What If...

"What if he falls out of love with me?"

"What if she finds someone better?"

"What if we aren't meant to be?"

"What if I'm not ready for a relationship?"

One of the biggest enemies of a monogamous relationship is the inquisitive statement: What if? So many people fill themselves with self-doubt through this statement and it becomes their excuse for not allowing themselves to be in a happy, successful relationship. Or even worse, gives them a reason to stay in an emotionally or physically abusive one. Whatever the case, one might infer that removing "what if?" from his vocabulary entirely might benefit him in more ways than just relationships.

Using the phrase "What if?" can limit your ability to think logically about a romantic relationship or potential love interest. Part of the excitement of a relationship or meeting someone new is the unknown, so when thinking about all the things that could happen, you are already sabotaging what could be a very fulfilling partnership with a membership of the opposite sex. Bad things can and will happen, but so will good things if you allow them to.

The term "what if" is very similar to the idea that it's better to be safe than sorry. I hate this idea because it eliminates many opportunities for people as they become fearful or complacent in both life and relationships. I, myself prefer to live by the idea that it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission. And while the two philosophies are different subjectively, the principles upon which they are based are similar objectively.

The fear of taking risks is what holds most single, lonely people single and lonely. Allowing yourself to care or even love another person will always be a risk and is a bridge you'll have to cross if you're ever going to find happiness in a relationship. Bottom line: It's ok to take a leap of faith. The worst thing that can happen to you is that you learn a valuable life lesson in whom to take chances on and whom to avoid. So, live a little and the next time you start to think or say what if...DON'T!!!!