When you think about qualities found in a true "soul mate" relationship, what one word comes up most often on top of your list?

Is it CHEMISTRY? Probably.

Just mention of this term conjures up powerful feelings and images for anyone who has ever been in or seeking a love relationship. It is often described as a feeling that leaves you breathless, excited and weak in knees. Palms sweat, heart races and body tingles with nervous anticipation.

It is believed by virtually everyone that true love cannot exist without chemistry. Therefore, conclusion most would-be lovers come to is that if they experience these intense feelings towards someone, they have basis for an ideal and lasting relationship.

Right? Maybe not. For this definition of chemistry is limited to one's physical response to another person. It lacks an entire dimension that resides in our values, beliefs, personalities and worldview

In order to know you have right connection with a potential (or existing) partner, it's important to have a basic knowledge of what real chemistry consists of, instead of embracing only myths that surround it. This can be difficult to do. This intense, physical passion is stuff that Oscar winning movies and best-selling books are made of. So, take a step back for a minute and see if you recognize yourself in following.

Sarah is a thirty something, very attractive and successful, professional female. She has been in a relationship for over a year with a man who is unfaithful, disrespectful and incapable (unwilling) to make any commitment to her. Yet, when he makes late night "booty calls", forgets her birthday, or stands her up repeatedly - she remains available and willing, in spite of her general unhappiness and upset over their "relationship". Why? "I think I have mistaken great sex for love. I feel this intense chemistry and physical intimacy when we are having sex, even though he offers me nothing else. Over time, it has left me unhappy and feeling badly about myself."

John is an attractive, intelligent, 30 something male who owns his own successful business. He's dating a woman that he thinks he is in love with. He has knowledge that she has been out with other men. She cancels dates and is often critical and emotionally distant. She refuses to discuss commitment or taking relationship to next level. Yet, she turns to John for emotional, physical and financial help whenever she feels she needs it. Why does John continue to see her? "She's beautiful and sex is great. We have such strong physical chemistry. It's almost like an addiction for me. My friends can't stand her and even I know she's not really a "keeper", but it's hard to walk away.

All these things can confuse your animal companion causing them to do things they ordinarily wouldn’t do, and also bring harm to themselves.

Since it has been my fate to learn from experience, sometimes vicariously, sometimes straight-on, I’ll include examples which I hope this article will keep you from having to experience.

1.Keep careful track of visitors’ possessions.

People bring all sorts of things in their suitcases and purses, like nitroglycerine and sleeping pills. Keep purses and luggage up off floor, and in case of cats, closed and latched.

Or you’ll end up at vet’s, as I did one year, when Thisbe smelled chocolate (Ex Lax) in my mother’s suitcase and ingested enough to kill her, said vet, who was surprised she survived. 2.Pay close attention to Easter candy and other gifts.

CHOCOLATE IS A SPECIAL DANGER. IT CONTAINS THEOBROMINE WHICH IS POISONOUS TO ANIMALS. People wrap food dogs can smell that you can’t, but then again it doesn’t have to be food. Chucky tore open packages of bath powder, perfume and bath salts as well. If you catch Fido nosing around, remove package to somewhere safe.

3. Keep your animal companion on their regular regime and diet.

Don’t, like me, carve lamb roast tossing fat down to Shy Nell, then carry it in to table, begin feast, and have Shy Nell enter dining room and proceed to vomit it all up, sending one of your guests to restroom. Try working that into dinner table conversation!

4.Protect your animal companion from new people and vice versa.

Guests can agitate and excite your pet so they get in trouble, do bizarre things, and also harm people.