When Coincidences Signal It’s ‘Meant to Be’—but It’s Not

When Coincidences Signal It’s ‘Meant to Be’—but It’s Not
Michael Ramey/Unsplash/Public Domain
Tara MacIsaac
Updated:

For many people coincidences are all good: if you wait long enough, you can probably find a positive outcome. Here we look at coincidences that from the beginning seem to promise a great outcome but then yield nothing.

Alan Colmes had applied for a job. On a flight, he discovered that he was seated next to the boss of the person with whom he'd been talking about the job. What a coincidence?! They had a good talk, and Colmes thought it meant that he would get the job.

He didn’t.

Romance probably breeds the most “false promise” coincidences, especially for individuals who over-rely on coincidences as metaphysical signposts pointing to the “path” they should take. The excitement of a new romantic interest can be greatly boosted by surprising coincidences that seem to signal a profound bond—presumed signs that a relationship is “meant to be.”

Should you follow the signs? (Public Domain)
Should you follow the signs? Public Domain