The research team at online dating service eHarmony (and its 'Relationship Science Laboratories') have devised a quiz to find out if your relationship is ready for the next step...

Read the following questions and choose one response for each:

Do you and your partner get along with each other’s family and friends?

A Not especially; but as long as my partner and I get along we’ll be fine.

B For the most part. Though, there are a couple of people who are?a cause of stress.

C Yes, we love each other’s close circle and have no issues.

Do you and your partner spending time together and are there activities you enjoy together?

A We actually don't have much in common other than our attraction to each other

B We spend some time together, but we like to have a lot of solo time as well

C Yes, for the most part we love spending time together and relish learning new things from one another

How strong is the sexual spark between you and your partner?

A Not very

B Fairly strong

C Very strong

How does the thought of a long term monogamous relationship make you feel?

A Scared

B Indifferent

C Excited

Do you think you’re in sync when it comes to your sex life?

A No, and I don’t know if we ever will.

B No, but we’re trying to find common ground

C Yes, we are completely in sync

Do you trust that your partner has your best interests at heart?

A No, I never will be able to

B For the most part, yes.

C I believe that my partner puts me first

Have you and your partner agreed upon life goals (i.e. children, finances, work, etc.)?

A It hasn’t ever come up, so we haven’t discussed anything like this.

B We don’t really talk about it, but I feel confident we are headed?in the same direction.

C Yes, and we either agree on or have found compromise for these goals.

How do you act when you and your partner are fighting?

A I ignore or criticise my partner

B I walk away so we don’t continue fighting

C I try to work things out amicably

How do you rate?

Mostly A’s

Warning! There are too many red?flags that will get in the way of having a lasting relationship if they haven’t already. This isn’t to say you should drop your partner completely, but it’s time to take a good look at these issues and decide whether you want to spend the time working on them.?If not, it’s time for a change. The?most important thing to keep in mind is that your time is precious, and?it’s never good to stay in a relationship if you aren’t really satisfied with some of the most important aspects.

Mostly B’s

Almost there...but not quite. You do show a lot of love for your partner, but now might not be the best time to talk commitment. Your responses indicate that you have a subdued view on your relationship. But before taking the next step, you need to be sure that you know what you want and are making the right choice. You seem to be on your way to that path, but you have to decide exactly what it is that would make you happy and go for it.

Mostly C’s

You are ready to go! You and your partner have the tools necessary for a healthy, long lasting relationship. Research has shown that those who agree upon the important aspects of a relationship will have the best chance of staying together through thick and thin. Keeping lines of communication open and honest will surely aide in keeping your relationship in tip top shape. So dive in! Go forth and enjoy life with your partner.

Read ELLE's full investigation of the formula behind internet dating in the September issue and discover eHarmony's 5 key principles.