Netflix’s 'Escaping Twin Flames' Shows Why Having A Twin Flame Isn't Always Healthy

Netflix’s 'Escaping Twin Flames' Shows Why Having A Twin Flame Isn't Always Healthy


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The idea of twin flames—a.k.a., a truly next-level bond that you and your partner have and will share for life—has been around for millennia. But here and now in 2023, twin flames are having a moment.

Case in point: Escaping Twin Flames, the new Netflix docuseries. The three-part doc is a deep dive on the Twin Flames Universe, a rather controversial community that encourages people looking for love to take some arguably ill-advised actions in pursuit of this supposedly one-of-a-kind relationship.

Curious to know if you’ve found your twin flame, à la Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly? Here’s everything to know about what this soul phenomena means, and how this connection can impact your life—potentially in both good and bad ways. Read on for the definition of a twin flame, the meaning of twin flames in astrology, the stages of a twin flame relationship, and more.

So... what is a twin flame, exactly?

Basically, your twin flame is like your ultimate soul mate. In fact, there's a good chance you recognize your twin flame right away, says astrologer Narayana Montúfar, author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power. "When first meeting your twin flame, there might be an automatic pull between you two, something that is hard to even explain," she says. "It's almost like knowing everything about them at a soul level without them even telling you about it."

Your twin flame is "essentially the other half of your soul," adds Patricia Hicks*, a psychic advisor at Keen.com. They make you feel complete—they’re a mirror of yourself, soul-wise, as if you were cut from the same cloth.

What's more: "There's a certain magnetism between you and them, which can become pretty intense from the get-go," Montúfar says. "So, if you meet your twin flame, you will definitely feel it right away." Think of it like love at first sight, but something much more than just a physical attraction.

It’s natural to feel drawn to someone who’s so similar to you, says Dr. Sakshi Tickoo, founder of Sex, Love, and OT and author of SexCare: A Self Help Guide to Sexual Wellness. "The good thing about having similarities is that you have a strong foundation, you know where you stand."

While that all may seem pretty awesome, being in a relationship with your twin flame can be challenging at times because you’re so alike. And it’s important to remember that a twin flame bond doesn’t necessarily promise smooth sailing in a sexual relationship or otherwise.

"Nothing guarantees sexual compatibility, no matter how great the chemistry is. Chemistry comes and goes," Tickoo explains. "It is very difficult for someone to be on the same page— we all have different lives, different triggers, different stressors through the day, different bodies…in those situations, compatibility is about how to find a midway [point] and have more realistic connections."

Still, when it comes to you and your twin flame, there’s an "unconditional love and bond that sticks," Hicks notes.

Whoa, so is my twin flame my soulmate?

Yes and no. You can have several soulmates during your life, but you can only have *one* twin flame, says Hicks, because your twin flame is the "ultimate soulmate."

In other words, your twin flame is your soulmate, but not all soulmates are twin flames.

What is the purpose of a twin flame?

It’s actually not meant to be the love of your life. "Because a twin flame is a karmic connection, they are helping you work through some of your deepest psychic material by bringing intense experiences into your life," Montúfar says. "While most people think that meeting your twin flame is like a beautiful walk in the park—it's not, it's actually just the opposite."

A twin flame can cause an "intense connection" that makes you feel enlightened, Montúfar says, which sometimes means pointing out your flaws and insecurities and making you deal with them head on.

What zodiac signs are twin flames?

Here’s the thing: Your Sun sign (i.e. the one you look up when you read your horoscope)—and your Venus sign—can help you figure out if you’re compatible with your S.O. But a twin flame "goes way further that just comparing two people’s signs," Montúfar says.

Instead, a synastry chart reading, which compares two charts and the aspects they make to each other, could tell you whether you and your partner (or crush) at least have a soul connection.

VENUS IN ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

If your Venus is in the sign of Aries, you need to feel loved and inspired to be happy. And, when it comes to romance, you’re torn between wanting to stay safe and nurtured and wanting something a little more adventurous. You’re most compatible with someone who has their Venus in Leo and in Sagittarius. "Because they're fire signs—like Aries—they're going to be fun to be with, and they'll feed your flame," Page explains. That means you'll (almost) never have a dull moment together...even after decades of marriage.

But, of course, opposites attract, too. If you're looking for a hot fling, not an LTR, go for someone with their Venus in Libra.

