Can someone please explain to me Jung's concept of the Anima/Animus?

Ok I feel like I'm starting to get my head around this concept, and theoretically I understand the idea, but can someone give me some practical examples? Basically my understanding is that on a deep "consciousness" or "soul" level we are in fact androgynous, the "energy" that gave us life has equal capacity to express itself in a feminine or masculine way. So naturally if I'm raised as a male, society will shape my gender identity and force "into hiding" many feminine traits. But what I don't understand is how will I know if I meet someone who reflects back at me my animus? If I was to ask myself the question "If I was born a female, who would I be?" will that point me in the right direction? Any comments or thoughts would be much appreciated.