There is a common belief that is held about soulmates. Many people think there is one special individual out there in the world that is particularly meant for them. That someday they will find that one-of-a-kind person whose soul will fit perfectly with theirs.

It is with this person that they will spend the rest of their life. I, on the other hand, think differently.

Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I’d love to think that there’s one special person out there who I am meant to be with and that someday, I will find that person. They would be everything I have ever hoped and dreamed to be and they would complete me.

But truthfully, when it comes down to it and I think realistically, I realize that this probably isn’t true.

Now, I’m not saying that you should be with someone who doesn’t make you endlessly happy, gives you butterflies, makes you laugh, and treats you with respect. Because when it comes to relationships, you shouldn’t invest your time into anyone that doesn’t encompass these characteristics.

I’m just saying, it’s important to know when to draw the line with your expectations. No human being is perfect. It’s impossible. You can’t go around trying to find someone who fits your every single want and need and who is “perfect” for you because it’s not going to happen.

You are not perfect and the person you love isn’t going to be perfect either, but that is one of the best parts about relationships. Loving someone’s imperfections because it makes them who they are. Growing and improving together is such an important aspect of a relationship, and without it, relationships wouldn’t flourish.

Now, back to the soulmate thing. I don’t want to stomp on the whole 'soulmate' idea, so let me get to my point. I think in life you will have multiple people that you fit well with. In other words, you will have more than one “soulmate”. It’s somewhat of an unspoken feeling, but when you know, you just know. These people understand you in a way others don’t.

Richard Bach said, “A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are.” I couldn’t agree more.

A soulmate doesn’t have to be a lover. There are many different types of soulmates. Some come into our lives only to teach us something, some to take apart our life and redirect us to a different path, and some who are in our lives for only a brief moment. Each of these individuals grasps onto our hearts as if we have known them for a lifetime.

There are seven billion people in this world, so don’t stay fixated on finding that ONE person you think you are destined to be with. Instead, be open-minded to the possibility that in those seven billion people, there are many for you.