I think you raise a valid point, salukigirl, about the potential variety of soul mates, in that a soul mate does not necessarily have to be an individual with whom one is linked romantically. I remember talking to a therapist on a company help line who'd asked me something very similar: "Don't you believe soul mates come in many forms? How could you possibly have just the one?" I was very distraught when I'd spoken with her, so I agreed in a superficial capacity to keep the conversation going, but her words stuck with me. Deep bonds that resonate beyond the expectations of any given relationship certainly exist, so it's difficult to believe that romantic partnerships are the only realm in which the term soul mate is applicable.

That "soul mate feeling" to which you refer is possible, I believe, with a lot of hard work and dedication. That's not to say I don't realize that people change and relationships have their trying times, but that's where the effort comes in. I do think it's possible to maintain an abiding love for a partner through many, many years and keep a relationship intriguing in a worthwhile sense. Again, attentiveness, willingness, and hard work are the only way--and yes, I speak from experience.

Thank you for your perspective, salukigirl.