Soulmates are such a happy concept

the idea that somewhere out there is someone perfect for you.

But growing up they tell us lies,

They say things like soulmates complete us

Or we only have one soulmate

Or soulmates are the happy ending we all strive for.

I was like every other kid,

I grew up with the notion that my soulmate is out there looking

Looking for the one who matches them piece by piece

The person who is the missing puzzle piece

But then I grew up and I learned

That all of those things I knew about soulmates were wrong

Soulmates don't complete us because we are complete on our own

We are wonderful human beings with personalities and hearts

And character and desires and dreams

Soulmates don't fix us

Because we don't need to be fixed

Soulmates aren't perfect human beings

Who fill the space we're told to leave for them

They are people with flaws of their own

Who like us, have made mistakes and wrong decisions

Soulmates are not the happy ending

But rather the start of a new chapter in our lives

Soulmates are not puzzle pieces because that would mean

That we need them to make up the bigger picture.

I prefer the idea that we are all books

We all have stories to tell and each individual story is great on its own

But when we put two stories together,

They make a whole new story that's better and has more depth and life

It doesn't mean that either story is inferior on its own

Sometimes you just need someone to make connections,

Build new perspectives, develop the stories better

Sometimes we go really well with another book

Sometimes we don't go well with another book

Sometimes there is more than one book that we go well with

Love and life and soulmates don't end at one person

There will always be someone out there

That helps you build your story further

Maybe it's a romantic relationship

Maybe it's a platonic relationship

Maybe it's even a familial relationship

Stop looking for the person who makes you complete

Instead, look for the person who helps you realize that you already are

Look for the person who accepts you for who you are

Look for the person who helps you achieve your dreams and goals

Look for the person who gives you unconditional love but not unconditional support

Look for the person who challenges you to go beyond yourself

Look for your soulmate

But don't think you haven't met them yet

Sometimes it just takes a little time

Sometimes it just takes a little perspective

Sometimes it just takes a little bit of a spark

Sometimes it just happens

And when it does

When you meet that person

Or realize what a person means to you

Don't forget that they are not the be all end all

But rather than beginning of a lovely new story

For the both of you