There's something about experience that makes the heart go cold. I remember my first relationship and how excited and fully into the process I was. Then I also recall the disappointment from having to move on and how it ultimately, though unintentionally carried into the next relationship. Such is the nature of experience. Either the head or the heart remembers and fights to ensure that mistakes are not repeated.
Being closed may look like the safe thing to do but we eventually realise that we rob ourselves of genuine opportunities for transformative experiences in the future. Some people do go down this route, and while I don't have any data, I'd wager that the number of those who have some measure of regret from closing out is pretty significant. The other side of things is staying open, but deliberately choosing to remain naive or ignorant.
I see my siblings kids play sometimes without a care in the World and it reminds me of my own days as a kid. The innocence, carefree and quite imaginative youngster who the World bowed to. Of course as adults we aren't encouraged to play anymore (lol) much less with the kind of enthusiasm that kids display. This is what am talking about when I state that we've become closed from the true joys that a lot of things provide simply because experience has taught us to.
The way forward is to have a sense of awareness while remaining open to the possibilities life does throw in our direction. I don't obviously want to be burnt, but I can't imagine not putting myself out there to try. Even in finance risk is the deciding factor between those who make it big and who don't.
It's so true how past experiences shape our approach to new relationships. Staying open, despite the risks, often brings the most fulfilling moments in life. We always have to stay strong dear