This study examines the question, 'what are the characteristics of love?' it does this with a view to the problem of 'hyper-love' which is rife in Western Christianity. Sometimes expressing itself as a mushy sentimentality – this is a 'love' which has departed from biblical standards. It follows an 'anything goes' stance which says 'if it feels loving do it.' At the individual level, this study will help readers to assess whether a particular relationship they are getting into has the characteristics of true love. Objective criteria is provided for helping them decide whether such a relationship is right for them - thereby reducing the risk of rushing into unhealthy associations that could inflict lasting damage.