Here’s a look into what a karmic relationship is, the common signs you might be in one, and how to know when it’s time to leave. From a spiritual POV, the idea behind karmic relationships is that the two of you made an agreement before your souls entered this lifetime, to help each other on your respective paths. “Very often,” explains relationship counselor Margaret Paul, Ph.D., “there are numerous unresolved issues from past lives. When people open to learning rather than try to control each other, then much healing can occur.” In this way, karmic relationships are like guides or teachers. And usually, they’re temporary. “They’re meant to help you grow at soul level in often difficult push-pull ways,” says Shannon Kaiser, author of The Self-Love Experiment. “But usually they are not intended to last a long time. This is because you are coming together in this life to clear karma between each other. It’s often a balancing out of a bad experience from a past life.” Another sign you may need to escape your karmic relationship? “You don’t trust yourself,” says Kaiser, and you’re staying despite what’s best for your well-being. “If your soul is suffocating, it’s time to take stock and give yourself permission to leave,” she emphasizes. In general, self-love is very important if you realize you may be in a karmic relationship. “If you are ignoring red flags or negotiating with your own feelings of angst, this could be an opportunity to practice self-love and believe in yourself,” she says. “The best thing to do if you think you are in a karmic relationship and it has turned toxic is realize you deserve to be happy and focus on your relationship with self.” Here’s our full guide on when to leave a relationship. For karmic relationships in particular, Kaiser also recommends seeing a medium, psychic, energetic healer, or past-life specialist to learn more about the karma you’re working to balance and clear. “A soulmate is a person and people who are aligned to your soul and can change or influence your soul in so many profound ways,” she says. “They can be friends, family members, even pets. Twin flames, known as twin souls, are literally the other half of your soul, and it always has a divine union with a divine purpose.” RELATED STORY: Soul Mate vs. Twin Flame: What’s The Difference? RELATED STORY: Green Flags: 16 Good Signs In A New Relationship Or Partner
