Paul Messam, Contributor

"It depends on the feeling you get." "I can't take my mind off the person, I always want to see the him." "My heart beats much faster when I'm thinking about that special one. In fact, when I see the person I usually get excited and a happy feeling engulfs my entire being."

"Many days while at work in the plazas I continue having the same intense feeling of wanting to see him and feel his presence," admits Maxine Brown, business woman with three children.

"It's the vibes that you get," says Natasha McLean, a caterer. "Sometimes my body just pops up and start shining and glowing, I can't take my mind off the person, I can't eat, sleep comfortably or think straight, sometimes I do not want food or want to be bothered, just to be left alone thinking, reminiscing and just feeling good, wondering what is the next move from there."

intense feeling

Mark Newell, physics teacher, says "I have this intense feeling towards the person, and you cannot identify any wrong in the person; if there is any problem or issue I tend to overlook it or them; I tend to care more about the person, share more, I do not really want to be away from that person, sometimes even to the point of being possessive and so I get jealous after her."

Being in love carries many beautiful things. It carries forgiveness, laughing together, enjoying each other's company, friendships, good, clean, hot, even 'dirty' sex, used in the right context at the right time and in the right place. But can anyone be absolutely certain of being in love - whether you are married, single or divorced?

Sometimes it is not so easy to determine. However, here are some 'love exams' to help you to evaluate your relationship.

1. The jealousy quiz

Is journey a problem? No, give reasons. If yes, to what extent?

2. The empathy quiz

Have you erased the 'me, me' syndrome and replaced it with a the 'you, you attitude?

3. The apology quiz

Do you criticise for every and anything? Do you criticise constructively with and in love? Do you usually say something positive first before giving the distasteful message?

4. The money quiz

Do both partners share the same basic values and attitude as they relate to finance?

5. The sex quiz

Are you sensitive to your partner's sexual needs, fears, desires?

6. The fun quiz

To what extent do you enjoy doing things together?

See if your relationship passes these exams. Simply get a pen and record the answers. If you have answered 'yes' to quiz numbers 2 to 4 you are certainly on the 'in love road' to a beautiful, sober relationship. If you could not in all sincerity respond with a positive yes to some of them, then those areas will require great attention without delay. The more you aspire to achieving the required objectives, the stronger the bonds of friendship will be.