.error-message {
  display: none; /* Start hidden */
  color: white; /* White text for better contrast */
  background-color: red; /* Red background for a strong visual signal */
  padding: 15px; /* Add some padding for spacing */
  border-radius: 5px; /* Rounded corners for a softer appearance */
  font-weight: bold; /* Make text bold */
  margin-top: 10px; /* Add some space above the message */
  text-align: center; /* Center the text */
  box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); /* Subtle shadow for depth */
  transition: opacity 0.3s ease-in-out; /* Smooth fade-in transition */
}
/* General styles for alert container */
.alert {
    color: white;
background-color: #981d1d;  
text-align: center;
    padding: 15px;
    border-radius: 5px;
    margin: 10px 0;
    font-size: 16px;
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    position: relative;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
}

/* Success Alert Styles */
.alert.success {
    background-color: #d4edda;
    color: #155724;
    border: 1px solid #c3e6cb;
}

/* Error Alert Styles */
.alert.error {
    background-color: #f8d7da;
    color: #721c24;
    border: 1px solid #f5c6cb;
}

/* Icons for success and error */
.alert-icon {
    margin-right: 10px;
    font-size: 20px;
}

.alert-icon.success::before {
    content: "\f058"; /* Font Awesome check-circle icon */
    font-family: 'Font Awesome 5 Free';
    font-weight: 900;
}

.alert-icon.error::before {
    content: "\f071"; /* Font Awesome exclamation-circle icon */
    font-family: 'Font Awesome 5 Free';
    font-weight: 900;
}