“Number one says you’re the best of many; the one means you’re perfectly designed for another. Finding the only one creates a bond so deep, no alternative could replace it. They fulfil another completely as they fulfil us.”
Reg
They say that love is a journey, and boy, have I travelled far and wide. Along the way, I’ve met incredible individuals who have touched my soul in profound ways. Each encounter brought its own unique magic, filling my life with love, laughter, and countless memories. But amidst all the love stories, there was always a lingering feeling of incompleteness.
You see, in life, we often confuse “number one, the one,” and the “only one.” So today I aim to give a bit of distinction to these terms as based on my own experiences. So sit back, relax, and enjoy. I do have a feeling we may need to do a series on this one very complex subject.
Number one
Being number one specifically refers to ranking; it means you’re in the top position compared to others. To say something or someone is number one implies there are other options that are also good but just not as good as the number one thing or person. You can have co-number ones that are tied, or something can move up and down the rankings over time. Being number one is about achievement and status, but it allows for the possibility of being dethroned or sharing the top spot.
You know, since going through my divorce, I’ve been doing a lot of digging into what really matters most in a partner and a relationship. I had always taken my marriage for granted after so many decades, but now stepping out into the dating world again has given me a whole new perspective.
Suffice to say, the distinction between being “number one,” “the one,” and “the only one” has taken on new significance as I venture back out there. When you’re younger you maybe don’t think as critically about what those phrases truly mean – you think you’ve found someone great until you realise the grass is always greener, or that youthful passion fades to reveal other incompatibilities. But at my age, with only a finite amount of time left to find love again, I’m leaving nothing to chance this time around
The hard truth is, your “number one” is likely to change as you evolve and new opportunities come into your life. What seems ideal now may not remain so forever. You have to be open to growth and accepting that feelings aren’t set in stone. Just because someone is a great partner for a period, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll stay that way.
I had an illuminating conversation with my friend the other day when we discussed this topic. He pointed out that at my stage of life, being anyone’s “number one” isn’t good enough. I couldn’t agree more—I don’t have time or energy to settle for ranking highly among other options. I’m looking for the full package; I want the certainty and sense of destiny that comes with finding “the only one.”
The One
When you say something or someone is “the one,” it takes on more profound meaning. It’s not just about ranking higher than alternatives – it suggests a sense of perfect fitness, destiny, or ideal suitability. To find or be considered “the one” means you fill a particular role, need, or purpose better than any other possible option. There’s an element of fate, soulmates, or predetermination to it. “The one” often refers to a unique bond or connection between two things that cannot be replicated.
When you meet “the one,” it’s like instant recognition – a feeling in your soul that says “This is the person.” There’s something inexplicably special about your connection that goes far beyond physical attraction or superficial compatibility. With “the one,” you just click and fit together in a way that feels fated, like you were destined to find each other.
“The one” could be anyone who captures our hearts, makes us feel alive, and shares our dreams and passions. It is a beautiful experience to find someone who aligns with our values and connects with us on a deep level. But sometimes, despite all the love we may feel, there is still a yearning for something deeper. And there is that adage which says we are not necessarily tied to only one person as the one but the one can be many people.
The Only One
And finally, to be described as “the only one” is to attain the highest level of uniqueness, exclusivity or singularity. When something or someone is “the only one,” it implies there are absolutely no other alternatives that could compare or take their place. To be “the only one” who can do or be something lends an air of indispensability and solitary distinction. It’s the most definitive and unambiguous of the phrases.
When you meet “the only one,” it’s impossible to deny or doubt the uniqueness of the soul bond between you. This person is not just “the one” out of many potential mates – they are “the only one” capable of fulfilling you with their love in a way no other ever has or could.
To find “the only one” who was destined to be your perfect match feels nothing short of a miracle. In a world of over seven billion people, what are the odds you would locate the singular human capable of resonating with your spirit on the deepest wavelengths? Yet there they are, your “only one,” your soul’s uniquely complementary counterpart.
Ah, “the only one” – to me that signifies the rarest kind of love. When someone is your one and only, it’s a bond so deep. It’s so profound that no other relationship can ever compare.
When you’ve found the only one, it feels like you were two halves made whole. It is as if the entire Universe conspired across time and space just to lead you both together. It is as if you waited lifetimes to finally be reunited in this present moment.
There’s an ethereal, other worldly quality to the connection you share. Like your souls chose each other before humanity or Earth even existed. To find the only one means this love transcends all barriers – it existed before your physical forms and will continue forever after.
So in summary – being number one is about achieving the highest ranking, being “the one” emphasises an incomparable quality of suitability or destiny, and to be “the only one” is to occupy a category entirely alone without peer or substitute.
Well friends, I hope you found my musings on the subtleties of “number one,” “the one,” and “the only one” thought-provoking. I certainly did in sharing them. Dating and relationships can surely be complicated journeys. Gaining clarity on our own wants and needs makes navigating it all a bit smoother.
Walking away with practical take-aways is so important too, right? As my buddy always says, “you can learn life’s deepest lessons without having to experience every hardship firsthand.” I’m grateful to have some wisdom to pass along from stumbling my way through past relationships.
Whether you’re newly single or been with the same person for decades, we should all check in now and then. It’s important to see if expectations align with reality. It’s easy to confuse feels with facts, especially when longing for that sense of completion love promises. But knowing the difference can preserve heartache.
My friendly advice? Guard against settling, but also avoid tossing what could be a good thing just for potential of something “better.” The grass ain’t always greener on the other side, only different shades. Communicate, communicate, communicate with your partner(s) – it’s the best way through.
At the end of the day we’re all just out here trying to find our place in this crazy world. I say surround yourselves with folks who resonate as profoundly as candy coats melting in your mouth on a hot summer day. Let your soul lead the way to that deep connection we crave, whether it turns out to be one person or a string of beautiful beings who touch your life.
Whatever stage of life or love you’re in, I hope my musings offer even a glimmer of insight. Keep living and learning – that’s all any of us can do. This subject certainly deserves more exploration, so please share your own thoughts! I’ll be back soon with more from my journey.
Wishing you all the very best.
Reg
Valley Of Potential 