VENUS IN ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

If your Venus is in the sign of Aries, you need to feel loved and inspired to be happy. And, when it comes to romance, you’re torn between wanting to stay safe and nurtured and wanting something a little more adventurous. You’re most compatible with someone who has their Venus in Leo and in Sagittarius. "Because they're fire signs—like Aries—they're going to be fun to be with, and they'll feed your flame," Page explains. That means you'll (almost) never have a dull moment together...even after decades of marriage.

ICYDK, each type of sign (fire, earth, water, and air) is romantically compatible with its same type of sign, says Page. So it's no surprise that a fire sign, like Aries, will hit it off with its fellow scorchers. But, of course, opposites attract, too. If you're looking for a hot fling, not an LTR, go for someone with their Venus in Libra.

VENUS IN TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You crave unconditional love and want to attract someone, instead of having to do all the work to pursue them. (Read: You've definitely played hard to get before.) Because Taurus is an earth sign, you're grounded in relationships, preferring to cozy up on the couch than bar hop all night long, a trait that's probably come in handy over the past several months. "If someone with Venus in Taurus tries to date a fire sign, they could get scorched," says Page. So your best match is someone whose Venus is also in an earth sign—either Venus in Virgo or in Capricorn.

If you're looking for a hot hookup and nothing else, let opposites attract with a Venus in Scorpio. "The opposites can be more hot because you can feel the electricity across the room," Page explains. "So there might be more fights, but there will also be better makeup sex."

VENUS IN LEO (JULY 23–AUGUST 22)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You want recognition for being special, Leo, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You believe life should be exciting, and that includes your love life (duh). So, your best bet at astrological romance is with another fire sign, Venus in Sagittarius and in Aries.

Believe it or not, your opposite isn't a water sign. It's an air sign: Venus in Aquarius. While you might think a lot of sparks will fly between fire signs, there's "a whole lot of spark" between these two, says Page. Since air signs are all about intellectual connection, an Aquarius can bring a lack of competition to the relationship and help you explore new ideas.

VENUS IN SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You’re inspired by knowledge and new ideas, Venus in Sagittarius. You always want to try something exciting and different—with someone equally on board by your side. You'll find just that in fellow fire signs, Venus in Aries and in Leo, according to Page.

When it comes to opposites attracting, keep an eye on Venus in Gemini. They're an air sign, so you might run into conflict when they're not down to try every crazy, exciting thing you throw their way before thinking it through. Still, if you can nail an intellectual connection, your sexual one will be Off. The. Charts.

VENUS IN GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You’re not always sure what you need, Venus in Gemini, so you often look for experience and guidance in an S.O. Since you're an air sign, you crave a mental connection based on communication. So you'll be most compatible with your fellow air signs: Venus in Libra and in Aquarius.

If you're looking for sparks to fly, your opposite attraction sign is Venus in Sagittarius. Just be ready for those sparks to flame out after you don't see eye-to-eye on one too many topics.

FIRE SIGN & FIRE SIGN

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

Those with their Venus sign in Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius all bring the heat as fire signs. Together, they're passionate, forward, and direct in their approach to love, Clervoix says. If you're both fire signs, you'll be great at taking initiative with each other, while also keeping up the facade of the "chase" that can make relationships hot and exciting.

In short, you both have a tolerance for a bit of game play when paired together. "It's all about the pursuit," Clervoix says. "They want the energy from the other person to stir something up in them," she says. Basically, fire signs aren't shy about what they want, and they want someone who is action-oriented and will put in the effort they find attractive.

VENUS IN CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

If your Venus is in Cancer, you have a lot of emotions—and you're not afraid to share them with a partner. "Water signs need to have their feelings understood," says Page. And who better to understand a water sign's feelings than another aquatic? That's why you're most compatible with Venus in Pisces and in Scorpio. (Especially Scorpios—their strength, intensity of emotions, and ability to surrender sexually is really hot for you.)

If you're looking to knock boots with an opposite sign, hit up a Venus in Capricorn. They're an earth sign, so together you can create a whole new world... as long as you don't end up muddying the waters (sorry, had to).

VENUS IN LEO (JULY 23–AUGUST 22)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You want recognition for being special, Leo, and there’s nothing wrong with that. And since you're a fire sign, you believe life should be exciting, and that includes your love life (duh). So, your best bet at astrological romance is with another fire sign, Venus in Sagittarius and in Aries.

