Yes, I do believe in soul mates. You would/should know the moment you look into their eyes. The eyes are gateways to the soul, you should recognize eachother on sight if you are soul mates. However, it doesn't always happen immediately. Sometimes it takes time, thus why dating and pre-marriage relationships are still important.
Soul mates are not necessarily your partner, they can be your best friend, or your pet. A soul mate is someone who you can truly connect with, who is there for you even in the roughest of times.
As Dyrian said, I should have clarified on that. A soul mate is anyone who has been a close friend, relative, or mate in a past life or in the spirit realm(between lives). As such they can be anyone. There have even been reports of it being family members, anyone between grandpa, dad, moms, or cousins and uncles/aunts.
Goldylocks - I actually found my soul mate! I went to see a woman who tells fortunes and she told me that I would be with him & so I started to believe in him and look for him.
I used to put three daisies together each time I could and offer them up to the universe in thanks for my soul mate. I would burn them or throw them in a body of water, give them to kids or old people, friends or tie them in my hair on my shoes; All kinds of ways to show my thanks. It was probably three years after I was told that I finally met him. But I knew as soon as I saw him & he knew too. When I asked him if he thougth he was my soul mate, he was so sure, looked me right in the eyes and said 'Yes' without total assurance. It was amazing!
I can tell you for sure that you will find them if you search for them and believe. You can use little symbols to help the process along. I used daisies & in the winter I would draw three of them on everything and feel really great about the fact that he was out there. You can celebrate how ever you like, but never stop believeing that you will find them!
You'll find your match - Listen to your guts and don't waist your time on those who don't make you feel magical - because your mate will make you feel magical.