Falling in love can happen in various ways, gradually or suddenly. It can be a quick and intense experience that disappears as fast as it came, or it can be a subtle feeling that gradually takes hold of you until you realize you're completely consumed. Figuring out whether this love is the one that will last forever can be challenging. Here are some ways to determine if this love is the forever kind that's meant to be.

1. You've crossed paths before

If you've previously encountered this person and believed you'd never see them again, but they unexpectedly reappear in your life, it might be a sign that your souls are destined to be together. Destiny works in mysterious ways, and being at the right place at the right time, even under unusual circumstances, could be a result of divine timing. Therefore, if you don't have to pursue someone, and they magically show up in your life at the ideal moment, it's possible that your souls are meant to be together.

2. They get you like no one else can

Your soulmate will comprehend you like no one else can. They'll comprehend your aspirations and passions, what upsets and distresses you, and always honor your sentiments. Discovering someone who genuinely understands you can be challenging, so if you come across such a person, there's a high likelihood that your souls are meant to be together.

3. Their pain becomes your pain

Genuine love transforms us into empaths. If your soulmate, the person you cherish above all else, is suffering, their pain will feel as if it's your own. Likewise, you'll share in their happiness and grieve in their struggles. It's a weighty burden to carry, but it's also a sign that your souls are in sync in a way that feels natural.

4. The thought of losing them is unbearable

When your soul is destined to be with someone, the mere thought of losing them will be agonizing, as if a knife is piercing your heart. It's not merely the fear of being alone or without a partner, but the dread of losing someone who is irreplaceable to you.

5. You can clearly see a future with them in it

If you envision all the things you desire in life, and that person seems to fit into your vision seamlessly, there's a good chance that your souls are meant to be together. While their aspirations might differ slightly from yours, and some compromise might be necessary as in any relationship, if you can effortlessly picture them fitting into your life and vice versa, it could be a sign that it's meant to be.

6. You balance each other perfectly

It's often said that opposites attract, but soulmates can also have similar personalities or be different from each other. The key is that you balance each other out, compensating for each other's weaknesses and strengths. Together, you're the ideal blend of each other's good and bad traits, and you make each other work seamlessly. Like pieces of a puzzle, soulmates fit together perfectly.

7. They feel like home

Encountering someone who makes you feel like you've returned home, and you don't have to worry about anything else, is a truly remarkable experience that you should cherish. It's one thing to like or love someone, but a soulmate is someone who makes you feel secure. Being with them feels like your favorite place in the world, regardless of the location, because they're your home.

8. They make you feel unstoppable

A genuine soulmate who you're meant to be with will always inspire you to believe that nothing is impossible. Life can throw you curveballs, and it's easy to become discouraged and down. But if your partner is the one who always picks you up, encourages you to keep going, and makes you feel like the world is your oyster, then there's a good chance that your souls are meant to be together forever.

9. They make you calm

Soulmates have a way of bringing us peace and calmness, even in the most chaotic and stressful times. It doesn't necessarily mean that your partner is always calm and you're not, but rather they have an effect on you that makes you feel safe and at ease. The world can be tough, and there will be times when you break down and feel like you're losing your mind. However, if your partner can always be the one to ground you and remind you that everything will be okay, then your souls are meant to be together.

10. You just feel it

When your souls are in perfect alignment and you're meant to be with someone, it's an indescribable feeling that you and they will just know. While relying solely on feelings may be frustrating in an uncertain world, your intuition is more powerful than any other evidence. So, if you feel deep down that your soul is meant to be with someone, take a chance and see where it leads. Although I can't guarantee it will last forever, don't let the fear of failure prevent you from taking a chance on love.