lessons learned

I'm telling myself not to jump to conclusions, not to get ahead of myself.. but it's so hard not to, especially when I like to daydream instead of being productive studying for finals..

You know how everyone's all talking about how you need to learn from our mistakes so we're not doomed to repeat them? Well what if the lessons you learn hinder you from new experiences?

For example, you were in a really crappy relationship. The guy was a jerk and treated you like shit, and so after that relationship you were always really cautious about the other boys you encountered.. like a defense mechanism. So lesson learned was that boys are lame, and you just gotta watch out!
Then, after the bad relationship, you meet a great guy. and i mean GREAT. But, because of your previous experience, you decide to end this "relationship" prematurely, to prevent the sucky feelings you had at the end of the last relationship. But... what happens if that great guy is the right one? And you totally just pushed him out?

So I guess the question is.. how do you know when to ignore your past lessons? I guess you could say that another lesson learned from the 2nd boy was that you can't be too defensive... you just gotta try?

I guess I'll just find out. :)

I'll keep you guys posted,
Teresa