Relationships Soul Ties: 6 Signs and How to Break Them By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." She has a Master's degree in psychology. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 15, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Ivy Kwong, LMFT Medically reviewed by Ivy Kwong, LMFT LinkedIn Twitter Ivy Kwong, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in relationships, love and intimacy, trauma and codependency, and AAPI mental health. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Getty / Tim Robberts A soul tie is an emotional and spiritual connection between two people. It can be formed through relationships and interactions with certain individuals, such as family members, friends, co-workers, romantic partners, and even pets. The bond shared between two people who are connected by soul ties can be strong and long-lasting. Unfortunately, not all soul ties are positive ones; some cause us to become attached to unhealthy or destructive relationships that we should break away from in order to heal and move forward in life. The concept of a soul tie first originated in New Age belief systems and has been adopted in some Christian communities, though it is a concept that can be applied to anyone regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs. The term became popularized in the early 2000s as part of an effort to help people recognize and break away from unhealthy or toxic relationships. Soul Tie vs. Twin Flame Though similar, soul ties and twin flames are not the same. A soul tie is formed when two individuals share a strong emotional or spiritual connection, while a twin flame is a deeper and more intense connection between two people who are believed to have been created from one single source of energy and consciousness. Whereas a twin flame connection is usually considered to be a positive and healing-filled relationship, the same may not be true for all soul ties. Twin Flame: Soulmate's Lesser-Known Cousin Signs You've Found a Soul Tie When two people have formed a healthy and positive soul-tie connection, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. A healthy soul-tie relationship should enhance your life, not take away from it. The following are signs that you may have found a positive soul-tie connection: Feeling energized or inspired after spending time with the other person. How do you feel after spending time with the other person? Do you feel rejuvenated and inspired, or do you find yourself feeling drained or exhausted? A positive soul-tie connection should leave you feeling energized and creative.Having a strong feeling of comfort and security in the other person’s presence. Do you feel safe with the other person? Do you trust them, and do they inspire confidence in you? Healthy soul ties should create a sense of safety and trust between two people.Being able to express yourself openly without fear of judgment or criticism. Are you comfortable being authentic and vulnerable with the other person? A healthy soul-tie connection should provide an atmosphere where both parties can express themselves openly without fear of judgment or criticism.Mutual respect and admiration for each other. Do you admire the other person, and do they show respect for you? Healthy soul ties are built on mutual respect and admiration between two people.A feeling of unconditional love and acceptance. Do you feel accepted by the other person without condition? A positive soul-tie connection should provide a sense of unconditional love and acceptance from both sides.Having a deep level of understanding and empathy for the other person. Do you feel like the other person truly understands and empathizes with you? A positive soul-tie connection should be one where both parties can offer each other support, love, and understanding. Dangers of a Soul Tie Connection When a soul tie connection is unhealthy, it can be dangerous and destructive. People who are in an unhealthy soul-tie relationship may experience intense jealousy, possessiveness, and codependency. They may become overly attached to the other person and struggle to define their identity without them. In addition, they may feel a sense of emptiness when separated from the other person or find that their life lacks meaning without them. The following are signs that you may be in an unhealthy soul-tie relationship: Feeling anxious when away from the other person for too long Becoming overly dependent on the other person for emotional support Having difficulty making decisions without the other person’s input Feeling jealous or possessive of the other person Struggling to define your identity without them Feeling drained or exhausted after interacting with them Experiencing a sense of emptiness when away from them What Is Codependency? How to Break an Unhealthy Soul Tie Connection If you find yourself in an unhealthy soul-tie connection, there are steps you can take to break the tie and restore balance in your life. It is important to remember that healing takes time, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight. Acknowledge the unhealthy soul-tie connection: Take some time to reflect on the relationship and identify what makes it unhealthy or destructive. Identify how this connection has impacted your life negatively and why it needs to be broken. Cut off contact with the other person: While it may not be easy, one of the first steps in breaking an unhealthy soul-tie connection is cutting off contact with the other person as much as possible. This includes avoiding seeing them in person, removing them from social media, and blocking their number if possible. Surround yourself with positive people: Spend time connecting with positive people to help restore your energy and lift your spirits. Seek out relationships that are healthy and supportive, both in person and online. Practice self-care: Take the time to practice self-care by engaging in activities such as yoga, journaling, or meditation that help you relax and restore balance in your life. Rely on a Higher Power: Connecting with a higher power can help provide strength during difficult times and give you peace of mind knowing that you are not alone in this process of healing. Forgive yourself and the other person: One of the most important steps in breaking an unhealthy soul-tie connection is forgiving yourself and the other person. This can be a difficult step, but it’s important to remember that forgiveness is not about condoning someone’s actions, but rather releasing your anger and resentment to move forward with peace and clarity. Frequently Asked Questions What causes a soul tie? In order for a soul tie to be created, there must be an emotional connection between two people. This can be created through intense or prolonged interactions, such as a romantic relationship, close friendship, or even a strong bond with a mentor. What are the four types of soul ties? Soul ties can involve physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Physical soul ties may involve physical contact such as sexual intimacy; emotional soul ties involve intense feelings of attachment; mental soul ties involve close intellectual connections; and spiritual soul ties involve a deep connection to one another's spirituality or religious beliefs. 7 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Carswell KL, Impett EA. What fuels passion? An integrative review of competing theories of romantic passion. Social and Personality Psychology Compass. 2021. Stanton SC, Campbell L, Loving TJ. Energized by love: thinking about romantic relationships increases positive affect and blood glucose levels. Psychophysiology. 2014;51(10):990-995. doi:10.1111/psyp.12249 Luke MA, Sedikides C, Carnelley K. Your love lifts me higher! 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