Have you met your soul mate? | Ashley Clift-Jennings | TEDxUniversityofNevada - Summary

Summary

Here is a concise summary of the transcript:

**Title:** Finding and Embracing One's Soul Mate Beyond Expectations

**Speaker's Story:**

* Met her soul mate online while searching for someone with a specific personality type (INFJ)
* Had a whirlwind romance, got married within 6 months, and enjoyed a harmonious relationship for 6 years
* Received life-changing news: her spouse revealed they are transgender and would be transitioning
* Faced internal struggles, partly due to internalized transphobia, and had to relearn and adapt to the new dynamic

**Key Takeaways:**

* True connection with one's soul mate transcends external characteristics
* Societal programming can impose fears and biases (e.g., internalized transphobia)
* Embracing change and self-education can lead to deeper understanding and love
* Challenge: look beyond surface-level qualities to recognize and connect with your soul mate on a deeper level.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:

1. The speaker, Ashley Clift-Jennings, asked her audience if they had ever personally met their soul mate.
2. Ashley grew up in a Christian environment, where finding a soul mate was emphasized.
3. At 24/25, Ashley felt pressure to find her soul mate, as she was considered "old" for marriage in her community at that time.
4. Ashley used the Myers-Briggs personality test to find a compatible match and searched for an "INFJ male" online.
5. One of the two search results led her to her future spouse, whom she met and married within six months.
6. The couple was married for approximately six years before a significant life change occurred.
7. About three years ago, Ashley's spouse revealed they were transgender.
8. Ashley's initial reaction was shock, followed by a desire to understand and support her spouse's transition.
9. Ashley's spouse medically transitioned, and they remain married after nine years together.
10. Ashley had to confront and overcome internalized transphobia during this process.
11. The couple's relationship dynamics and interactions with others changed, requiring adjustments and learning.
12. Ashley identifies as a white, middle-class female who previously held heteronormative privilege.
13. Despite changes, Ashley still considers her spouse her soul mate, emphasizing a deep, unchanging connection.