According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs, and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.

Just like that, the enduring ideal of the soulmate was born. And for well over 2,500 years this concept of a ‘one true love’ has been seized upon by poets, artists, TV and filmmakers. We’ve seen Disney princesses dream of true love’s kiss, crooned along to love songs about finding that special someone, and become fiercely invested in celebrity romances, too.

Netflix’s The One: why we’re so drawn to the show’s theories on love