Some things couples do make outsiders cringe—such as matching outfits, baby talk, or endless inside jokes. But beneath the awkwardness, these habits often show a deep connection. When two people are truly in sync, they stop caring how others see them. They build a private world that only makes sense to them. That’s the essence of being soulmates. These “cringe” things couples do might actually be signs of genuine intimacy and emotional safety.
1. Sharing Embarrassing Nicknames in Public
Pet names can sound silly to anyone else. Yet calling your partner “Pumpkin” or “Bub” in front of friends is more than a habit—it’s a display of comfort. Couples who use these small, affectionate codes in public show they’re not performing for others. They’re prioritizing their bond over appearances, which is a subtle sign of soulmates who feel safe being themselves.
These nicknames often carry private meanings that outsiders can’t understand. Maybe “Pumpkin” references a funny moment from years ago, or “Bub” emerged during a vulnerable conversation. The point isn’t the name itself—it’s the emotional history it represents. When couples use pet names publicly, they’re bringing their private world into the open without apology. It’s a declaration that their connection matters more than looking cool or sophisticated in front of others.
2. Finishing Each Other’s Sentences
It may seem annoying from the outside, but when couples complete each other’s thoughts, it reveals deep familiarity. They’ve learned each other’s rhythms, phrases, and ways of thinking. This kind of conversational overlap reflects shared understanding built over time. It’s not just cute—it’s cognitive chemistry.
Research shows that couples who’ve been together for years develop synchronized communication patterns. They anticipate not just what their partner will say, but how they’ll say it. This happens because they’ve spent countless hours in conversation, learning the subtle cues that signal where a thought is heading. While it might interrupt the flow for observers, it actually speeds up communication between partners. They’re operating on a wavelength that others simply aren’t tuned into, which is exactly what makes soulmate connections so special.
3. Wearing Matching Outfits
Matching hoodies or coordinated pajamas might make onlookers roll their eyes. But it’s also a playful way for soulmates to express unity. Coordinating clothes reflects teamwork and a shared sense of humor. It can even be an inside joke—a visual reminder that they’re on the same team, no matter what others think.
Beyond the surface-level coordination, matching outfits represent a willingness to be vulnerable together. It takes confidence to wear something that screams “we’re a unit” in a world that often values individuality above all else. Couples who match are essentially saying they’re proud to be associated with each other, even if it means looking a little silly. This kind of playful solidarity strengthens bonds and creates shared memories. Years later, they’ll look back at photos and laugh together, reinforcing their connection through shared nostalgia.
4. Talking in Baby Voices
Baby talk might make friends cringe, but psychologists note it can strengthen bonds. It taps into vulnerability and affection, creating a safe emotional space. When soulmates slip into this playful language, they’re expressing care without pretense. It’s intimacy disguised as silliness.
This behavior actually has roots in attachment theory. Using softer, higher-pitched voices signals safety and nurturing—the same tones parents use with infants. When couples adopt baby talk, they’re creating a space where both partners can let down their adult defenses and be cared for. It’s a way of saying, “You’re safe with me, and I’m safe with you.” While it might sound ridiculous to outsiders, it serves a genuine psychological function in maintaining emotional closeness and trust.
5. Constantly Texting Each Other Memes
Nonstop meme sharing might look like a waste of time, but it’s a modern form of connection. Humor helps couples navigate stress and maintain emotional closeness throughout the day. When soulmates send memes, they’re keeping a private communication loop. It’s not about the meme itself—it’s about saying, “I thought of you.”
In today’s busy world, couples often spend hours apart at work or handling separate responsibilities. Memes become a way to bridge that physical distance and maintain emotional presence. Each shared meme is a small reminder that even when apart, they’re still thinking about each other. It’s also a way to share humor that reflects their unique relationship dynamic. A meme that makes one partner laugh might be entirely unfunny for anyone else, but that’s precisely the point—it’s their shared language of joy.
6. Dancing Together for No Reason
Whether it’s in the kitchen or a grocery store aisle, spontaneous dancing screams “cringe” to outsiders. Yet it shows emotional freedom. Couples who can be silly together trust each other deeply. They’re not performing—they’re enjoying the moment. It’s a physical expression of shared joy, one of the strongest signals of soulmate energy.
Spontaneous dancing represents the ultimate form of being present with your partner. It means you’re so comfortable in their presence that you can let go of self-consciousness entirely. These moments often happen during mundane activities—cooking dinner, waiting in line, or folding laundry. By transforming ordinary moments into celebrations, couples create positive associations with everyday life together. This ability to find joy in the mundane is what sustains relationships through difficult times.
What “Cringe” Really Means in Love
Most “cringe” habits are simply signs that two people have dropped their guard. Being soulmates means feeling safe enough to be yourself, whether that means being weird, emotional, or goofy, without fear of judgment. When couples reach that stage, they stop editing themselves for the world. They just live their connection openly.
Relationships that last rarely look perfect from the outside. They’re messy, funny, and full of quirks that outsiders might not get. But that’s what makes them real. Whether you’re sharing inside jokes or matching pajamas, those moments of shared silliness are proof of emotional closeness. So maybe “cringe” is just another word for authentic love. What’s one “cringe” thing you and your partner do that secretly makes you feel closer?
For more research-backed insights on emotional intimacy, visit Psychology Today or explore relationship communication tips from The Gottman Institute.
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