Finding your soulmate is hyped up to be the greatest experience that a human being can possibly have. That's what the movies and novels tell us anyway, right?

The truth is, when you find your soulmate, it isn't usually the perfect fairytale that Hollywood and Hallmark would like us to believe it is. It is usually puzzling, thrilling, absolutely amazing, and sometimes... even a little bit gross.

It's no fairytale, but that's actually a good thing.

So, what's the real tea, here? How do you know when you've found the one? Keep on reading.

1. You just... know.

When you first meet them, or when you first start to date, something feels... different. You may not recognize the strange feeling at first, but eventually, you'll look back and realize that you knew all along.

2. You can understand each other without even speaking.

You know what they're thinking without a single word. And sometimes, they're the only ones who understand you, and vice versa... because sometimes you're a couple of weirdos.

3. You're not just dating; you're best friends.

There's nobody else you'd rather binge-watch Netflix or stuff your face with.

4. You do really disgusting sh*t in front of each other...

Your partner's burps, bodily fluids, farts, and poops are no stranger to you at all.

5. ...yet, you still want to f*ck each other, despite it all.

It makes no sense, but it's just how it goes.

6. You don't mind making sacrifices.

I drive an hour every day just to spend time with my man - why? Because he's worth it, and I'm happy to do it. Also, he feeds me.

7. You completely trust them.

When you're with the right person, you won't feel the need to look through his or her phone or spy on them or hide in the trunk of their car when they go out to 'do errands.' You know they're not doing anything suspicious. You trust them 100%.

8. You don't have to question their love or loyalty.

They never let you forget how they feel about you. You feel their love all the time, even when they aren't physically around.

9. You take turns 'wearing the pants.'

Basically, you can lean on each other. When I'm low on cash, he pays, and vice versa. When I'm feeling sad and anxious, he is my rock. When he's feeling depressed, I support him and comfort him. You can't both be strong and perfect all of the time, but when you've found 'the one,' you don't have to be.

10. You're their biggest cheerleader.

You can always count on their support in whatever you're doing, no matter what.

11. You can definitely stand to be without them...

Saying goodbye isn't easy, but you are comfortable enough in your relationship to spend time by yourselves.

12. ...but being together is better!

You don't NEED them to live your life, but they certainly make it way more fun.

13. No conversation is off-limits.

You can always talk to them about ANYTHING. You can communicate your needs effectively, you listen to each other, and you can talk about weird sh*t without ever being judged.

14. They're your safe space.

Typically, I'm a nervous wreck. That's just who I am. But when my boyfriend holds me, it's a different story. Anxiety? I don't know her.

15. You truly want, talk about, and even make plans for a future together.

You may find yourself fantasizing about proposals, weddings, and maybe even babies... when you never did that with anybody else. And you may blush like a giddy schoolgirl when your partner makes a comment like, "Our kids are going to have gigantic foreheads."

Yeah... it's the little things.

Chances are good that if you have to question whether or not you've found your soulmate, you probably haven't. When that special person comes into your life, you'll know. Trust me, the things in this list will all happen, and you'll just sit back and enjoy the ride.