(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Rachel Bilson thinks "growth" in romance is essential.

The 30-year-old actress has been dating boyfriend Hayden Christensen since 2007. The pair called off their engagement last summer, but reignited their relationship in December.

Despite normally keeping tight-lipped about her personal affairs, Rachel divulges that she and Hayden's relationship is currently in a good stage.

"[Our relationship is] not a secret I just don't talk about it," Rachel told USA Today. "If you're in a relationship for a long time and you grow together, I think that's the goal. So it's definitely at a different level, and I think that's how love should be, and it should always grow."

Rachel's love life is steady and her career is flourishing. The actress is starring in new medical drama Hart of Dixie where she plays ambitious young medical resident Dr. Zoe Hart. Rachel is enthusiastic about returning to television again after her previous hit show The O.C. officially ended in 2007.

"It just feels really great to work again," Rachel said. "It's really nice to go back to television. And I am playing a grown-up, and my age and someone with a great career and very smart character."

Although Rachel is portraying a trained physician on the show, the actress does not think she can carry out Dr. Hart's medical procedures in real life.

"My best friend's actually pregnant right now, so I'm like, 'Don't expect me to be pulling anything out,'" Rachel laughed. "I mean, I definitely know how to suture a little bit, so I feel like if someone had a cut I'd be like, 'Hey, let me just stitch that up for you.' But I wouldn't trust me."

Hart of Dixie premieres on US television on September 26. (C) Cover Media