Soul Ties: Types, Signs, & How to Break Them

What Are Soul Ties?

Soul ties are profound spiritual connections shared with someone else that generally transcend the closeness in a typical relationship. A soul tie can cause you to feel incredibly attached to a person, and life without them becomes hard to imagine.

Soul Ties Vs. Twin Flames

Although soul ties and twin flames are terms often used interchangeably, they are different types of bonds. A soul tie is a deep and intimate connection that may happen more than once in a lifetime. A twin flame, on the other hand, is a highly intense relationship. Many people often believe a greater source intentionally designs twin flames to be the other half of a person’s soul.

Types of Soul Ties

No two soul ties are identical because no two connections are the same. Some people classify soul types based on distinguishing characteristics and the types of relationships. Soul ties can be romantic or platonic, shared between family members or non-relatives, and they can range from being healthy and stable to extremely dangerous.

The four types of soul ties include:

• Physical: Physical soul ties often involve physical connection, including sexual chemistry.
• Emotional: Emotional soul ties usually entail strong feelings of closeness and attachment.
• Mental: Mental soul ties refer to connections based on shared interests, intellectualism, and a deep sense of kinship.
• Spiritual: Spiritual soul ties are often connected to mutual religious or spiritual beliefs.

How Are Soul Ties Created?

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 occur, both people must equally feel the gravity of the relationship.

Common Signs of a Soul Tie

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
• Feeling an intense sense of safety in their presence
• Having the desire to be vulnerable when you’re around them
• Experiencing a level of protectiveness over their well-being
• Feeling like you can truly be yourself
• Experiencing mutual feelings of empathy and respect for one another
• Having the desire to nurture the relationship as best you can
• Feeling like you’re deeply understood
• Wanting to include them in your life as much as possible

Signs of an unhealthy soul tie include:¹

• Experiencing separation anxiety when you’re apart from one another
• Becoming jealous of their other relationships or hobbies
• Relying on them for sole emotional support
• Stalking their whereabouts or daily activities
• Feeling judged or depleted after spending time together
• Feeling like you’ve profoundly changed your identity due to your relationship
• Experiencing a deep sense of loneliness or emptiness without them
• Sacrificing other relationships or hobbies for only this relationship
• Feeling pressured to do things you don’t want to do for the sake of the other person

The Dangers of Soul Ties

Soul bonding can closely mimic a codependent or abusive relationship.² If this is the case, you may feel trapped and resentful. Staying in this dynamic can cause significant distress to your emotional well-being and impact other parts of your life, including your relationships, hobbies, and ability to practice self-care.

How to Break Unhealthy Soul Ties

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, consider writing them down or talking them out with another trusted loved one or a therapist.

2. Identify Other Support

Your other loved ones can help you during this vulnerable time, even if you think your soul tie is the only person who truly understands you. You may feel tempted to self-isolate, but try to prioritize staying connected. 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

Many people find adjusting their daily habits can help after breaking a soul tie, especially if there’s a chance of running into this person. Make sure that 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. Talk isn’t enough–action needs to follow. Remember that change may take time, and there’s no guarantee the relationship will recover.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you’re struggling with an unhealthy soul tie, therapy can help. Therapy offers a safe place to unpack your emotions and needs while exploring boundaries. Look for a therapist with experience in treating relationship issues. You can start your search using an online therapist directory or an online therapy platform.

In My Experience

Relationships can be incredibly nuanced, and sometimes it’s hard to tell if a dynamic is healthy. It may be time to step back if you feel obsessed with someone else or enmeshed with their life. Therapy can help you explore your concerns and realign yourself with your own identity.