What Is a Kindred Spirit?

• A kindred spirit is a person who you have a lot in common with, like shared passions or values, and who you get along with easily.
• You’ll know you’ve met a kindred spirit by the quick connection you feel, the way they make you feel at-home, and the way they push you to be better.
• Your kindred spirits will also be there for you when you most need them, and have no trouble understanding your emotions or motivations.

What are kindred spirits?

Kindred spirits are people who share the same values and interests. These shared qualities make for an easy emotional and even spiritual connection. Kindred spirits might also share goals, personality traits, or outlooks on life. A kindred spirit is also someone who shares your energy and vibe, and with whom you feel you can be yourself. Kindred spirits are often said to be a kind of “karmic relationship,” or a relationship that your soul develops over many lifetimes. Kindred spirits can be romantic or platonic. Your relationships with them might last a long time, or may be fleeting. Kindred spirits often serve to provide companionship and inspiration to your life, and push you to grow as a person.

Signs You’ve Found a Kindred Spirit

You have a lot in common with them. You and your kindred spirits share many opinions, interests, values, and goals in life. You might also share personality traits, your sense of humor, or even your physical or verbal mannerisms. This makes conversation pretty effortless—sometimes, you might even finish each other’s sentences. In many ways, it often feels like you’re cut from the same cloth. Sometimes, meeting someone can feel almost like looking into a mirror. That distinct, striking feeling is a telltale sign you’ve met a kindred spirit.

You feel a profound connection with them. In a spiritual sense, you often feel an intimate and intense bond with your kindred spirits. That bond isn’t always immediate (though it often is), but when it happens, you have no doubt that it’s there. It feels like the universe put this person in your path just so that you could meet them, and so that they could meet you. Also, meeting a kindred spirit often feels like meeting an old friend you never knew you had. They seem familiar, and you feel like you immediately understand them and where they come from.

You have a shared energy and can sense their emotions. You and your kindred spirits have a lot in common, but that commonality often permeates deep into your soul. You’re on very similar life paths, and so you find them easy to read, and they find it easy to read you. Both of you always have a good grasp on what each other is thinking and feeling, and why. Your kindred spirits also help you to better understand your own emotions and motivation by observing theirs. You might recognize things that frustrate or sadden them as things that also affect you emotionally.

They make you feel comfortable and at-home. Even in the early stages of your relationship, your kindred spirits feel like old friends. When you see them and spend time with them, you feel at ease and comfortable, and you have no trouble being yourself or saying how you really feel or what you really think. You know that no matter what you do, you’ll be accepted and your feelings will be considered thoughtfully. Being around your kindred spirits also has a calming physical effect. Whenever you’re in their company, you can feel your body relax and your mood lift.

They bring out the best in you. You and your kindred spirits are constantly pushing each other to learn and grow, both physically and spiritually. When one of your kindred spirits succeeds, rather than feeling jealous, you feel overjoyed and proud, and they feel the same way about your victories. Together, you feel you’re heading toward your goals and dreams. Your kindred spirits also hold you accountable for your less-than-perfect moments. They encourage you to investigate your bad habits or unkind thoughts, and push you to reconsider them.

You support each other through thick and thin. Your kindred spirits are one of your most vital support systems in life. When you’re faced with trouble, you know that they’ll be some of the first people you turn to for help. Likewise, you don’t hesitate to come to the aid of your kindred spirits. They make you feel like, no matter what happens, you’ll always have a safety net to fall back on.

It’s easy to reconnect with them. Seeing your kindred spirits feels like a homecoming. No matter how much time you’ve spent away from each other, or how long it’s been since you last spoke, you can settle in and talk just like old times. That’s because, even as you’ve both grown, your shared interests and values have probably made you grow in similar ways, so you still understand your kindred spirit even after some time away.

Kindred Spirits vs Twin Flames vs Soulmates

Twin flames Twin flames are people who are essentially two parts of the same soul. They complete each other, and each person only has one twin flame. You have many kindred spirits, but kindred spirits don’t share the same soul. Kindred spirits are characterized by shared interests or traits, while twin flames are characterized by shared destinies or fates. You’ll recognize your twin flame by the major life shift you feel when you meet them, or the way you feel like they complete you. Meeting kindred spirits, on the other hand, is often more casual, but no less important. Also, twin flames are forever—even if you end up separated, your bond persists. Kindred spirits, on the other hand, tend to come and go.

Soulmates Soulmates are people that are destined to meet and have a serious relationship. Fate brings you together, and your souls complement each other. Kindred spirits aren’t destined to be together, though they may attract each other. Also, soulmates often share a romantic relationship—kindred spirits can be romantic, but are often platonic. You’ll recognize your soulmate by the undeniable way they draw you in. Unlike kindred spirits, they might be pretty different from you, but you get the sense you were meant to be together, anyway.

Finding Kindred Spirits

Participate in your hobbies and passions. Your kindred spirits share many of your own interests, values, and goals, so the best way to find your kindred spirits is to keep doing the things you’re passionate about. Like-minded people will take notice and want to join you, and before you know it, you’ll gather a community of kindred spirits who love the things you love. For example, if you love to read or write, join a writer’s group or start a book club to give yourself opportunities to meet like-minded people.

Ask people questions about themselves. It’s hard to find out if another person shares your passions (and might be a kindred spirit) if you don’t put yourself out there. Asking other people questions about themselves is a great way to learn more about them—most people like talking about themselves, anyway! Ask new acquaintances what they like to do for fun, if they have any goals they’re working toward, or what they think about a particular current event or something in the news. For example, say, “Tell me more about your hobbies!” and follow up with questions like, “How did you find out you like doing that?” or, “Do you practice your hobbies with other people?”

Be yourself around new acquaintances. Everyone wants to make a good first impression, but sometimes wanting to make a good first impression makes us awkward, or we forget to act like ourselves. The only way to meet genuine kindred spirits is to be yourself and show them who you really are, though, so that they know you’re someone who really shares their passions. Relax and do your thing, and like-minded people will flock around you. Overcome social anxiety by taking a few deep breaths any time you feel nervous. Also, listen to your go-to “pump-up” song before a function to boost your confidence.

Make an effort to maintain your new friendships. Your connection with your kindred spirits might be immediate and even intense, but that doesn’t mean you can go autopilot on the relationship. For a friendship or even a romantic relationship to work, you need to express interest and put effort into maintaining the relationship. Invite your new acquaintance to hang out, grab coffee, catch a movie, or even do your hobbies together to let them know you want to form a lasting bond.