Currently playing on iPod: Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townshend Like it or not, our life experience shapes the way we view the world and relationships. If you’ve ever had your heart broken, you’re less likely to be open to love. I believe, when it comes to relationships, everything happens for a reason. Remember your first heartbreak? Do you look back now still heartbroken or relieved?
The first time you touch a hot pan you learn to use a pot holder. It doesn’t mean that you never make the same mistake and get burned again, but if the burn is bad enough, you’re more likely to protect yourself from future injury. Does that mean you stop using the stove and never cook again? Absolutely not.
But what happens when you let your fears of repeating the past prevent you from having a future?
You stop living.
A partner in your past cheated on you, but your current partner may be the definition of loyalty. Don’t project the mistakes of one onto another.
You grew up with divorced parents, but you can still have a successful marriage. “Happily Ever Afters” do exist. We love. We fight. We make up. Real love is worth fighting for.
You may have had a run of bad luck in the relationship department. The next one could be “The One.” When you’re in a loving relationship, don’t let the worry that something will derail your happiness prevent you from being happy.
Self-sabotage happens. It’s a sad reality that many of us lose out on love because of fear. Sometimes, we put up walls to protect ourselves from further heartbreak. Be careful you don’t build those walls so high you miss the love of your life serenading you at the gate.
A good relationship is a gift. Don’t throw it away because you’re afraid of getting a paper cut. Open it. Cherish it.
You are entitled to love and be loved.
If you’ve survived an abusive relationship, there are certain red flags that you look for in possible partners. These red flags are important in preventing future injury, physical and emotional, and you shouldn’t ignore them.
Learn from the past. Don’t let it destroy your future. Let love in.   I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and have a husband and two children. Music is an addiction. I can often be found in the car, singing along at the top of my lungs to whatever is playing. I work full time, and I split my spare time between family, reading, blogging, and writing. I’m a habitual quoter. Lines from films and TV shows constantly pop into my head—my kids are the only ones that really get it. I’m an only child, and so of course I married a man who is one of ten children. Other than English, I speak Spanish, Moroccan, and a little French. I love to travel, but don’t do enough of it. Reading has been a passion for most of my life and I now love writing. I’m klutz, and in my own mind, I’m hilarious. Find me at http://www.yoursweetandspicyromanceauthor.com/ Signup to join My Dream Team: http://eepurl.com/bjAzz1