How do you Know you have Found a Soulmate?

If you have been lucky enough to have had time with a soulmate then you probably have your own ideas of what makes a soulmate. Perhaps you haven't written it down, but recognise some of the factors. Let us look at some key aspects of what a soulmate is. It is obviously a very personal view!

What is the point of this you may ask? Well, in today's world of online dating and multiple serial relationships, how do you know when the 'right person' has come along? Women have a better developed sense of intuition than men, but still make mistakes, so intuition is not the be-all and end-all of making good relationship decisions. Yes, there are certain things that each of us looks for in a relationship, and often we make a compromise.

My list of characteristics is based on what I think is important. Your list may differ - you might not even be seeking a soulmate; some guys only seek someone to kepp them warm, cook and wash their socks; some ladies are only looking for a cheque book. Anyway, my list, based on several good relationships and one definite soulmate (15 good years) is:

- instinctively thinking about one another at the same moment - maybe phoning up only for the other person to say - oh, I was just about to phone you;

- having solid respect for that person's point of view and capabilities;

- avoiding 'possessive' language -not referring to them as 'my husband, boyfriend, girlfriend' and so on, but as 'John, Peter, Sandra' for example;

- wanting to be together as much as possible

- sharing dreams and hopes for the future, and having a plan or way forward which is jointly shared;

- providing unconditional emotional support. This can undoubtedly be difficult if one believes that the partner's actions are wrong, but if respect for them is strong then that makes the support easier;

- having the same ideas at the same time. Ok, this is aspirational for some people perhaps, but not unusal. Of course, this can be seen as limiting the development of a relationship, because the challenge of differing perspectives is absent. However, on the other hand it does mean that compromise is required less often, and that can be a boon when one person is less inclined to compromise. Constant compromise by one side only can be corrosive in the long term;

- several shared interests, with each having their own interests besides, which bring new aspects and experiences into the partnership. These unshared interests maintain a refreshing flow of new events into the partnership.

Some people might say that such relationship with these factors is boring, claustrophobic or clingy. Fair comment, but not for everyone.

For me though, if that is the case, then you are not soulmates. I've had relationships with clingy people, and I know I've been perceived as clingy in others - the key point though, is that there is a mismatch.

It doesn't stop you having disagreements, but if you have deep respect then you really listen to what the other point of view is.

Those are the key aspects of what (in retrospect) was a soulmate relationship for me. And we are still friends!