While scrolling through the internet, it's pretty common to see articles upon articles about meeting your "soulmate" or romantic life partner. However, I think recognizing platonic soulmates is just as important! I've been lucky enough to come across what I consider to be the best collection of platonic soulmates, but it isn't always an easy road getting to that point. It's a big deal to connect with someone so remarkably that you expect them to be in your life forever, so here is some appreciation for all of the platonic soulmates out there!
Okay, so what is a platonic soulmate? This is probably not a term you hear that often. What I consider to be a platonic soulmate is someone with which you've built a relationship that is not limited to a location or a stage of your life. These are people you will (hopefully) have around for a very long time. You grow together, you change together, and you learn from each other.
The road to having a platonic soulmate varies depending on you and the person you're getting to know. Sometimes it can be an instant connection, which is great! Other times, it takes a long while to figure each other out. Most of my platonic soulmates have come from countless conversations about our cosmic insignificance or daily existential crises (Don't worry. These are not requirements for all platonic soulmates). No matter how you become connected, get excited. You're entering into what will hopefully be a very nurturing relationship without any pressures of getting romantically involved.
Speaking of those romantic pressures, we all experience them at some point or another. If your platonic soulmate happens to identify outside of your sexual orientation, it probably won't be as much of an issue. However, we all know those annoying comments like: "Are you guys dating?" or "You guys would be so cute together" or "When are you going to realize you're meant for each other?" While these are extremely flattering, sometimes we just wish people would stop being weird. No matter what anyone says, heterosexual men and heterosexual women can be friends without romantic interest getting in the way! I know humans love love, but not everything is a romance (shoutout to all the friends I've kissed platonically; it happens).
Remember that not every friend will become a platonic soulmate. Some friends are meant to come in and out of your life to teach you things, and these people still play a vital role in your growth.
While I appreciate and love all of my friends, I have a soft spot for those ones I know will always be around. It takes a lot of work to build up such a solid relationship, but it will always be worth it. Spread some love, and remind your soulmates how much you love them (platonically, of course).
