I recently ran across a video discussing the origination of the soul mate and what it means to folks today, (Should We Stop Believing in Soul Mates).
Here is a break down of one possible origination:
Zeus via Clip Art
<—— Zeus here, got angry at the humans; as he tended to do in his day, and for this he split humans in half. In mythology there was talk of humans having two heads, four limbs, two of everything, but for the soul.
When Zeus split humans he separated their souls and declared that they wouldn’t be whole again, unless their souls could find each once more. (talk about a Greek tragedy, but you’ve gotta love his flair for the dramatic)
He sure seems like a cranky guy, doesn’t he?
Fast forward to the modern world and studies of relationships based on how people view the concept of a soul mate.
Researchers have found, according to this same video, that those who believe in the idea that there is only one person, another half to their soul, experience more passionate relationships, but cannot sustain them as often.
On the flip side, couples who believe in finding a partner, someone to go on a journey in life with tend to weather storms better.
Soul mates don’t handle the ups and downs as well, because when things become a struggle they start to worry that maybe they didn’t find their soul mate, maybe they made a mistake and their soul mate is still out there – meaning they cut and run, looking for something, someone, better.
All the while, those with a more realistic approach take the bumps and bruises of love, life and relationships, in stride, knowing they can work it out and that their might not be greener grass next door.
I know for me, when I was young and in love, married to my elementary school sweetheart, I thought for sure we were soul mates. How could I not? I watched and read fairy tales, like anyone else. Plus, it was nice to think I had managed to find the other half of my soul. It’s a wonderful and inspiring idea.
One divorce later and I had to revamp my thoughts. To be honest, I’m still uncertain how I feel about a romantic soul mate. I lean more towards the idea that if I have one, it could very well be a very dear friend. Otherwise, I have to admit that I was wrong about the first man or decide you only get one shot and now I have to wait until my next Zeusey life to find my other half a soul again.
It sure seems to me the better bandwagon to hop on, is the one with a greater success rate – partnership through a journey.
Tell us what you think, is there only one soul mate for every person? Do you think there can be more than one? Maybe a romantic one and a non-romantic one or do you refute the entire concept and think you just have to find someone you can sail through the good and bad times with, a friend and a lover combined?
Thanks for stopping by and please check out our boxed set, filled with stories of love, hope and happiness. Let’s hope all our couples on Main Street can stand anything that Zeus throws their way! 🙂
Wishing you well in fiction and in life,
Kelly Rae
Authors of Main Street 