<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">And finally, once you've fully surrendered and accepted your destiny, your life begins, and balance feels restored. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Shared meaning is created, and there is more empathy and understanding in the relationship. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">In this stage, you support each other and continue to facilitate growth for the other.</li></ul>

Stage 8: Coming home

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">There's a definite emotional charge between twin flames, and they often develop quickly because you already feel so familiar. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Because you are so connected at a soul level, you feel things deeper together, which often makes for more intensity and passion.</li></ul>

7.  The relationship is very intense

Definition: A twin flame is an intense soul connection with someone thought to be a person's other half, sometimes called a "mirror soul." It's based on the idea that sometimes one soul gets split into two bodies.One of the main characteristics of a twin flame relationship is that it will be both challenging and healing.But they also help you overcome them, and vice versa—your twin flame will be equally affected by you.

What is a Twin Flame? 

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">When you first encounter your twin flame, there will be an intense <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/signs-of-attraction">sense of attraction</a>, recognition, and longing. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Meeting a twin flame often feels like home. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">They feel familiar - an undeniably intense bond as though you have known them before.</li></ul>

1.  When Twin Flames met, there was instant recognition

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">You and your twin flame may find that you have a lot in common as far as values, past experiences, and interests. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Both of you may find that your past story has a lot of coincidences and similar experiences.</li></ul>

2.  You're very similar

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">When you find your twin flame, there's a certain larger-than-life quality that likely feels divine or predestined.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">There is a feeling that you have been brought together by a higher power and that creates a very strong bond between the two of you. (These can also sometimes be <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/karmic-relationship-definition-and-signs">karmic relationships </a>)</li></ul>

9.  Your connection feels divine

The <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/stages-of-a-relationship">stages of a relationship</a> are different when it's your twin flame. Twin flame stages may be unique depending on the people involved, but there are eight common ones listed below.

The 8 stages of a twin flame relationship:

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Before the two of you meet, you will have an awareness that <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/a-5-step-guide-to-manifesting-your-dreams">your other half is out there</a> for you. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">There is deep longing in this phase, and there will be inner work during this phase to prepare you for meeting your twin flame.</li></ul>

Stage 1: Yearning

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Some people consider twin flames to be one of many <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22169/you-have-4-kinds-of-soul-mates-heres-how-to-recognize-each-one.html">types of soul mates</a>, with twin flames being the most intense because they are, in fact, one soul.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The biggest distinction between a twin flame and any other type of soul mate is that twin flames are two halves of the same whole.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A soul mate, on the other hand, there's a deep familiarity, and you feel very close, but you aren't the same soul.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Soul mates have contracted to be together, and they don't always mean romantic love. You can have soul mates that are friends, pets, and family members, etc.</li></ul>

How are twin flames different from soul mates?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Although twin flames are typically viewed as romantic relationships, they can also be <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/platonic-soulmates">platonic soul mates</a>. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">The emphasis on a twin flame relationship is a spiritual connection where you feel a familiarity and polarity with a person. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">This can take the form of a friend or even an acquaintance. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">In most cases, though, romance seems to be more common.</li></ul>

Are twin flames always romantically involved?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Sometimes twin flames are meant together, but not always. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">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. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Sometimes twin flames come into your life to teach you something, and then you're meant to go your separate ways.</li></ul>

Are twin flames meant to be together?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Twin flame relationships are incredibly potent, powerful, and rare. But just because they're strong doesn't mean they're unbreakable - it's still important to work on a <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-25433/15-essential-qualities-of-relationships-that-last.html">conscious partnership </a>and your own individual growth.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">When you do that, the two of you will be catalysts for love, growth, and harmony in each other's lives.</li></ul>

The bottom line.

