It is said, “People come for a reason in your life." Have you ever faced someone who feels like a part of you, even when they have gone? This can be a former partner, a best friend, or a toxic relationship. This intensive emotional and spiritual relationship is often known as a soul tie. You might wonder, what is a soul tie or ask, whats a soul tie really about?
A soul tie definition describes it as a deep emotional, physical, mental, or spiritual connection between two people. It’s like an invisible thread that ties two souls together, influencing thoughts, emotions, and even life decisions.The soul tie meaning goes beyond romance. These ties can form with family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and even pets. Throughout our lives, we may form multiple soul tie—some empowering, others draining.While healthy soul tie uplift us with support and love, others may trap us in toxic patterns. Recognizing when a soul tie is no longer serving your well-being is essential. In such cases, it’s crucial to learn how to break a soul tie to regain emotional and spiritual freedom.
“Some ties are beautiful and life-affirming, helping us grow and heal, while others are messy, toxic, or leave us feeling stuck,” says a psychotherapis
“But whether they’re nurturing or challenging, soul ties are always an opportunity to learn something about ourselves. They act as mirrors, reflecting our own patterns, fears, and desires, often in ways we don’t fully understand until we step back and take a closer look.”
The idea of the soul tie is not new. Various cultures have talked about the relationship between souls for age. For example, some original tribes believe that all of us got an invisible soul that we connect with people whom we care. Also in ancient Egypt, he thought that Ka and Ba, or a person's soul and personality, may be different and join with someone else.
The term “soul tie” isn’t explicitly mentioned in scripture, but the concept is evident throughout the Bible. While the idea of deep spiritual and emotional connections exists in biblical teachings, the term itself first originated in New Age belief systems and was later adopted by some Christian communities.
In Christianity, soul tie are referenced in relation to deep emotional or spiritual connections formed through relationships, particularly in 1 Samuel 18:1 (Jonathan and David’s bond) and Genesis 2:24 ("two shall become one flesh").
Though often discussed in religious contexts, but it applies to anyone, regardless of spiritual or religious beliefs. It became widely popular in the early 2000s as part of efforts to help people recognize and break free from unhealthy or toxic relationships
A soul tie is a deep emotional or spiritual bond that can be formed with friends, family or romantic partners. It can be positive or toxic, often a strong enclosure, emotional dependence, or leading to difficulty in leaving.
It is believed that a twin flame is a mirror of your soul, a relationship that pushes you to self-development and growth.
The soul tie connection can be divided into separate categories, Each is formed in a slightly different way
Physical Soul Tie – Physical intimacy, especially in romantic or sexual relationships, often creates a powerful soul tie. This kind of connection goes beyond the physical and forms a deep emotional bond that can be incredibly hard to break—even after the relationship ends.
Emotional Soul Tie – When we share deep emotional connections with someone—like the love between close friends or family members—a soul tie can naturally form. These emotional bonds often grow from moments of vulnerability, mutual support, or life-changing experiences. They tend to stay with us, lingering in both our hearts and minds.
Mental Soul Tie – A mental soul tie develops when two people are intellectually in sync or deeply influence each other’s thoughts and beliefs. This kind of tie can subtly shape how we think, the decisions we make, and even how we see the world—without us always realizing it.
Spiritual Soul Tie – This type of connection is formed through shared spiritual experiences like prayer, worship, or deep mentorship. It often carries a profound sense of meaning or divine alignment—like your souls are walking a similar path or purpose.
Covenantal Soul Tie – Soul tie can also be created through formal commitments, such as vows, promises, or spiritual covenants made between individuals. These ties often feel binding and long-lasting, and breaking them usually requires deep intention and healing work.
A healthy soul tie brings emotional support, mutual growth, and a meaningful connection. Here are some clear signs that you’ve formed a positive soul-tie relationship:
Happy and Energetic – You feel genuinely happy, energized, and uplifted after spending time with them. Their presence motivates and inspires you, instead of draining you.
Deep Feeling of Comfort and Safety – You feel emotionally safe, valued, and secure in the relationship. A positive soul tie offers a strong sense of peace and emotional stability.
Express Yourself Freely – You’re able to be your true self without fear of judgment, criticism, or rejection. The connection encourages honest and deep conversations built on trust.
Mutual Respect and Support – You both respect each other’s individuality, choices, and personal growth. There’s no need for control or manipulation—only genuine encouragement.
