Because of points above, I think those who say they are looking or waiting for their soul mate really mean they are looking or waiting for someone with whom love, relationship, and intimacy will happen instantly. Unfortunately, as I said, this very rarely has a happy ending. Relationships are not about instant gratification and instantly knowing whether you are "meant to be" with someone.

A healthier, more realistic, and more successful notion is one where you and your partner grow to become "soul mates." In other words, you grow to be in love with one another, to know each other intimately, to cherish and support each other, to share closeness unequal to other relationships. And this can only happen with time.

How do you grow into "soul mates?" Here are some ideas:

* When meeting potential partners, do not look for an instant feeling of recognition or a strong connection. Instead look for a subtle attraction and a subtle connection.

* While dating, take time to become good friends and get to know each other. Do not assume you know person you are dating before you have been with him or her for at least 6 months.

* Emphasize excellent communication right from beginning. Establish a standard of communication both of you are comfortable with, and hold each other to that standard.

* Accept each other for who you are. Neither of you will be exactly like other, nor will you do things in exactly same ways.

* Accept and appreciate each other's shortcomings even as you accept and appreciate each other's good qualities. No one is perfect - not even your soul mate.

Your Relationship Coach, Rinatta Paries www.WhatItTakes.com

(c) Rinatta Paries, 1998-2002. Do you know how to attract your ideal mate? Do you know how to build a fulfilling relationship, or how to reinvent yours to meet your needs? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a "true love magnet(tm)!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Your Daily Bath Ritual to Ease Your Broken Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prepare your aromatherapy blend by adding following essential oils to a 10-oz bottle and filling with organic vegetable oil:

· 4 drops Rose Essential Oil · 15 drops Sandalwood Oil · 9 drops Lavender Oil --------------------- Order what you need to create blend yourself: ===> http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html OR Order it ready-to-use! ===> http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/featured.html ---------------------

Run some warm water for your bath and add 10 drops of your aromatic blend. Light some candles and turn off lights. Close your eyes and place your hands on your heart. Visualize yourself filled and surrounded by a pink color. Take a few deep breaths. Feel color soothing your being. Say aloud, "I am love myself." Take a few deep breaths again. Soak for at least 15 minutes.

After you get out of bath, pour a few drops of aromatherapy blend into palms of your hands and anoint your heart chakra (the seat of love: healing, grieving, acceptance), and third eye (integrating, detachment, connection with your Higher Self).

In Good Health, Francoise Rapp http://www.AromAlchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!