What Is A Twin Flame? 11 Signs You've Found Yours

So, we asked experts how to know when you've found your twin flame, plus what to know about navigating this oftentimes tumultuous relationship and how to know if you and your twin flame are meant to be together.

Importantly, each person is still "whole" on their own, says licensed psychotherapist Babita Spinelli. "There is a misnomer that a twin flame completes you," she explains. "In reality, relationships are meant to encourage you to be more complete in your own right."

When you first encounter your twin flame, Spinelli says there will be an intense sense of attraction, recognition, and longing. "Meeting a twin flame often feels like home," she notes. "They feel familiar—an undeniably intense bond as though you have known them before."

You and your twin flame may find that you have a lot in common as far as values, past experiences, and interests, Spinelli adds. "Both of you will find that your past story has a lot of coincidences and similar experiences."

In those areas that you aren't similar, you'll find your differences complement each other, almost like yin and yang. Their shadow, for example, will be complemented by your light, and vice versa. And because a twin flame mirrors you, you're likely very aware of how your relationship highlights your shadows, and theirs.

"The purpose of your twin flame is to support and help you with your divine mission and purpose," notes spiritual author Shannon Kaiser. "So, often this type of relationship will reflect your problems and deepest insecurities so you can work through them to heal and grow."

From the moment you met and still to this day, you feel drawn to them physically when they're near you, as well as magnetically, when you're apart. It's as though their energy is always with you, always wanting to be closer.

Twin flame relationships aren't all smooth sailing, and actually, they're usually not. Being with a twin flame is like constantly being confronted by yourself, namely the parts of yourself you may not like. It can be incredibly challenging, but it's facilitating major growth for both of you.

There's a definite emotional charge between twin flames, says Spinelli, and they often develop quickly because you already feel so familiar. And as Kaiser adds, "Because you are so connected at a soul level, you feel things deeper together, which often makes for more intensity and passion."

"If you're in an 'on and off'-again-type relationship, it could be with your twin flame," Kaiser says. "You'll find that things just keep bringing you together in random ways. Could be months, years, even decades; you just always find your way back to one another."

"There is a feeling that you have been brought together by a higher power," Spinelli notes, and that creates a very strong bond between the two of you. (These can also sometimes be karmic relationships.)

You and your twin flame can likely communicate with just a glance, and you always know what the other is thinking. You may even feel each other's emotions or symptoms, Spinelli adds.

Because twin flames act as mirrors, they challenge us to do better, and oftentimes, your purposes are aligned in a way that pushes both of you to new heights. It's a very expansive relationship that promotes a lot of growth.

The stages of a relationship are different when it's your twin flame. Twin flame stages may be unique depending on the people involved, Spinelli notes, but there are eight common ones:

Before the two of you meet, you will have an awareness that your other half is out there for you. There is deep longing in this phase, Spinelli notes, and there will be inner work during this phase to prepare you for meeting your twin flame.

Once you meet, your world will be rocked. Prepare to fall fast. "When you meet, it is insane instant attraction," Kaiser says. "You often can't keep your hands off one another and think about and want to spend a ton of time with each other constantly."

Yes, twin flames can have a honeymoon phase, too! In this phase, your relationship is new, meaningful, and positive. How long it lasts depends on the couple, before challenges arise.

Sooner or later, core wounds emerge, and differences arise in the relationship, Spinelli notes. Often, these challenges are a reflection of the soul work the two of you need to do on your own. It's often not about improving the relationship but rather improving yourself.

In this phase, Spinelli adds, one partner may avoid the other or even abandon the relationship, while the other feels emotionally insecure. "This is where attachment issues arise," she says.

The chase, also called twin flame separation, is a big part of many twin flame relationships; someone will always walk away. "Twin flame relationships have a ton of push-pull," Kaiser says. "Part of the chase is the reward for each person. But there will be a time when one partner will pull away, and this causes separation."

The chase can go on for years, but should the two of you work through all your triggers, insecurities, and challenges, Spinelli and Kaiser note eventually you may come back together. "This is the surrender into the relationship and big picture for you both," Kaiser notes. "You accept and allow each other to be who they are, flaws and all. This is where you come back again."

RELATED: Twin Flame Test: Find Out If They're Really Your Twin Flame

(Here's more on the soul mate vs. twin flame distinction.)

According to Spinelli, although twin flames are typically viewed as romantic relationships, they can also be platonic soul mates. "The emphasis on a twin flame relationship is a spiritual connection where you feel a familiarity and polarity with a person. This can take the form of a friend or even an acquaintance," she says. In most cases, though, romance seems to be more common.

Going by the commonly accepted idea that twin flames are two halves of the same whole, yes, you can have only one. This is up for debate though, Spinelli adds, and it really depends on how you define twin flame.

No. "It is a rare connection, and not everybody has one," Kaiser says. "Ultimately, not everyone feels that pull toward the other part of their soul because it hasn't had this split."

"Twin flames are notorious for being tumultuous if not handled with care," Kaiser adds. "If we don't have self-love and awareness, they can become even more painful."

Sometimes twin flames are meant together, but not always. Because twin flame relationships are very susceptible to codependency and other toxic relationship dynamics, sometimes it's in both people's best interests to simply walk away. Sometimes twin flames come into your life to teach you something, and then you're meant to go your separate ways.

Note: Since this article was first published, an online cult known as Twin Flame Universe has surfaced, promising users they can help you find your twin flame. Always be wary of anyone who promises they can find you love for a fee. The concept of twin flames has been around long before this cult, and you do not need to (and probably shouldn't) pay anyone to help you find yours.