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Chocaholics Anonymous?

No, no, this calling is not about reforming or for that matter, anything remotely useful. To reveal a bit of my narcissistic side - I just wanted to see how many of you out there as 'cocoa nuts' as me about chocolates.

First, let's go through a checklist to see if you pass the unofficial "Chocoholic" test (made up by an entire team of eminent "psy-choco-logists" from the prestigious University of Uselesstudiesford) -

1. Have you ever dreamt roaming around the cocoa plantations of Brazil, unabashedly indulging in drinking to what you hold with highest regard as the ambrosia from heaven - a warm cup of hot cocoa? Of course, half way through sipping, your wild dream may be rudely cut short by a spear jab on the back. You've been accused of trespassing by an angry South American native and chances are, you'll probably be roasted alive along with the next batch of cocoa beans but hey, it was all for a good cause, right?

2. Do you wish Valentine's day should be celebrated every month, so that you can embark on a guilt-free, chocolate-eating spree? Also, how about dropping those heavy hints to your 'chocolatey bitter-half' about how you'll love to be given a big box of chocolates. After all, love to you and me, signifies a beautiful moment of an unconditional passion for - of course - the one and only - as the Mayans called it, Xocoatl. Mmmm, even writing this piece feels like savoring a sweet chocolate crumb. Yummy.

3. Lastly, the worst scum of it all, do you secretly lay your hands on the Halloween candy that your child brings home after 'trick-or-treating'? You do? That's so horrible. Beyond repair. You know what's going to happen to you? The worst. You'll have to join me.

Ok, now you have passed this absurd test with flying brown colors. You are free to jump with joy and grab that box of chocolates that you have cleverly hid under the couch. Yeah, we all know. It's an age-old technique. Try behind the bed next time.

Until then - Viva La Cocoa !

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