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Why people still believe in the 'soulmate myth'

On a planet of nearly eight billion people, it’s quite a coincidence that so many peoples’ soulmates are just in the next classroom. Yet the idea of a soulmate has persisted across numerous societies and time periods – what is it about the concept of The One that people find so irresistible?

“The soulmate myth promises fulfilment,” says Onishi, an associate professor of religion at Skidmore College .“It says that the isolation and loneliness that are so often part of the human experience are only temporary – that someday there will be a happily ever after (relationship) in which we are united with The One who understands us at every level, protects us from harm and gives our life overwhelming significance.”

This is particularly true when it comes to modern dating, perhaps explaining how the soulmate idea has evolved over time. In recent years, the term ‘twin flame’ has surged in popularity, a more spiritual way of understanding the idea that there might be someone that you are simply supposed to be with.

“We live in a time of overwhelming uncertainty – politically, environmentally and socially,” explains Onishi. “The soulmate myth promises that amidst the dizzying and often confusing landscape of dating apps there is one match out there that will make sense of it all. It promises an anchor to modern life that many find appealing.”

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