Meeting someone you can instantly click with doesn’t happen every day. We often call these people our soulmates, but did you know there’s a similar phenomenon called twin flames? These so-called mirror-image connections can be both romantic and platonic.
Whether a partner or a close friend, meeting this person changes your life forever. We’ve prepared an exciting article for you to shed some light on the definition, signs, and stages of these relationships, ultimately explaining how they differ from soulmates.
What Is a Twin Flame?
This person is considered your mirror soul because from the moment you meet you fit together like puzzle pieces. There’s unmistakable chemistry between you, and you share many, almost uncanny similarities.
Your upbringing and life paths are similar, and you often share a past trauma, which only strengthens your bond. Through mutual understanding, you build a relationship where you complement and complete each other.
That said, you’d generally expect the person to be a romantic partner, but it doesn’t mean they will. A twin flame connection can spark between lovers, friends, family, and role models. Either way, your encounter is a life-changing experience for both of you.
The emphasis in these relationships is not romance but personal growth and betterment. They start off intense, but this intensity amplifies when you discover each other’s flaws and insecurities. You learn to accept them and encourage mutual improvement.
Nevertheless, these relationships are not ideal. Their toxic aspects resemble dating partners with BPD or other personality disorders. We tend to confuse abusive and unhealthy relationships with twin souls, so you might realize that your “twin soul” isn’t the one.
Twin Flame Signs and Symptoms
When you meet your twin soul, there’s no mistake — you simply know. Feelings of familiarity, understanding, and instant connection mark your first encounter and the entire relationship. Psychologists list several symptoms describing these relationships, so let’s find out what they are.
You feel instantly drawn to each other
Imagine you’re sitting in a group of people at a party, and this person you just met shares a story about them that wildly resembles something you experienced. You instantly think you’d like to know them better, and the feeling is reciprocated.
It feels like your paths and experiences led to this encounter. You feel very comfortable talking to this person about anything, and there are no awkward moments or silences. This is one of the most obvious signs you’ve met your twin flame.
Your share many similarities
Many describe their first encounter as “almost like meeting themselves.” You keep discovering similarities, shared experiences, and interests. You practically finish each other’s sentences, and often one of you says the exact thing the other is thinking.
Your similarities deepen your connection on a mental level because you understand each other so well. You can read their body language perfectly, and you simply know what the other person will say or think in certain situations.
You want to be a better version of yourself
Whether your twin flame relationship is romantic or not, this person makes you want to be and do better. They help you heal your traumas and encourage your progress. This is why growth takes precedence over romance in these relationships.
Your insecurities are more pronounced
Therapy and mental health counselors teach us that the best way to face our problems is to look in the mirror. Having in your life a person who is your mirror image is a godsend — this relationship will intensify your insecurities and help you overcome them.
Your relationship is intense
Twin flame relationships aren’t always a bed of roses. Having such a deep connection that exposes your very core to someone isn’t exactly comfortable, and you might feel overwhelmed from constantly facing your negative side.
In turn, you deeply care for each other, and romantic partners share a magnetic and passionate bond. These characteristics resemble karmic connections, but despite the overlaps, these are two distinct types of relationships.
You separate and come back together
Twin flame separation is an integral part of the relationship. Whichever the reason for your separation, somehow, you’ll find your way back together. These relationships are typically unstable and challenging, but not necessarily in an unhealthy way.
Although you might not stay in each other’s lives, you’ll be united by the profound connection that will be life-changing for you both. You shouldn’t despair if you separate; instead, cherish the positive changes you underwent while you were together.
Twin Flame Stages
Many relationships based on so-called “soul connection” go very similar paths, but notable differences exist. Some may turn toxic, especially if you discover your partner is a narcissist or an attention-seeker.
These relationships tend to be profound and unstable simultaneously. You may settle in at the outset of the relationship, but it’s far from smooth sailing, and there’s no guarantee for a happy ending. Let’s see the twin flame journey stages.
The meeting
Your meeting is an unplanned and sudden collision of worlds. You’re inexplicably attracted to one another and know you want to get to know each other better. You might even get a gut feeling that you’ll soon meet someone who will change your life.
Honeymoon phase
This is a time of bonding and positivity. You’re exploring each other, everything feels right, and you spend all your free time together. You can’t get enough of each other or keep your hands off one another.
Your twin flame feels like home, and you quickly fall head over heels. This phase may linger or be brief, but it will be interrupted by the upcoming challenges.
The test
If love makes us blind, this is the phase of seeing more clearly. You notice each other’s faults and even recognize your own reflected in your partner. You realize that you’ll have to work on these issues and start questioning your relationship.
The chase
The turbulence that ensues marks the beginning of the chase, the inevitable part of twin flame love. Despite your similarities, the two of you might have different coping mechanisms for your problems, resulting in one partner wanting to pull away.
Your separation is not necessarily a result of anger or disappointment, but it may lead to attachment issues and shake up your relationship in unforeseen ways. You’ll likely reconcile after a while, but this still isn’t the end of the breakup-makeup cycle.
The decision
The twin flame journey ends with a final decision, so this is the to-be-or-not-to-be stage. The challenges and consequent separations might have discouraged you, but you’ll ultimately decide whether you can work through your problems and foster a healthy relationship.
You may decide to separate for good, which is a good choice if the relationship becomes unhealthy. In any case, your partner will always hold a special place in your heart because they helped you grow and overcome your fears and insecurities.
Twin Flame vs. Soulmate
In terms of soul connections, soulmates are like two peas in a pod — people who share profound understanding, familiarity, and unconditional love. On the other hand, they’re not one soul but two similar souls who found one another.
Soulmates don’t have to be your lovers either. You can find a soulmate in your family, group of friends, or even a pet. Soulmates complement each other and propagate support and comfort because they accept you for who you are.
There are overlaps between the two categories, but the main difference is that twin flames are considered two halves of one soul. This means they have a deeper connection than soulmates because they’re each other’s reflections.
Ultimately, while soulmates are about acceptance and flourishing, twin souls expose our issues and turn our lives upside down. This is usually not a pleasant experience, so the relationship can become turbulent.
Conclusion
Having a twin soul is certainly a blessing — you’re presented with unconditional love that will change you for the better, even though the person might leave for good once you’re done. Still, they leave an indelible trace in your life that will be with you forever.
If you’re still wondering how to know if you met your twin flame, you probably haven’t met them yet. Meanwhile, you can rely on this guide to be prepared for meeting that one special person that will rock your world.
FAQ
Are twin flames real?
Although this concept isn’t scientifically backed up, psychologists claim they’re genuine and researchable. The connection developing between people in these types of relationships is studied on a spiritual level.
Still, it may be described by amazing chemistry and similar body language, strengthened by the fact that the partners share the same or similar upbringing, life paths, and interests.
Can you have more than one twin flame?
If we assume they’re two parts of the same soul, then no, you can’t. However, you may meet more than one person you feel deeply connected to, and considering that your twin soul doesn’t have to be a romantic interest, it may be possible to have more than one spiritual twin.
Does everyone have a twin flame?
No, and this phenomenon is actually rare. You will meet many compatible people who become your friends and partners, and your relationships will grow profound over time.
Meeting a spiritual twin is marked by instant and magnetic attraction, so if you haven’t felt this towards someone, you probably haven’t met your spiritual twin yet, and you might never do.
