Are you currently in love? Or do you at least, (fingers crossed) remember the glorious technicolour world of being crazily, besottedly love struck? Man, it has got to be the best feeling ever! Scientists tell us that biology and a list of chemicals and hormones are responsible for the sky being bluer, our loved one seeming perfect and the all consuming euphoria that swoops and soars in our beings. But whatever the case may be, it's an incredible feeling that science also tells us, lasts about 12 months or so. This year I celebrated my 10th Wedding Anniversary and 19th year with my husband. Hmmm!

Luckily science says that the same nerve growth factor that causes passion chemicals to be released in the first flush of love, also plays a role in the release of another chemical responsible for social bonding. So while the passion dies, the companionship essential in long term relationships, is stimulated. Yay, proof my husband and I okay then!

But is it really so? One look at the divorce rate shows the whole process is pretty touch-and-go. With many people going through tough times, whether it's illness, injury, work stress, retrenchment or financial woes, the stress impacts on our health and relationships, often negatively. So science aside, what can we do to keep the love alive?

I recently read an article where Louis Hay suggested that someone with thyroid issues should stand in front of a mirror and ask their thyroid, 'How can I love you back to life?' My suggestion is that we do exactly that with our close relationships. A broken arm or no job may be just the ticket to give you time to love more.

Instead of giving you a list of fabulous ideas of what you could do, but probably won't do, lets try this. As you are reading, right now, think about something wonderful you can do with your partner... you know... that special person you share your life with? (And if there isn't someone at the moment, then do it for yourself and BE that special someone.) It doesn't have to be big and it doesn't have to be expensive but what is important, is that it reminds you that stress and love are not opposing forces. We want to change the stress OR love dynamic to a stress AND love one.

Just thinking about it will start you moving in the right direction. So put on some romantic music, look the people you love in the eye and go get that loving feeling back!