A recent survey has uncovered that approximately 20% of Americans currently in a relationship do not consider their partner to be their soulmate. This finding emerges from a study conducted by Talker Research, which included responses from 1,279 individuals across the United States. The results indicate a significant divide in perceptions of romantic partnerships, with a majority, or 80%, expressing confidence that their current partner is indeed the right one for them.
Survey Insights on Relationships
The survey, part of a broader lifestyle omnibus, highlighted that a minority of respondents, specifically 14% of women and 11% of men, feel their current partner does not fulfill the role of a soulmate. Interestingly, millennials were identified as the generation most likely to believe in the concept of soulmates, displaying stronger faith in their romantic connections compared to older age groups.
While many respondents are committed to their partners, a notable 16% indicated the presence of someone else in their lives for whom they might leave their current partner, should that individual show romantic interest.
Clinical Psychologist Adam Horvath from Personal Psychology provided context to these findings, explaining the complexity of attraction. He noted that it is common for individuals to fantasize about alternative romantic interests, emphasizing the importance of how one navigates such feelings. “Attraction does not turn off when we say ‘I choose you,’” Horvath said. He elaborated that daydreaming about another person is a typical human experience and does not inherently suggest a failing relationship.
Gender Differences in Relationship Perception
The survey revealed that men are more likely than women to express interest in someone else if that person were to reciprocate. Specifically, 19% of men reported this sentiment compared to 12% of women. Horvath explained that developing feelings for someone outside of a committed relationship is a natural occurrence, rooted in biological instincts.
He cautioned, however, that confusion arises when these fleeting attractions are perceived as meaningful or as a potential escape from one’s current relationship. “When we compare our real partner to a fantasy of someone else, it can indicate something is missing in our existing relationship,” he remarked. This could encompass a desire for playfulness, romance, excitement, or simply the allure of something new.
The methodology of the survey indicates that it was conducted online by Talker Research between August 15 and August 21, 2025, involving a total of 2,000 participants, of which 1,279 were in active relationships. The findings shed light on the dynamics of modern romantic partnerships, reflecting both commitment and the complexities that arise within them.