Believe it or not, your opposite isn't a water sign. It's an air sign: Venus in Aquarius. While you might think a lot of sparks will fly between fire signs, there's "a whole lot of spark" between these two, says Page. Since air signs are all about intellectual connection, an Aquarius can bring a lack of competition to the relationship and help you explore new ideas.

VENUS IN GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You’re not always sure what you need, Venus in Gemini, so you often look for experience and guidance in an S.O. You crave a mental connection based on communication, so you'll be most compatible with your fellow air signs: Venus in Libra and in Aquarius.

If you're looking for sparks to fly, your opposite attraction sign is Venus in Sagittarius. Just be ready for those sparks to flame out after you don't see eye-to-eye on one too many topics.

VENUS IN LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

Those with their Venus in Libra are the astrological equivalent of "good texters." You want intellectual stimulation and communication all day, every day, according to Page. So you need someone who thinks like you—and will always return your texts—a.k.a. your fellow air signs, Venus in Aquarius and in Gemini.

On the flip side, your opposite attraction sign is fiery Venus in Aries. They have a strong ego and will bring excitement to your relationship—the bennies of which you'll reap in the bedroom, trust. Just know that a gust of wind (in the form of intellectual differences, for example) could snuff out this flame.

VENUS IN VIRGO (AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You’re attracted to what you don’t understand, Venus in Virgo, and aren’t into people who are superficial. That's why your fellow earth signs—Venus in Capricorn and in Taurus—are your best match. Like you, these signs are "very touchy-feely," says Page, and just want to be comfortable with their person, a.k.a. Netflix and chill—emphasis on the chill.

But if you're looking for a good time, not necessarily a long time, you might wanna slide into the DMs of your opposite sign: Venus in Pisces. Since they're a water sign, they'll bring an emotional intensity that'll translate to some serious chemistry in the bedroom. (There might be a tad too much drama for a lasting relationship though...)

VENUS IN LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

Air signs, like Venus in Libra, are the astrological equivalent of "good texters." You want intellectual stimulation and communication all day, every day, according to Page. So you need someone who thinks like you—and will always return your texts—a.k.a. your fellow air signs, Venus in Aquarius and in Gemini.

On the flipside, your opposite attraction sign is fiery Venus in Aries. They have a strong ego and will bring excitement to your relationship—the bennies of which you'll reap in the bedroom, trust. Just know that a gust of wind (in the form of intellectual differences, for example) could snuff out this flame.

VENUS IN AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You want to express your uniqueness and be accepted for who you really are, Venus in Aquarius, which may or may not explain why you like talking—a lot. You need a sign that can keep up with your intellect, which is why you're most compatible with your fellow bags of hot air, Venus in Gemini and in Libra, says Page.

When it comes to opposite zodiac signs, you probably won't be able to resist someone with fire sign Venus in Leo. You’re both independent and have a desire to help others. But that, combined with a fire sign's need for near-constant excitement, can leave you feeling lonely if you don't spend enough time focusing on each other.

VENUS IN SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You dig intensity, perseverance, and strength, so you need an equal partner in life, Venus in Scorpio. Since you're a water sign, you feel deeply and want to share your emotions with someone you trust wholeheartedly, says Page. That's why she recommends finding love with other water signs, Venus in Pisces and in Cancer. They just ~get~ you.

Your opposite sign is Venus in Taurus, an earth sign. They can help ground you in a relationship, but they might not completely understand how you're feeling (sigh). Still, whenever you get into arguments, you can always depend on some seriously hot makeup sex, says Page.

AIR SIGN & AIR SIGN

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

If your Venus is Aquarius, Gemini, or Libra, you're most compatible with your fellow air signs. You all share the same energy and spirit—usually one that's very self-sufficient and independent. And since two air signs in Venus will understand this about each other, that makes them a great love match, Clervoix says.

And yep, air signs are also very communicative, which means that together, they are able to easily talk about the needs and conflicts they might have without straight-up breaking things off at the first sign of trouble, Clervoix notes. They're also quite logical, though, so odds are most fights will resolve without a need to hash a ton out anyway.

VENUS IN SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You’re inspired by knowledge and new ideas, Venus in Sagittarius. As a fire sign, you always want to try something exciting and different—with someone equally on board by your side. You'll find just that in fellow fire signs, Venus in Aries and in Leo, according to Page.

