Do You Recognize the 5 Early Warning Signs of 'NCIS'-itis?

When a television program is as popular as 'NCIS', it becomes difficult to keep the boundaries between one's real life and the fictional life of the 'NCIS' agents separate. Some folks just can't get enough of the once-a-week 'NCIS' fix and so they want to bring a little of the TV show into their plain, sometimes uneventful, everyday life. So how do you tell if the 'NCIS' thing has gone too far? Here are the 5 signs of 'NCIS'-itis, a condition that may lead to problems dealing with real-life situations.

1) The Longing for a Real Gibbs-Slap

You head off to the office or workplace and your day is just not quite up to par. It seems that everything is just about to tank and your office coworkers are really wondering just what's wrong with you. Feel that tingling sensation on the back of your head? That's the early warning signs of an impending Gibbs-Slap coming your way. And the best part is - you actually like it because it reminds you of the show.

2) You Call Your Girlfriend "Ziva"

There's no mistaking the chemistry between 'NCIS' agents Ziva and DiNozzo. It's a smoldering time bomb that could go off at any time. And that's the best part of the relationship chemistry between these two characters - the suspense and raw, sexual tension that is balanced perfectly between the edge of look-but-don't-touch and total, wanton passionate release. You look for that quality in a girl and if her name happens to be Hilda, well maybe she'll change it to Ziva. Oh, by the way, call me "Tony."

3) You Find Yourself Pricing Spider Web Tattoos

The big, burly guy with the needle is looking at a picture of Abby Sciuto and your exposed neck while telling you to hold real still. While a good, stiff Caf-Pow (or it's coffee equivalent) is part of today's hectic and fast-paced office environment, you kinda wish that you had stopped at just 14 cups. Try to stop flinching. Everyone knows a well-designed spider web tattoo is characterized by it's smooth lines.

4) Your Dark Side Alter Ego Talks Like Ducky

Road kill is a pretty common occurrence on today's highways and byways. There is bound to be one or two victims splayed out across the asphalt on your next trip. If you find yourself slipping into a British accent while discussing the not-so-intricate anatomical parts of a disemboweled possum on the side of the road, you may be a little bit crazy, or just suffering from 'NCIS'-itis.

5) You Want to Strap on Your Jet Pack and Fly

If you're trying to triangulate a cell phone call between your mother-in-law and the Outlet Mall using the cell phone transmission tower outside your office window and a computer, you may have other issues. But, if you daydream that you're James Bond in Thunderball, going out to your car and pulling out a jet pack in order to chase her down, you may be suffering from the McGee strain of 'NCIS'-itis.

One thing is for sure, if you are "suffering" from 'NCIS'-itis, you're in the company of about 20 million sufferers. 'NCIS' is simply the perfect blend of suspense, smart plot lines, intrigue, and comedic action in a TV drama. The writing is superb, and the story is deep with lots of rich details and character nuances. The cure? Well, there is currently no known cure for 'NCIS'-itis and about 20 million viewers hope they never get over it.