with each of them.

When will you meet your twin flame?

Patience is a virtue. While you may feel ready to meet and embrace your twin flame, Kaur explains that there’s a process of self-discovery that has to happen first. "If we do the work and truly learn from our experiences, we can finally elevate our vibration to encounter our twin flame," she says.

What is the purpose of your twin flame?

Since twin flame relationships can be tumultuous, you may be wondering what their purpose is. According to Kaur, although your connection with them can be painful at times, this unique partnership is part of a larger plan. "Twin flames come together to achieve bigger things together, and their mission is always related to uplifting humanity," she explains. "The connection will be instant and powerful."

What are signs you've met your twin flame?

Think you’ve already met your twin flame? There are a few telltale signs you should be on the lookout for here. "A twin flame has a runner-chaser dynamic and is difficult—insert lots of tears and frustration. The relationship will move very fast and be extremely intense. A twin flame is a mirror and brings up everything you haven’t dealt with when you’re with them," explains Brown.