When it comes to opposites attracting, keep an eye on Venus in Gemini. They're an air sign, so you might run into conflict when they're not down to try every crazy, exciting thing you throw their way before thinking it through. Still, if you can nail an intellectual connection, your sexual one will be Off. The. Charts.

FIRE SIGN & AIR SIGN

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

While the same elements are typically drawn to each other, there are other pairs that make a particularly good Venus match: Like fire and air, for example, who have the ability to be a flirty, fun, and dynamic pair, Clervoix says.

Passionate fire signs often need a physical outlet to express their energy, and they tend to be pretty outward-focused. This is what makes air signs a great match for fire signs, says Mesa. "Air provides the logic, the same way how when we breathe, we get oxygen to the mind," she explains. When a fire sign is agitated and is compelled to act out, their air sign partner will provide them with logic and calm to help them in the right direction, Mesa says.

VENUS IN CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

If your Venus is in an earth sign, like Venus in Capricorn, you're all about cuffing season (and not just because your bday likely falls during it). According to Page, earth signs are super touchy-feely, want to be totally comfortable around their partner, and like doing activities together, especially when those activities don't require leaving the house. So your perfect match is—surprise, surprise—fellow earth signs, Venus in Taurus and in Virgo.

Your opposite sign is water sign Venus in Cancer. They can bring the mystery and depth of emotions that your logic-loving self needs, and you'll be attracted to the spontaneity they can inject into your life. Just make sure they know when you need a timeout, mkay?

WATER SIGN & WATER SIGN

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

People with their Venus in Pisces, Cancer, or Scorpio are water signs, and if you get two of 'em together, odds are there's going to be a *lot* of emotions present in this duo. TBH, water signs are known for having a lot of depth to their feelings, Clervoix says, so when they get into a relationship together, there's a lot of space for them to understand each other's (many) passions.

Basically, it'll be lots of long talks and safe spaces to work through all the ~deep feels~ that come up when you're dating someone—and they're kind of better equipped to handle each other than any of the other elements, Mesa says.

VENUS IN CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

If your Venus is in Cancer, you have a lot of emotions—and you're not afraid to share them with a partner. "Water signs need to have their feelings understood," says Page. And who better to understand a water sign's feelings than another aquatic? That's why you're most compatible with Venus in Pisces and in Scorpio. (Especially Scorpios—their strength, intensity of emotions, and ability to surrender sexually is really hot for you.)

If you're looking to knock boots with an opposite sign, hit up a Venus in Capricorn. They're an earth sign, so together you can create a whole new world... as long as you don't end up muddying the waters (sorry, had to).

VENUS IN AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You want to express your uniqueness and be accepted for who you really are, Venus in Aquarius, which may or may not explain why you like talking—a lot. You need a sign that can keep up with your intellect, which is why you're most compatible with the other air signs Venus in Gemini and in Libra, says Page.

When it comes to opposite zodiac signs attracting, you probably won't be able to resist someone with fire sign Venus in Leo. You’re both independent and have a desire to help others. But that, combined with a fire sign's need for near-constant excitement, can leave you feeling lonely if you don't spend enough time focusing on each other.

VENUS IN SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You dig intensity, perseverance, and strength, so you need an equal partner in life, Venus in Scorpio. You feel deeply and want to share your emotions with someone you trust wholeheartedly, says Page. That's why she recommends finding love with other water signs, Venus in Pisces and in Cancer. They just ~get~ you.

Your opposite sign is Venus in Taurus, an earth sign. They can help ground you in a relationship, but they might not completely understand how you're feeling (sigh). Still, whenever you get into arguments, you can always depend on some seriously hot makeup sex, says Page.

VENUS IN PISCES (FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20)

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

You can struggle to feel anchored in this world, Venus in Pisces, which is why you need someone who understands—and validates—your feelings. As a water sign, you're all about having an emotional connection, says Page, so you need a partner that prioritizes that, too. Enter your fellow water signs Venus in Cancer and in Scorpio.

Your opposite attraction sign is Venus in Virgo, an earth sign that will likely help you ground some of those feels. Your sexual connection will be undeniable, but things might get a bit, uh, rocky when it comes to your emotional connection. Earth signs love being cozy and comfortable, but an in-depth heart-to-heart isn't always as important to them. It'll be up to you whether you'll want to get over that...or over them.

