Soul Ties: How They Form, Signs, & How to Break Them

What Are Soul Ties?

Soul ties are profound spiritual or emotional connections that extend beyond typical relationships. They create a bond so deep that detaching from the person can feel nearly impossible.

Soul Ties Vs. Twin Flames

Although soul ties and twin flames are often used interchangeably, they represent different types of connections. A soul tie is a meaningful connection that can occur multiple times in life, whereas a twin flame is often seen as an intense, once-in-a-lifetime relationship with someone believed to be your soul’s other half.

Soul Ties Vs. Soul Mate

Soul ties are deep, sometimes overwhelming connections formed through physical, emotional, or spiritual intimacy. In contrast, a soul mate is considered a deeply compatible partner who complements you and can be a friend, family member, or romantic partner.

How Are Soul Ties Formed?

A soul tie can happen at any time and without warning. It’s simply the manifestation of two people sharing an intense connection. Sometimes this connection develops right when they meet but may also form more gradually. For a soul tie to exist, both people must equally feel the intensity of the bond.

Common Signs of Soul Ties

Discerning a soul tie means recognizing that the dynamic stands out from other relationships. If you’ve found a soul tie, there’s often an intense sense of feeling connected and understood. Sometimes it can feel like you’ve been waiting your whole life to meet this person. There can also be a deep urgency to know more about them.

Signs of a healthy soul tie include:

• Feeling energized after spending time together
• Experiencing a sense of safety and trust
• Being vulnerable without fear
• Feeling understood on a deep level
• Mutual empathy, respect, and support

Signs of an unhealthy soul tie include:¹

• Experiencing separation anxiety when you’re apart from one another
• Jealousy over their other relationships
• Relying on them for emotional support
• Obsessing over their daily activities
• Sacrificing personal identity or goals

The Dangers of Soul Ties

An unhealthy soul tie can resemble a codependent or abusive relationship, making you feel trapped and emotionally drained.² This dynamic can affect your relationships, self-care, and well-being.

How to Break an Unhealthy Soul Tie

Specific steps can ensure your well-being if you want to break a soul tie. While ending things impulsively and suddenly can be tempting, unhealthy relationships can be insidious. You want a clear plan to protect yourself and stay safe.³ Try your best to hold onto some hope.

Here are seven strategies for how to break a soul tie:

1. Acknowledge It Is Unhealthy

Identify that your current dynamic is unhealthy or incompatible with your life. This acknowledgment makes the ‘break up’ process easier (although it doesn’t necessarily make it less painful). If you struggle to recognize toxic patterns, write them down or discuss it with a therapist or someone you trust.

2. Identify Other Support

Lean on friends, family, or a therapist to provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. You may need to leave your comfort zone to meet new people, but remind yourself that it’s worth receiving the support.

3. Go No-Contact (Or Limit Contact)

Going no-contact is the most intimidating step, but it’s also the most crucial. Truly breaking a soul tie means ceasing connection with the other person. Aim to eliminate contact, both in the real world and online, as much as possible. If contact is unavoidable, do your absolute best to limit communication. You may notice some immediate withdrawal symptoms, but these decrease over time.

4. Change Your Daily Routine

Make small changes to your habits to avoid reminders of the other person, but ensure the changes are not overwhelming. Overhauling everything can make you feel worse. Instead, focus on implementing positive shifts that make you feel good about yourself.

5. Practice Intentional Self-Compassion

You may feel guilty, embarrassed, or upset about the situation with your soul tie. You might also be angry at yourself for letting the relationship intensify as it did. Self-compassion means practicing self-kindness and recognizing that everyone struggles with similar issues. You’re not alone, and it’s helpful to give yourself grace.

6. Allow Yourself to Grieve

Ending any significant relationship can trigger a grief reaction.⁴ You might mourn for what you two once shared or grieve an ambiguous loss, which refers to a profound loss that’s unclear or lacks a sense of closure. Your breakup grief is real and valid–honor your emotions during this time.

7. Practice More Self-Care

Remember to take care of yourself and look after your emotional needs. Self-care has many benefits and means intentionally taking time to do things that make you feel energized and happy.⁵ Self-care also means prioritizing a sense of balance. Start by focusing on one goal at a time, such as getting more sleep or practicing more gratitude.

Can an Unhealthy Soul Tie Become Healthy?

Unhealthy soul bonds can definitely heal, but they require significant effort from both people. Individuals must be willing to reexamine boundaries, acknowledge their wrongdoings, and take proactive steps toward change. For healing to occur, both individuals must be willing to set boundaries and make significant changes. Action is key, and change can take time.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you’re struggling to break a soul tie, therapy can provide a safe space to explore your emotions and establish healthy boundaries. Search for a therapist specializing in relationships through an  online therapist directory or use an online therapy platform.