Do you believe in fate when it comes to meeting a partner?

[Anonymous]

I absolutely didn't until earlier this month. I have a girlfriend who swears by it and after telling her the story she was adamant that "no girl, you need to pursue that. That's fate, coincidences dont happen. You were meant to meet."


I was on a work trip with a return flight direct on United. It was the last flight of the day and got canceled early afternoon so I had to switch to a new airline and connect through a hub. First flight was fine, got stuck in the middle seat but was glad to be headed home. I went to the lounge, got some food, chatted with some people and answered emails. Second flight I was set in the window seat bulkhead, but as upgrades were happening I was able to change seats 2-rows back to an aisle (my preferred). During boarding, I saw one of the most handsome guys I have seen, and was like "wow" but left it at that because what else do you do when someones in public traveling with headphones in. Low and behold, we end up in the same row. He missed his first flight and ended up on our flight. We chatted and I it went extremely well, he's educated, shares some of the same values, was positive and in a good mood despite the travel struggles. At the end, he gave me his card with his personal number on it and said he'd love to have another conversation. Doesn't live here, but travels regularly for work (as do I) and was willing to make some arrangements so we could get together.

Is this fate or am I just smitten? Weve texted a few times and talked and plan to get dinner next time he's in town.

[Anonymous]

Who knows but seems worth pursuing!

[Anonymous]

Nah, just a random encounter with a handsome guy who is nice and you’ll probably never see them again

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nah, just a random encounter with a handsome guy who is nice and you’ll probably never see them again

Awe, come on. Let's root for OP! There's plenty of stories just like this one if you search google for them.

[Anonymous]

Go for it OP, but it’s not fate. The universe is a spinning ball of random chaos. Almost everyone has a story about the unique way that a relationship started. It’s just how things work, but it feels ‘meant to be’ to the individual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nah, just a random encounter with a handsome guy who is nice and you’ll probably never see them again

Awe, come on. Let's root for OP! There's plenty of stories just like this one if you search google for them.

I don’t believe in “one partner for me” and I doubt they kissed on the plane. They have no idea if they have compatibility or sexual chemistry and they’re texted a few times and live in different cities? I mean, sure. People upend their lives for strangers- and people start imagining themselves in love with all sorts of unattainable things. Search the internet- you’ll find more stories like that.

[Anonymous]

I believe luck plays a part I everything. If I never took a certain job and decided to live in another city and take an apartment in a certain building, would never have met my wife.

[Anonymous]

Better luck with woo in the Religion forum.

[Anonymous]

It's woo woo.

Woo = fishing for a mate.

And

Woo = magical thinking.

[Anonymous]

If calling it fate makes you more inclined to pursue it, go with that.

To me, whether you believe in fate or not, an opportunity has presented itself. If you're interested, go with it. It doesn't have to be "fate" to be fun. This person may not be a permanent fixture in your life, but they're open to further connection. If you are too, do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If calling it fate makes you more inclined to pursue it, go with that.

To me, whether you believe in fate or not, an opportunity has presented itself. If you're interested, go with it. It doesn't have to be "fate" to be fun. This person may not be a permanent fixture in your life, but they're open to further connection. If you are too, do it.

NP. Agree with this post except for one thing: OP, please don't get yourself worked up that "this is fate!" and end up attaching SO much weight to this encounter that you overthink things. Like PP says, an opportunity presented itself. This man is clearly interested enough to want to see you again. Take it one small step at a time. Be prepared for your next meeting to go well or to end up as "He's nice but not for me" -- and to be OK with either outcome. If you have "this is fate, I'm meant to be here" constantly buzzing in the back of your mind the whole time while you see him, you're possibly more likely to have on rose-colored glasses, and be less able to assess whether you and he really are compatible.

[Anonymous]

I mean, who is pulling the strings? If you believe in this kind of fate, don't you also have to believe that all the suffering in the world was meant to be too? Doesn't it require a bit too much egocentrism to think this?

That doesn't mean it's not special. Just feel lucky you met and see where it goes. There is no divine intervention when it comes to love, sorry.

[Anonymous]

It's really only fate when it actually works out/you date happily/marry successfully etc etc, though, kwim?

Don't count your chicks before they are hatched. Go for it but listen to your gut if anything is off.

[Anonymous]

There are a zillion stories out there about people connecting in unusual or pivotal ways. Not all of them result in marriage but they can have a significant impact on your life.

I think you were certainly meant to cross paths, but who knows how the story will unfold.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nah, just a random encounter with a handsome guy who is nice and you’ll probably never see them again

Awe, come on. Let's root for OP! There's plenty of stories just like this one if you search google for them.