Soulmate Vs. Twin Flame: What's The Difference

When actress Megan Fox referred to her boyfriend, Machine Gun Kelly, as her "twin flame" during a podcast appearance on "Give Them Lala...with Randall" in July 2020, many people were left scratching their heads over what Fox meant. What exactly is a twin flame? "Instead of a soulmate, a twin flame is actually where a soul has ascended into a high enough level that it can be split into two different bodies at the same time," Fox said (via Refinery29). "So we're actually two halves of the same soul." That sounds like some pretty powerful stuff!

If this unique declaration of love has made you question whether you should be looking for your twin flame instead of your soulmate, you're not alone. Many experts have since weighed in on the soulmate vs. twin flame debate to provide the answers we've all been craving. From understanding the difference between a soulmate and a twin flame to learning how to determine when you've found the person meeting these descriptions, we've waded through the waters to give you a definitive, fool-proof guide on the matter.

So, let's dive in!

One of the main things distinguishing a twin flame from a soulmate is the intensity of the relationship. According to Hello Relish, you'll know someone is your twin flame as soon as you meet them. This is because you're essentially two halves of the same soul that have been deposited into different bodies, so, when you come together again, the feeling of recognition is immediate. 

Though this sounds romantic, spiritual guide Aycee Brown cautions against the idea of seeking out your twin flame. "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," Brown said (via Brides). Twin flames often enter unhealthy or even toxic relationships because they act as a mirror for each other — they mirror each other's insecurities and weaknesses in addition to any positive traits. When you're with a twin flame, you're deeply, emotionally connected to the other person, but you're unable to balance each other effectively due to this sense of mirroring.

Benefits of being in a twin flame relationship include ease of connection and communication, plus a profound understanding of one another. This sounds beautiful, but be aware of how quickly things can change. As Brown stated, a twin flame relationship can be very difficult to deal with and may become toxic.

Emotional experts have indicated that soulmates are typically more common than twin flames and are easier to get along with. "You will meet many soulmates in your current lifetime," Aycee Brown told Brides. "You only have one twin flame." This means you can find your soulmate in various people and through various forms of connection throughout your life. A twin flame is always a romantic connection whereas soulmates can be platonic, too.

A soulmate is someone who innately understands you and connects with you on the deepest possible level. Psychologist Mary C. Lamia indicates that you'll know this person is different from the rest because of how easily you'll be able to communicate with them. "In a heightened way, soulmates experience communication at non-verbal as well as verbal levels," Lamia told Psychology Today. "Nuances of communication occur through facial expression and body language, especially when you are tuned into another person."

When you're totally tuned into your soulmate, the two of you will be able to openly and freely discuss anything you have on your mind without fear of judgment. The connection you share with your soulmate, whether romantic or platonic, feels effortless. This is the main distinction between this type of bond and a twin flame, as a twin flame relationship requires constant effort to overcome mutual issues and frustration.

Whether you've found your twin flame or your soulmate, both situations come with their own set of pros and cons. While twin flames often get a bad rap for their intensity and tribulations, the bond you share with that person is "the closest we can ever get from telepathy," according to Amrita Kaur, a Kundalini yoga teacher (via Brides). Nonverbal communication is an essential building block of a twin flame relationship, which is extremely beneficial during situations where you're unable to talk to each other, like when you're at an awkward dinner party.

Beware of how unhealthy twin flames become when the two of you simply serve as a mirror of each other's insecurities and do little else to boost each other up. The connection between twin flames is incredibly rare and should be cherished, but don't lose yourself to the intensity of the bond. 

With soulmates, everything feels easier than it does with other friendships and relationships. When you're with your soulmate, you can be your truest self, which is a freeing and heartwarming sensation. Just remember that these people enter your life to teach you specific lessons, some of which can be painful (per Brides). It's important to keep a clear head and to reinforce boundaries with your soulmates so the two of you can coexist peacefully without sacrificing parts of yourself in order to do so (per Bustle).