The Soulmate System

A set of 31 combined rules, sub-rules, and overarching themes that determine who, how you will find, and live with, your Soulmate, starting with a simple coloured Glow from your chest. These guidelines are meant to provide some assistance for New Soulmates, but the process of using and implementing them are different from Soulmate to Soulmate.

Glow

A bioluminescent light emanated from the chest to signify the presence of a Soulmate, Potential or Primary.

Glows usually appear to children between the ages of 8 and 12, the UK average age being 11. This statistic varies between countries.

Glow Colour

The colour your Glow is, which is oftentimes a complimentary colour with your Soulmate (ex. red and green, yellow and purple, etc.), which typically glow like a beating heart, brightening and dimming over a short period of time.

Some have suggested the colour is a physical representation of one's aura, though not enough research has been devoted to this theory. 

Glow Feeling

A specific sensation accompanied with a Glow to signify the type of Soulmate. Potential Soulmate Glows are typically negative sensations, while Primary or Secondary Soulmate Glows are more positive.

Glow Feelings work differently for each Soulmate couple. In a 12004 study, the Institute found that the Glow Feeling diminishes when Soulmates feel a sense of contentment with their partners, and occurs more frequently when partners are in prolonged periods of stress and agitation with each other.

Potential Glow

A distinctively dim Glow reserved for distinguishing Potential Soulmates. These Glows, unlike Soulmate Glows, have a generally negative sensation attached to them - chills, nausea, etc. - or even no sensation at all.

Primary/Secondary Soulmate Glow

A distinctive, and noticeably brighter, Glow reserved for distinguishing the presence of a Primary or Secondary Soulmate. These Glows, unlike Potential Soulmate Glows, have a more positive sensation attached to them, ranging from euphoria to simple serenity.

Some have argued that the Soulmate Glow is a means of manipulation for particularly stubborn individuals. Ongoing studies have yet to determine if there is a definitive answer to this claim.

Bauher Genome (A.K.A. 'False Alarm' Glow)

Named for scientist Frederich Bauher for his 11883 discovery, more commonly referred to as the 'False Alarm' Glow.
A genetically defective Glow, unable to distinguish the difference between a Soulmate (predominantly Potential Soulmates) and a stranger, glowing frequently and irregularly; because of this, people with this type of Glow have higher rates of suicide and bullying. People with 'False Alarm' Glows also suffer from public ostracisation because of this genetic defect.

Asch Protection Effect

Typically shortened to the "Asch Effect", it's the first evolutionary change to the Soulmate System, first documented in 12th Century Italy.

The Asch Effect is protection built into the Soulmate System, used by individuals who are experiencing intense emotional or physical duress, 90% of the time, at the hands of their respective Soulmate. In an event that the Asch Effect is triggered, the body immediately goes into a comatose state - metabolism and heart rate slowing, brain activity declining - and the Glow produces a type of wind-barrier to protect the physical body, expelling any potentially dangerous beings or objects away from the individual.

Since its inception, the Soulmate Institute has organized various initiatives and programs to ensure persons experiencing emotional or physical abuse have a place to go to escape, for safety, and to receive help should they require it.

New Soulmates

This defines two individuals who have discovered their connection as Soulmates. This term defines Soulmates from when they find each other, to after a year; after that, they are defined as merely "Soulmates".

Primary Soulmate

This defines your first Soulmate, generally classified as " the person you're supposed to end up with", though this definition is not supported by the Soulmate Institute.

The Institute defines "Primary Soulmate" as "the person who will bring out the best and worst in another, who will encourage growth regardless of romantic or amicable attachments held by either person". This definition defines growth individually and collectively between Soulmates, though this growth varies between couples.

These Soulmates can be separated into "romantic" or "amicable" categories; however, that's determined by the two Soulmates themselves. No two Soulmates relationships are the same, so enjoy the experience.

Secondary Soulmate

This defines your second Soulmate, a sad reality people regularly have to encounter, wherein Potential Soulmates become Secondary overnight.

Secondary Soulmates are present in the instance your Primary Soulmate passes away, with or without their knowledge. In that event, the Soulmate Glow switches to the Secondary Soulmate.

Potential Soulmate

Potential Soulmates are a collection of people who aren't Primary Soulmates but are still regarded as choices wherein an individual chooses not to be with a proper Soulmate, or even as choices before they meet their Soulmates. Potential Soulmates often signify potential Secondary Soulmates as well, though this is in the event that the Primary Soulmate has passed away.

These people can be amicable connections or even romantic ones, but supply no hints who someone's Primary (or Secondary) Soulmate is.

These Soulmates (Primary/Secondary/Potential) can be separated into "romantic" or "amicable" categories; however, that's determined by the two Soulmates themselves. No two Soulmates connections are the same.