In the Twilight series, imprinting is an involuntary mechanism through which shape-shifters of the Quileute tribe (werewolves) find their soulmate. It is a profound and intimate phenomenon that cannot be forced on anyone. When a werewolf imprints, they become automatically linked to their destined soulmate. The imprinter is "gravitationally pulled" toward the imprintee while "a glowing heat fills" the imprinter. The imprintee has a choice about whether to be with the imprinter romantically, but the imprinter will be "whatever the imprintee wants and needs" - whether thats friendship, romantic, or something else. The imprinter has a lifelong protector and best friend, and they are incapable of harming the imprintee and can never be angry at them. Imprinting cant be ignored, and the wolf has absolutely no control over who they imprint on. The phenomenon of imprinting was introduced to fans by the werewolves, and it happens only after a werewolf comes of age and gains the ability to shape-shift. Imprinting is not a romantic or acceptable concept, and it has generated a lot of controversy among fans and haters alike.