I can understand the correlation you're making between a mate assigned by the cosmos, a deity, or even some bizarre mythological system to a predetermined existence, Byzantine, and understand your revulsion at the concept. I believe in free will also, however hypocritical that may make me seem as I've been advocating for belief in soul mates throughout this thread. For practical purposes, please allow me to clarify my personal stance on the matter, and it's one of a secular romantic. Perhaps I had been too inundated with fairy tales or pop culture goo growing up an American girl, but it's more likely the assignation of ethereality, poetry, and starlight to a feeling I know can be defined in very stark physiological terms, lending a convenient label to an ideal(ized) person. I realize this label has vast religious and mythological significations, and though they may not be a part of my personal beliefs, I do not begrudge those who make those connections, and I'm not implying you do either, as I am aware of the potentially dialectical nature of conversations on conviction. The aforementioned cultural connotations are part of the reason I was vague in the original line of questions, as I was curious how people would interpret them on a broader basis as well as a personal one.

Thank you, Byzantine, for your rational appraisal of my initial queries; I appreciate your insight and wisdom whenever I encounter them on the forum, and have great respect for what you've offered in this thread as well.