13 Telltale Signs You're in a Karmic Relationship

Download Article

Identifying the signs & stages of this powerful connection to see if you've met your karmic partner

Co-authored by Joanna Gerard and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: April 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Stages of a Karmic Relationship

|

Karmic Relationship Signs

|

Karmic vs Soulmate vs Twin Flame Relationship

|

Expert Interview

|

Expert Q&A

Have you ever felt an instant connection to someone you’ve just met, almost like you’ve known them your entire life? If so, they might be your karmic partner. While a karmic relationship is passionate and healing, it can also be quite toxic, making it a complicated situation for everyone involved. In this article, we’re going over all the stages and signs that you’re in a karmic relationship (plus, how to tell the differences between other common soul connections).

Things You Should Know

Karmic partners are two souls drawn together to resolve karma from a previous life. Since they're only meant to heal each other’s wounds, their relationship is temporary.
At the beginning of a karmic relationship, you feel an instant and intense connection to your partner.
As a karmic relationship progresses, it often becomes toxic—you may feel unsafe, disrespected, or emotionally drained around your partner.
Once you’re able to recognize the unhealthy patterns in your relationship, it's time to break the karmic cycle and leave your partner.

Section 1 of 3:

Stages of a Karmic Relationship

Download Article

1
You have a gut feeling that you’re about to meet someone important. At the beginning of a karmic relationship, you usually experience an indescribable feeling that your life is about to change. Since you’re approaching a powerful connection, you might have specific dreams about your partner or feel like you’re bound to meet them.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- To tune into your intuition, get in touch with yourself and journal your dreams—the Universe might drop clues about how or when you meet your partner if there are any recurring symbols or scenes.
- If you can’t tell the difference between fear and intuition, reflect on how your emotions. While fear makes you feel anxious or overwhelmed, intuition is often described as calming.
2
You meet your karmic partner by chance or coincidence. In karmic relationships, you’re likely to run into your partner in a random or unusual way—maybe you bump into them when you take another route to work, or you lock eyes with them in the middle of a crowd. No matter where or how you meet, you feel like your encounter must be fate.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Since you’ve met your partner in a previous life, you may experience feelings of déjà vu when you see them again.
- When you meet for the first time, you might feel a strong desire to help your karmic partner because your soul recognizes this is the beginning of a healing journey.
Advertisement
3
You develop intense, passionate feelings toward your partner. One of the main aspects of a karmic relationship is the extreme level of romance you experience in the early stages. Many people describe this relationship as an otherworldly connection, where both partners become attached to each other quickly.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- During this stage, you might feel like things are too good to be true or you’re experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.
4
You start to have problems with your partner. In the fourth stage of your karmic relationship, things change rapidly: you might argue more frequently, or you may notice your partner always puts their needs first. Unlike the early stages of your relationship, you feel angry or resentful towards them because they’re being selfish.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- During an argument, try to calm yourself down. Even if your partner is acting irrationally, give yourself a moment to breathe and walk away from the situation for 10 minutes if you need to regroup.
5
You notice your partner repeats their negative behavior. Does every fight end the same? Or, is your partner unwilling to change their ways? If so, you’ve reached the peak of your karmic relationship. During this stage, the karmic cycle is trying to get your attention so you can reflect on your relationship and break the pattern.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Remember that you can’t “fix” others, especially if they’re not willing to change or compromise.
6
You begin to question your relationship. After all the ups and downs of your relationship, you’re able to step back and recognize your partner's behavior is toxic. Since you’re emotionally drained (and your partner is unlikely to change), you wonder whether your relationship is even worth it.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- To determine whether you’re being mistreated, reflect on how you feel around your partner. If you’re always exhausted or upset after you speak to them, interpret it as a sign that you’re in an unhealthy relationship.
7
You decide to take action to end your relationship. While leaving your partner is scary, you know deep in your heart that you’re not in a healthy relationship. By breaking free of your partner, you now understand why your relationship was never meant to last—a karmic relationship is supposed to help you resolve your karma from a previous life (and it isn’t rooted in pure love).^{[7]
X
Research source}
- When ending your relationship, practice what you want to say before confronting your partner. You might want to rehearse with a trusted friend or family member so you don’t freeze up in the middle of your breakup.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Have I Met My Twin Flame?