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Your love will be put to a test, as you start to dive deep into your shadow sides. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">All your insecurities will rear up as you start to question yourself and each other.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">In this phase, one partner may avoid the other or even abandon the relationship, while the other feels emotionally insecure. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">This is where <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/attachment-issues">attachment issues</a>may arise.</li></ul>

Stage 5: The test

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/all-your-questions-about-twin-flame-relationships-answered">Twin flame relationships</a> aren't all smooth sailing, and actually, they're usually not. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Being with a twin flame is like constantly being confronted by yourself, namely the parts of yourself you may not like. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">It can be incredibly challenging, but it's facilitating major growth for both of you.</li></ul>

6.  The relationship is tumultuous

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">"The chase" is most definitely a part of the twin flame relationship. At some point, one of you may walk away, out of fear, anger - you name it. But you'll often come back.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">If you're in an 'on and off'-again-type relationship, it could be with your twin flame. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">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.</li></ul>

8.  You keep coming back together

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">You and your twin flame can likely communicate with just a glance, and you always know what the other is thinking. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">You may even feel each other's emotions or symptoms.</li></ul>

10.  You have an almost psychic connection

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">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. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">It's a very expansive relationship that promotes a lot of growth.</li></ul>

11.  They push you to be and do better

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Once you meet, your world will be rocked. Prepare to fall fast. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">When you meet, it is insane instant attraction. 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.</li></ul>

Stage 2: Meeting

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Yes, twin flames can have a <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/honeymoon-phase-and-how-to-make-it-last">honeymoon phase</a>, too! In this phase, your relationship is new, meaningful, and positive. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">How long it lasts depends on the couple, before challenges arise.</li></ul>

Stage 3: The honeymoon phase

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Going by the commonly accepted idea that twin flames are two halves of the same whole, yes, you can have only one. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">This is up for debate though, and it really depends on how you define twin flame.</li></ul>

Can you have only one twin flame?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">No. It is a rare connection, and not everybody has one. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Ultimately, not everyone feels that pull toward the other part of their soul because it hasn't had this split.</li></ul>

Does everyone have a twin flame?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The chase, also called <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/twin-flame-separation">twin flame separation</a>, is a big part of many twin flame relationships; someone will always walk away. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Twin flame relationships have a ton of push-pull. 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.</li></ul>

Stage 6: The chase

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Yes, this type of relationship can be toxic as your twin flame mirrors your own issues, unhealthy habits, imbalances. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">When twin flames are apart, they may have a hard time functioning. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">You may also end up defining your self-worth by the relationship. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">These aspects of the twin flame relationship can result in an unhealthy codependency. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Often, twin flame relationships are romanticised and we tend to overlook some of the negative attributes.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Twin flames are notorious for being tumultuous if not handled with care. If we don't have self-love and awareness, they can become even more painful.</li></ul>

Can twin flames become toxic?

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

3.  You complement each other

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Sooner or later, core wounds emerge, and differences arise in the relationship. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Often, these challenges are a reflection of the soul work the two of you need to do on your own. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">It's often not about improving the relationship but rather improving yourself.</li></ul>

Stage 4: Challenges emerge

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The chase can go on for years, but should the two of you work through all your triggers, insecurities, and challenges, eventually you may come back together. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">This is the surrender into the relationship and big picture for you both. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">You accept and allow each other to be who they are, flaws and all. This is where you come back again.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You accept and allow yourselves to be who you are too. </li></ul>

Stage 7: The surrender

Importantly, each person is still "whole" on their own, says licensed psychotherapist <a href="https://openingthedoorspsychotherapy.com/">Babita Spinelli</a>. "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."

Each Person Is Still Whole On Their Own

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">"The purpose of your twin flame is to support and help you with your divine mission and purpose," notes spiritual author <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/shannon-kaiser">Shannon Kaiser</a>. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">"So, often this type of relationship will reflect your problems and deepest insecurities so you can work through them to heal and grow."</li></ul>

4.  Your insecurities and doubts are amplified

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">From the moment you met and still to this day, you feel drawn to them physically when they're near you. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">When you're apart, you magnetically feel each other's presence too. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">It's as though their energy is always with you, always wanting to be closer.</li></ul>

5.  They feel magnetic

Interesting idea / concept of a relationship. In the end, whatever type of relationship one is in, focus on self-compassion, self-love and growth is the most helpful. The concept of a 'mirror' is also a useful reminder for us to work on ourselves and take responsibilities in order to move forward (in life and in the relationship).

A twin flame is an intense soul connection with someone thought to be a person's other half, sometimes called a "mirror soul."