When it comes to romantic relationships, "The One" isn't found. They're made. A recent story from BBC titled "The Science of Soulmates: Is there someone out there exactly right for you?" explores the impact of believing in soulmates. What happens when an individual believes there is only one perfect romantic partner for them?
Multiple researchers conclude that the belief can have a problematic impact on romance. Not only is chemistry or "the spark" an imperfect measure for evaluating relationships, but it's also very possible that individuals have multiple prospects for compatible, fulfilling romantic partners.
How, then, is "the One" made? It turns out that "'everyday attentive acts' [turn] out to be much more powerful than grand romantic gestures."
Jason Caroll, the Family Initiative Director at Wheatley Institute and co-author of the cited 2024 report "The Soulmate Trap", notes that "A soulmate is just simply found. It's already pre‑made. But a one and only is something two people carve out together over years of adapting, apologising, and occasionally gritting their teeth...".