VENUS IN PISCES (FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You can struggle to feel anchored in this world, Venus in Pisces, which is why you need someone who understands—and validates—your feelings. You're all about having an emotional connection, says Page, so you need a partner that prioritizes that, too. Enter your fellow water signs, Venus in Cancer and in Scorpio.

Your opposite attraction sign is Venus in Virgo, an earth sign that will likely help you ground some of those feels. Your sexual connection will be undeniable, but things might get a bit, uh, rocky when it comes to your emotional connection. Earth signs love being cozy and comfortable, but an in-depth heart-to-heart isn't always as important to them. It'll be up to you whether you'll want to get over that...or over them.

EARTH SIGN & EARTH SIGN

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

Like the other elements, those with their Venus in Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus—a.k.a. the earth signs—tend to gravitate toward each other. "They have that emotional stability," Mesa says, and like the actual element itself, they're very "grounded" as a couple. (Translation: Not a ton of outbursts and door-slamming kinda fights in this duo.)

"Earth is very tangible, and it's all about the here and now," Mesa explains. Basically, this pair is going to value the personal time they have together, and when they're with each other, it's all about the relationship. They're not vying for the other's attention 24/7 because they already have it!

VENUS IN TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You crave unconditional love and want to attract someone, instead of having to do all the work to pursue them. (Read: You've definitely played hard to get before.) Because Taurus is an earth sign, you're grounded in relationships, preferring to cozy up on the couch than bar hop all night long. "If someone with Venus in Taurus tries to date a fire sign, they could get scorched," says Page. So your best match is someone whose Venus is also in an earth sign—either Venus in Virgo or in Capricorn.

If you're looking for a hot hookup and nothing else, let opposites attract with a Venus in Scorpio. "The opposites can be more hot because you can feel the electricity across the room," Page explains. "So there might be more fights, but there will also be better makeup sex."

VENUS IN VIRGO (AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

You’re attracted to what you don’t understand, Venus in Virgo, and aren’t into people who are superficial. That's why your fellow earth signs—Venus in Capricorn and in Taurus—are your best match. Like you, these signs are "very touchy-feely," says Page, and just want to be comfortable with their person, a.k.a. Netflix and chill—emphasis on the chill.

But if you're looking for a good time, not necessarily a long time, you might wanna slide into the DMs of your opposite sign: Venus in Pisces. Since they're a water sign, they'll bring an emotional intensity that'll translate to some serious chemistry in the bedroom. (There might be a tad too much drama for a lasting relationship though...)

VENUS IN CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19)

Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda
Photo credit: Aya Kaykeda

If your Venus is in Capricorn, you're all about cuffing season (and not just because your bday likely falls during it). According to Page, these signs are super touchy-feely, want to be totally comfortable around their partner, and like doing activities together, especially when those activities don't require leaving the house. So your perfect match is—surprise, surprise—fellow earth signs, Venus in Taurus and in Virgo.

Your opposite sign is water sign Venus in Cancer. They can bring the mystery and depth of emotions that your logic-loving self needs, and you'll be attracted to the spontaneity they can inject into your life. Just make sure they know when you need a timeout, mkay?

EARTH SIGN & WATER SIGN

Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron
Photo credit: Jewelyn Butron

Another element duo that pairs well together? Earth and water. "They're a little bit more emotional and stable with how they are together and what they want," Clervoix says. They also aren't looking for people who play games, unlike air or fire pairings.

"Water is very compassionate, empathic, subliminal, and it very much helps the earth find that safety and grounds it," Mesa says. In this way, earth signs get a bit of emotional reciprocity through the water signs (who always have deep feels), and it helps them hold down the fort of their energy and mental state. "Together, they create stability," Mesa says.

How does a relationship with a twin flame compare to other relationships?

For starters, it’s totally unique. "This is a one-of-a-kind relationship that doesn't compare to any other," Montúfar says. "The reason that your twin flame is like a part of yourself [is because] at some point [they] got separated from you."

Montúfar says that it’s "basically impossible" to compare your twin flame relationship to other relationships, because it serves a totally different purpose in your life. "A twin flame relationship serves as a mirror and a vehicle for your soul's growth, which is something that only happens once," she says.

