Kindred Spirits: What They Are and Why They Matter

A kindred spirit is someone who shares the same interests, thoughts, beliefs, feelings, values, and attitudes as you. When you meet your kindred spirit, chances are you will hit it off immediately, as you recognize your spirit and energy in each other.

In this article, we explore the idea of kindred spirits, signs that indicate you might have found one, and the various roles they may play in your life.

What Is a Kindred Spirit?

A connection with a kindred spirit may be fleeting, where you spend only a brief time together but share an intense bond. Or, it may be lifelong, where you manage to maintain a strong connection despite time or distance, says Dr. Romanoff. 

Even if you do not see one another for a long time, reuniting with a kindred spirit often feels like no time has passed. You can easily pick up your relationship right where you left off.

Signs You’ve Found a Kindred Spirit

These are some signs you’ve found a kindred spirit:

• Common interests: Kindred spirits generally have a lot in common with each other, says Dr. Romanoff. For instance, you may share the same hobbies, opinions, or values.
• Immediate connection: Kindred spirits tend to recognize each other quickly and form an immediate connection. You may have a sense that you know them, regardless of how new they are to your life, says Dr. Romanoff.
• Strong bond: Kindred spirits tend to form strong bonds with each other that often transcend time and distance, says Dr. Romanoff.
• Shared energy: Kindred spirits often have a unique, shared energy that stems from having the same beliefs and passions. It can feel like you’re able to read their mood or mind, says Dr. Romanoff, probably because you’re often thinking or feeling the same thing.
• High degree of comfort: Kindred spirits tend to experience a high degree of comfort with each other. You may feel safe and calm in their presence, and have a high degree of trust in them, even if you’ve just recently met, says Dr. Romanoff.
• Mutual support: Kindred spirits are often a strong source of support for each other because they understand each other’s perspective better than others might, says Dr. Romanoff.

Do You Fall in Love With Your Kindred Spirit?

For instance, you might find a kindred spirit in a sibling, cousin, or grandparent, whom you feel aligned with, Dr. Romanoff explains. “It could also be a friend you meet in a workout class, a stranger at an event, a colleague at work, or a fellow traveler on a journey, whom you recognize as having a common passion or energy.”

In fact, a kindred spirit is often described as a partner in crime or a lifelong friend rather than a romantic partner or a soulmate. “While falling in love is a possibility, kindred spirits typically have a very strong friendship,” says Dr. Romanoff. You might care about the person or even love them, without necessarily being in love with them.

That said, it’s not impossible to fall in love with a kindred spirit who is a potential romantic partner. The deep connection and shared sense of understanding amongst kindred spirits can be a strong foundation for a relationship.

How Are Kindred Spirits Different From Twin Flames or Soulmates?

Kindred spirits are not exactly the same as soulmates or twin flames. 

For starters, soulmates and twin flames are limited to romantic relationships, whereas kindred spirits can also include friendships, familial relationships, and other types of platonic relationships.

Furthermore, soulmates and twin flames are characterized by love, romance, and passion, whereas, kindred spirits are characterized by common interests and a shared sense of understanding.

In fact, people who are soulmates or twin flames can be complementary opposites; whereas, kindred spirits are usually very similar to each other, says Dr. Romanoff.

What Role Does a Kindred Spirit Play in Your Life?

A kindred spirit can play many important roles in your life. They can offer:

• Companionship: Kindred spirits can offer enjoyable companionship. Participating in shared interests together can be fun and engaging. Research shows that companionship provides happiness, social satisfaction, and greater psychological well-being.
• Validation: A kindred spirit often shares the same beliefs, which can be validating. They can be a safe space for you to express yourself authentically and offer a deep sense of belonging. Emotional validation can help you feel seen, heard, and accepted.
• Emotional support: A kindred spirit can be a strong support system, says Dr. Romanoff. The person tends to understand you on a deeper level, without the need for lengthy explanations. A 2022 study notes that emotional support can help protect against negative emotions like fear, distress, and loneliness.
• Inspiration: A kindred spirit can introduce you to new ideas and experiences related to your shared interests, which can broaden your horizons and motivate you to pursue your goals. They can inspire you to take risks that can help you achieve what you really want in life, says Dr. Romanoff.
• Personal growth: Often, kindred spirits hold up a mirror for us to learn more about ourselves, be more self-aware, and grow as people, says Dr. Romanoff.