A true soulmate is like a mirror, reflecting to you the facets within yourself that are holding you back from being your true self. Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love (2006,) her celebrated memoir chronicling the voyage of self-discovery she undertook after her divorce:

People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mate’s purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life…

A soulmate affects you to transform yourself to be your best so that you can live the life you’re meant to live. Being in an honest and intent soulmate relationship can help you become a better version of yourself.