That said, Misha N. Granado, MPH, MS, a certified relationship therapist and owner of Love Grows, emphasizes that this kind of relationship can also be uniquely challenging. "It is easy to become co-dependent and have the unrealistic expectation that it is your partner’s responsibility to save, heal, and/or fix you because you view them as your other 'half' or mirror soul," she explains.

How will I know if I’ve found my twin flame?

Since you and a prospective suitor can't just look up your zodiac signs to see if you’re twin flames (because that'd just be too easy), this is a gut feeling kind of thing.

If your gut's already pointing in that direction, Montúfar says to look out for these specific signs that you may just have found your twin flame:

  • You feel a magnetic pull toward one another.

  • You feel a strange sense of familiarity and feel safe in each other’s presence.

  • Even though you know you haven’t met before you did, you feel like you already know them really well.

  • You share an intense psychic connection and are highly sensitive to each other’s energies.

  • You mirror each other’s fears and insecurities so much that it’s freaky.

  • You bring out the best in each other, but challenge each other, too.

In general, you know you’ve found your twin flame when you meet someone who is super similar to you. They're so similar, in fact, that your interactions can even be a little uncomfortable, as well as super gratifying, Montúfar says.

"Because they act like your mirror, and you like theirs, you know they are twin flame material because you are helping each other grow in such a deep and meaningful way that no one else can," she explains. "This is a fated connection, and you will feel it deep inside in the moment you first meet them."

Does my twin flame have to be a love interest?

If all of the above sounds like the kind of bond you have with your bestie, good for you!

Your twin flame isn't always and doesn't have to be a romantic interest. You may even be in a better boat that way, since, like Hicks mentioned, dating (or marrying) a soul clone of yourself can get a little...challenging.

Does everyone have a twin flame?

Not necessarily...womp womp. You can meet your twin flame in your life, or you can simply have a spiritual energy that’s a twin flame, Montúfar says. (As in, it could be a soul that isn't in a living human body anymore, which you may or may not recognize.)

What are the stages of a twin flame relationship?

Granado cites the work of psychoanalyst Babita Spinelli, who has spoken extensively about twin flames. According to Spinelli, there are eight stages of a twin flame relationship: Yearning, Meeting, Honeymoon Phase, Challenges, The Test, The Chase, The Surrender, and Coming Home.

This outline of a twin flame relationship looks very similar to the stages of a typical, healthy romantic relationship.

  1. Yearning: The way Granado sees it, "yearning" means reaching a point in your life when you are ready to be a relationship, which subsequently leads to you finding someone.

  2. Honeymoon Phase: The classic "honeymoon phase" then occurs due to the fact that you have "limited information about [your] new partner… there are no challenges and everything is cotton candy sweet."

  3. Challenges: When "the sugar high wears off, and we discover sugar is not a sustainable diet, this is when we begin to recognize our differences," says Granado. So begins the "challenges" phase where you and your twin flame have to navigate how to work through these issues.

  4. The Test: This is when your relationship is really put to (you guessed it) "the test." You're at a breaking point, and one partner might question or even leave the relationship.

  5. The Chase: You can tell you've entered "the chase" phase when "one party may not be sure, so they become cautious and slow the pace," Granado says. "This may intrigue the other person to pursue a bit harder."

  6. The Surrender: Eventually, with time, effort, and consistency, you'll know whether you can work through the unique challenges of a twin flame relationship successfully—or not. Welcome to the "surrender" phase.

  7. Coming Home: Last but not least, the ultimate goal is "coming home." At this point, you finally become more comfortable with your partner and settle into a natural rhythm.

Should twin flames be together?

The answer to this question is not so simple. While a twin flame bond can result in a tremendous, life-changing relationship, it is important to remember that you can have a beautiful relationship without immediately feeling a "soul connection" with another person. In the same vein, you may feel an intense soul connection with someone and that relationship still might not work out in the end.

Plus, as Tickoo notes, being with someone who is very different from you can "give you a perspective on life which you wouldn’t have had another way." That kind of romantic relationship is more likely to open you up to explore more connection dynamics, other kinds of relationships, and even expand your sexual repertoire, she adds.

Basically, if you happen to meet someone and you feel like they just ~get~ you—like, REALLY get you, in a way you couldn't even dream up—they could be your twin flame. Just remember that even though it might truly feel like your S.O. is your other half, you're still a complete person on your own, even without a partner, soul mate, or twin flame bond.


*Last name changed for confidentiality and privacy purposes.


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