Legend says that when our souls are made, they’re too powerful to fit inside just one body. So instead, they’re split between two people who are destined to find each other. Your twin flame inspires you to grow. They’ll pull you in like a magnetic force, and you might never be the same. Have you met yours? Click “Start Quiz” to find out.

1 of 12

“When I met my partner, I felt like we’d known each other forever.”

This is exactly how I feel.

We formed a deep bond super quickly, but maybe not immediately.

They made me smile right away, but I didn’t feel like we already knew each other.

I didn’t feel this way at all.

Section 2 of 3:

Karmic Relationship Signs

Download Article

When you meet your karmic partner for the first time, it feels like you’ve known them your entire life. Unlike other relationships, you’re immediately at ease, and you want to share things that you’ve never opened up about.^{[8]
X
Research source}
Since two souls are colliding together, there’s an explosive energy that ignites the second you lock eyes with your partner. The emotional, physical, and sexual chemistry you have with them is on another level, and you want to be around them all the time because you can’t get enough.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Despite your magnetic connection, you might feel like something’s off the moment you meet your partner. While you can’t pinpoint what’s wrong in the beginning stages of your relationship, it could be your intuition warning you of the turbulent journey you’re about to experience.^{[10]
X
Research source}
Since a karmic relationship isn’t rooted in love, the only thing drawing two souls together is intense, passionate energy. While this feels exciting in the early stages of your relationship, it fizzles out as soon as you resolve your karma (and you may become bored with your partner prior to breaking up).^{[11]
X
Research source}
As your relationship progresses, you might lose yourself in the process because you’re deeply attached to your partner. If you feel like you can’t live without them, you could start to project your self-worth onto your partner and sacrifice your needs to ensure they’re happy.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Since the purpose of a karmic relationship is to clear old wounds, the energy of two souls coming together is dramatic and chaotic. You might break up and make up with your partner more times than you can count, experiencing an entire lifetime’s worth of emotions in a short period.^{[13]
X
Research source}
With all the drama and conflict in your relationship, you may not trust your partner entirely. If you’re scared they’re going to abandon you (or you fear that the relationship will end in flames), interpret your feelings as a sign that you’re in an unhealthy karmic relationship.^{[14]
X
Research source}
If you can’t trust your partner, you might be unable to communicate your needs and desires, leading to more issues in your relationship. This could be your karmic cycle telling you to learn from this experience and work on communicating effectively (so you can apply this in future relationships).^{[15]
X
Research source}
In the middle of a karmic relationship, your partner may stop listening to you altogether. Since they don’t care about your opinions or feelings, they might begin to cut you off in conversation or walk out in the middle of a disagreement. This unhealthy behavior becomes their new normal, feeding into the karmic cycle of negative patterns. ^{[16]
X
Research source}
In a karmic connection, your partner may have the upper hand, allowing them to easily manipulate you. Since your partner is making all the decisions, it can increase codependency in your relationship, and you may begin to feel guilty about yourself.^{[17]
X
Research source}
A karmic relationship is an emotional rollercoaster, marked by incredible highs and lows. Since things are never consistent, you may feel like you’re going crazy in your relationship—one moment you’re happy, the next moment you’re irritated, worried, or sad.^{[18]
X
Research source}
Due to the drama and heaviness of your relationship, you may become physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted with your partner. This might feel like you’re carrying the weight of the relationship, especially if you aren’t taking the time to take care of yourself and prioritize your own needs.^{[19]
X
Research source}
Unlike other soul connections, a karmic partner only mirrors your bad qualities, and you may become more negative, hurtful, or toxic over the course of your relationship. If you realize you’re turning into someone you don’t want to be, interpret it as a sign to walk away from your relationship.^{[20]
X
Research source}
14
You struggle to let go of your partner. If you don’t realize you’re in a karmic relationship, you may find it difficult to leave your partner (because of the intense energy keeping you together). But as soon as you clear your karma, you’re able to grow from your relationship and move on.^{[21]
X
Research source}
- Reader Poll: We asked 1104 wikiHow readers who've ended karmic relationships, and 54% of them agreed that they felt sad because they still loved their partner despite the challenges. [Take Poll] It may take a while to heal and move on, and that’s normal.

