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We all have an unfinished love story that fills us with nostalgia and remorse. What if things had turned out differently? According to a new viral theory on TikTok, those who are meant to be together will find themselves reunited a second time, to end their lives together.
What if a second encounter could turn an ordinary person into your future life partner? This is the theory of “meeting someone twice.” It suggests that you might cross paths with someone at one point in your life and nothing significant happens, but a second encounter years later transforms that person into the person you ultimately share your life with.
A theory inspired by a popular myth in East Asia
This fad, which has been making romantic hearts race on TikTok, is inspired by the “red thread of destiny,” a myth popular in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan. This invisible thread is said to connect two people who are predestined to be together, symbolizing the idea of soulmates or twin flames.
On TikTok, testimonies are pouring in. Many Internet users say they have found a partner years after a first meeting, often marked by unfortunate timing. Some describe reuniting with an old high school crush, others recall an evening spent together with a group of friends or a simple distant contact.
Videos about this theory often feature a remix of Shakka’s song “When Will I See You Again” playing in the background, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. One video in particular, posted by @lxs.tnnr, has accumulated over 9.4 million views and 1.2 million likes, with this simple sentence: “I realize that the second encounter theory is the reason my boyfriend and I are together…“. Another video, from @katie.krzywickiwhich has generated over 2.6 million views, states: “I just heard the theory ‘you always meet people twice’. And it just changed my life forever.“.
A question of timing
But why the second time and not the first? Simply because some relationships fail or do not start at the beginning because we are not ready, but with time and maturity, these relationships can finally take shape. In an article published by Psychology Todayexpert Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., professor emerita of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explains that giving a second chance in a relationship can often allow us to reevaluate our initial judgments, which may have been influenced by stereotypes or misunderstandings.
“Even after giving someone a second chance, you might find that your initial decision not to love or want to be with that person was right after all.“, says the professor. She concludes: “However, this second chance can lead to opportunities for fulfillment that you may never have found possible otherwise.“.
In short, the theory of the second encounter reminds us that sometimes, timing is the key to whether two people are truly ready for each other. So, the next time you think back to that old love story, keep in mind that life might just offer you a second chance.
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