At different times in our lives, we all feel and experience how amazing and powerful love can be — but it can also take full control over our minds and bodies. There's a fine line between healthy and unhealthy love, though it can often be hard to recognize.

Love is healthiest when it's mutual and unconditional. When you and the other person can have your own independent lives but still support each other, you've got it made. Even though I express it differently, I have the same kind of love for Evan and Donnie. It's an "I'll do anything for you and nothing will ever change that" love that just feels right deep in my soul.

Unfortunately, many people mistake unhealthy love for healthy love. If you have any feelings of manipulation or mind games in a relationship or if you find yourself sacrificing things that are most important to you, you may not be experiencing the kind of love you deserve. Unhealthy love can be addictive, and though you may think you need the other person in order to obtain happiness, trust me when I say you're better than that — and there's someone out there who will show you what true love really is.

The first step is simply taking a step back and acknowledging that your relationship may be unhealthy. By taking the time to figure out what's toxic, you've already made an improvement toward self-love, which will inevitably lead you to the healthy, natural, thriving love you deserve.

To find out more about Jenny McCarthy and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.