Section 3 of 3:

Karmic vs Soulmate vs Twin Flame Relationship

Download Article

1
Karmic relationship Karmic partners are two souls that agree to help each other clear old karma from a past life. Since both partners enter this soul contract to heal deep wounds, a karmic relationship is turbulent and short-lived—it teaches you how to maintain healthy behavior in future relationships.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Unlike a soulmate or twin flame relationship, a karmic relationship is powered by the lower 3 chakras, including the sexual chakra. This means karmic relationships aren't fueled by pure love (which explains why they’re so magnetizing and passionate).^{[23]
  X
  Research source}
- A karmic relationship doesn’t have to be romantic—you can have one with a colleague, friend, sibling, or parent.^{[24]
  X
  Research source}
2
Soulmate relationship Soulmates share a deep, emotional connection that can be romantic or platonic. They’re two souls that are divinely meant for each other, helping each other evolve from selfish to giving.^{[25]
X
Research source}
- Unlike twin flames, soulmates are two separate souls with shared energies.
- Unlike karmic partners, soulmates feel a sense of comfort and calm when they meet each other—there isn’t an intense energy drawing them together.
- Similar to karmic partners, soulmates come in all shapes and forms. They can be a friend, family member, or romantic partner.
3
Twin flame relationship Twin flames refer to two individuals who share an intense soul connection–they’re two halves of the same soul (also known as mirror souls). The purpose of a twin flame relationship is to awaken your soul and promote spiritual growth.^{[26]
X
Research source}
- Unlike soulmates and karmic partners, you can only have one twin flame, and they’re usually romantic partners.
- Similar to karmic partners, twin flames can turn toxic quickly because they’re mirror souls—they reflect your insecurities, fears, and shadows (to help you become a better person).

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I feel an intense connection with someone I just met. Could it be a karmic relationship?

Joanna Gerard
Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer
Joanna Gerard is a Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer with over 15 years of professional experience in the field. She specializes in psychic readings and has taught astrology and psychic development classes. As an entrepreneur and writer, she has created her own unique set of Astrology Oracle cards, the Praying Mantis Oracle Deck. Joanna conducts psychic readings for people all over the world and has specific experience working with entrepreneurs and business owners. Her media appearances include interviews with KUSI San Diego and FOX 5 AM News. She has degrees in Mass Communications and Education.

Joanna Gerard

Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer

Expert Answer

When you first meet your karmic partner, it's common to feel like you've known them your whole life. There's an instant comfort level, and you want to open up about things you normally wouldn't share. This intense initial bond is a sign you may have met a karmic partner. However, make sure to tune into your intuition — a karmic relationship can become turbulent later on. Pay attention to any red flags early on.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Question

How can I communicate better in my karmic relationship?

Joanna Gerard
Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer
Joanna Gerard is a Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer with over 15 years of professional experience in the field. She specializes in psychic readings and has taught astrology and psychic development classes. As an entrepreneur and writer, she has created her own unique set of Astrology Oracle cards, the Praying Mantis Oracle Deck. Joanna conducts psychic readings for people all over the world and has specific experience working with entrepreneurs and business owners. Her media appearances include interviews with KUSI San Diego and FOX 5 AM News. She has degrees in Mass Communications and Education.

Joanna Gerard

Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer

Expert Answer

With all the drama and chaos in karmic relationships, communication issues often come up. If you don't feel safe opening up, try writing a letter first to get your thoughts in order. Then find a calm time to have a discussion and set some ground rules, like no yelling or name calling. Be open about what you need from your partner. However, they may not be willing to change, so be prepared to walk away if needed. The purpose is to learn how to communicate effectively for future relationships.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3