The Viral 'Invisible String Theory' Could Mean You Already Have Ties To Your Soulmate

Ah, soulmates. Whether you call it fate, destiny, or serendipity, for those who believe in soulmates, these are the pathways to them — and a lot of people do believe. According to a 2021 YouGov poll, 60% of U.S. adults "believe in the idea of soulmates," with 64% of those people being women and 55% being men. But what's cool about soulmates is that there isn't just one type, and they don't always find each other the same way. That's where the "invisible string theory" comes into play for those hopeless romantics out there.

Although Taylor Swift shined a light on this concept with her song "Invisible String," it's hardly new. While in Swift's song, the invisible thread is gold, in Asian cultures, it's a red string, also known as the Red String of Fate. According to a Chinese proverb, "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break" (via Entertainment Weekly).

Like all things in our culture, the invisible string theory made its way to TikTok and has become somewhat of a viral sensation. People are posting videos about the invisible string that has connected them to their soulmate, sometimes for years unknowingly, before they finally got together. For some, their soulmate was there the whole time; it was only when the timing was right, the stars were aligned, and the universe gave it the go-ahead that these couples finally got together. In other words, you could already be invisibly tied to your soulmate.

Soulmates can be tricky business, especially for those who believe in them. But when it comes to the invisible string theory, it's about paying attention to the people presently in your life and those who have come and gone. For all you know, your soulmate could be the person you grew up a block away from but never met, the person who sat in front of you in college that you never talked to, or someone who works in the building across the way from where you work right now. Like the case of content creator @mothmansfavoritespoonie as described in a TikTok video, maybe you and your soulmate have gone to the same concerts — and didn't even know it at the time.

Even if it takes a while to meet, your souls are attached through the string. In fact, you could be considered soul ties. "You could have known each other in a past life, be from the same soul family, or simply have a soul contract to meet up in this lifetime and have some type of relationship or experience together," professional intuitive and author of "Self-Care for Empaths," Tanya Carroll Richardson, tells Mindbodygreen. This concept relies on the idea that it's the universe's job to make sure soulmates eventually find each other, no matter how long it takes. So, while you can take advantage of this theory by paying attention, you ultimately have to wait until the universe decides it's time.

Take a look at the person whom you believe is your soulmate. Do your pasts overlap in ways that are unique and feel like something else played a role in your coming together? Is there a connection that's deeper than what you've had with others? Was your path to each other complicated, but now everything feels right? Or, perhaps you are noticing that you and your partner share similarities in terms of events, happenings, and locations from your childhood, where you could have easily crossed paths but didn't. If yes, then there's a good chance you and your soulmate came together through the invisible string theory.

The journey to finding your soulmate through the invisible string theory doesn't have to be perfect; according to the proverb, it's all about timing. "A soulmate isn't always wrapped in the perfect package, physically or in terms of life circumstances — nor does it mean that the relationship will come without challenges," intuitive and love coach Kailen Rosenberg tells HuffPost. "Yet, the difference is that the life circumstances and the difficult challenges are a strengthening power that becomes the glue that keeps you together through the difficult times and helps each of you become your most authentic self."

As the proverb says, you carefully followed the string unknowingly, and now here you are, exactly where you're supposed to be with your soulmate by your side. And you're right on time.