Eva Mendes has given a veiled hint on how strong her feelings are for beau Ryan Gosling.

The Hollywood beauty was asked by USA Today about her relationship with the Crazy, Stupid, Love hunk.

And although she was happy to talk about everything else, including her new film Girl in Progress, she wanted to keep details of their love affair to herself.

"I'm feeling a little insecure because I can't help but be super conscious of what I'm saying because I'm so protective," Eva explained when asked about Ryan.

"That's the most precious thing to me. And I'm so protective and I just felt my guard go up."

Eva has remained mainly out of the spotlight for the past year which she says has been intentional.

"I've just laid low," she told the publication. "I feel like if you don't have a reason to be out here, why would you want to be?"

"It's certainly part of the job, but unless I have some kind of tie to an event, whether it's promoting a movie I'm in or a product I'm endorsing or a friend that's involved, I'd rather be home."

Eva added that she never wears "sweats" during her down time.

"I really don't! My house attire is housedresses. I'm not a jeans girl," she shared. (C) Cover Media