Soulbonding vs Other types Multiplicty

What are some common differences between multiplicity/system and soulbond collectives? I’m sorry if this is a lot to ask ◥ Anonymous

Not at all! It depends on who you ask. Soulbonding will have a LOT in common with what is called natural/non-trauma/endogenic multiplicity, and very little to do with DID/OSDD multiplicity. There’s currently an argument in the multiplicity community whether anything besides DID/OSDD multiplicity is ‘valid’, and you will hear from some natural multiples that soulbonding is exactly the same as being multiple, and you will hear from some DID multiples that soulbonders are fakers who are making everything up. (also the term system is debatedly only for DID multiples now?)

WITH THAT SAID, here are some common soulbonding traits that often set them apart from different kinds of multiplicity. Please note that all of these are soft traits, not hard facts, and some or all of them can be shared by other types of multiple systems.

*soulbonding collectives are not necessarily, or generally created by trauma.

*soulbonding is not a source of distress or disorder, and can be calming, exciting, or fun

*Soulbonds are generally formed by some kind of strong emotional/mental connection with a fictional character

*Soulbonds gravitate toward a single person that they have an attachment to/connection with, called the soulbonder. (whether that person is a singlet, or a member of a system/mental collective)

*soulbonds tend to ‘chat’ with the soulbonder mentally, offering opinions, advice, encouragement, etc. This may or may not be verbal communication

*soulbonds tend to front alone much less than other types of headmates, or not front at all.

*soulbonds tend to have some kind of emotional connection with the soulbonder. Usually positive, but not always. Typical soulbond relationships include mentoring/parental, romantic, and rivaling.

*soulbonds tend to chat among one another with, or without the participation of the soulbonder, but the soulbonder generally ‘hears’ these discussions.

*soulbonds are often formed by writing, or consuming fictional media