Unconditional Love and Acceptance – You feel accepted for who you are, flaws and all. There’s no pressure to change—just love, understanding, and appreciation.
Emotional and Spiritual Development – A positive soul tie supports your emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. You inspire each other to become better versions of yourselves.
Strong Emotional and Empathetic Connection – You understand each other’s emotions deeply and can offer support without always needing words. This emotional closeness builds a strong, lasting bond.
Freedom – A healthy soul tie gives you space to be yourself. You feel free to pursue your passions, goals, and personal development without restriction.
While soul tie can create deep and meaningful connections, an unhealthy soul tie can be destructive and emotionally drainage. When a soul tie becomes toxic, it can lead to intense jealousy, possessiveness, and codependency.
Emotional Dependence – You rely heavily on the other person for emotional balance. Without their approval or presence, you feel incomplete or lost. Over time, this emotional dependence can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
Stunted Growth – An unhealthy soul tie can hold you back from growing. You might find it hard to make decisions on your own, miss out on new opportunities, or feel stuck in a cycle of codependency.
Loss of Self-Identity – You start to lose sight of who you are. Your opinions, daily choices, and even your sense of self begin to revolve around the other person—like you're living in their shadow.
Toxic Patterns, Manipulation, and Control – These types of soul tie often include emotional manipulation, controlling behaviors, or even emotional abuse. You may feel trapped or constantly walking on eggshells.
Spiritual Consequences – You feel emotionally drained, anxious, or disconnected from your inner peace. This kind of soul tie can block your spiritual and emotional growth, leaving you feeling restless or lost.
Neglecting Self-Care – You start putting their needs far above your own. You may stop doing things you love, let go of self-care routines, and sacrifice your happiness, health, and emotional well-being.
Difficulty Letting Go – Even when you realize the connection is toxic or harmful, it’s incredibly hard to walk away. You might feel emotionally stuck or tied to them in ways you can't explain.
Breaking an unhealthy soul tie is often seen as a process of spiritual and energetic healing. It is essential for your emotional health. Some common stages that can help are
Acknowledge the Unhealthy Soul-Tie Connection
The first step is awareness. Recognize that you're in an unhealthy soul tie and make a conscious decision to let it go. Try to understand what makes the connection toxic and how it's affecting your emotional, mental, or spiritual well-being.
Cut Contact and Set Boundaries
Creating distance is essential. Set clear emotional and physical boundaries—even if it's difficult. This might mean limiting or completely cutting off contact with the person. Avoid seeing them, unfollow or block them on social media, and if needed, block their number. Protecting your space is a powerful form of self-respect.
Seek Professional Assistance
Sometimes, the emotional layers run deep, and you might need help navigating them. Speaking with a therapist or counselor can provide clarity, healing strategies, and tools to help you break free from the soul tie in a healthy, supported way.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Healing happens faster when you're around uplifting energy. Spend time with people who love and support you—friends and family who help restore your spirit, boost your confidence, and offer honest, helpful perspective on the situation.
Practice Self-Care
Reconnect with yourself. Engage in things that bring you joy and peace—whether it’s yoga, meditation, journaling, nature walks, or creative hobbies. Prioritizing your well-being will help restore balance in your life and rebuild your identity outside the soul tie.
Forgive Yourself and the Other Person
Forgiveness is a key part of release. It's not about excusing hurtful behavior, but about freeing yourself from lingering anger, guilt, or resentment. Letting go emotionally allows you to move forward with peace, clarity, and strength.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) instructs us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Definitely the unhealthy soul tie can become healthy, but they require efforts from the both people. They need to re examine boundaries, acknowledge their mistakes, and take steps toward change. Action is key, and change can take time.
If you’re struggling in how 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.
How do you know if you have soul ties with someone?
There would be a soul tie if you feel a strong connection to someone, can’t stop thinking about them, share intense experiences, feel dependent on them, or they influence your well-being majorly.
What are the four types of soul ties?
Soul ties are those deep connections that may be of emotional, physical, spiritual, or social. Emotional in the sense of strong relation and bonding; physical in terms of sexual intimacy; spiritual in religious or energized bonding; and social includes friendships or mentorships.
What is the disadvantage of soul ties?
When a person has unhealthy soul ties it could turn into emotional bondage toxic attachments difficulty moving on and blurred personal boundaries hindering personal growth.
What do soul ties do to people?
Soul ties create deep emotional connections that can foster love and growth or lead to emotional distress, dependency, and difficulty maintaining independence in toxic relationships.
