Most Americans believe in soulmates

Jamie BallardData Journalist
January 16, 2020, 4:30 PM GMT+0

America is full of romantics.

Recent data from YouGov finds that over half (56%) of US adults say that they believe in the idea of soulmates. About one-quarter (25%) do not believe in soulmates, while about one in five (19%) are unsure.

If you live in the South, you’re particularly likely to believe in soulmates. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of US adults living in the South believe in soulmates, along with 57 percent of Northeast residents and exactly half (50%) of those who live in the Midwest or the West.

Though majorities in all age groups say they believe in soulmates, young Americans are especially likely to doubt that soulmates exist. About three in 10 (31%) 18-to 24-year-olds say they don’t believe in soulmates. Only one-quarter of 25-to 44-year-olds say the same, while even fewer adults 45 and older say the same.

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YouGov’s research also finds that many Americans believe that they’ve successfully found their soulmate and locked them down, so to speak.

When asked if they believe they’ve met their soulmate, 43 percent responded: “Yes, and I’m currently in a relationship with them.” Another 8 percent believe they’ve met their soulmate, but they aren’t currently in a relationship with them.



Meanwhile, 12 percent are holding out hope for the future, saying they haven’t met their soulmate yet, but believe that they will. Roughly one in five (19%) say they haven’t met their soulmate and don’t believe they will.

Men (46%) are more likely than women (40%) to say they’ve met their soulmate, and are currently dating/married to them. Adults over 55, who of course have had the most time to find their perfect match, are especially likely (47%) to say they’re currently in a relationship with their soulmate.

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Related: 17% of people using dating apps/websites are there to cheat on their partner

Image: The Gender Spectrum Collection

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