A new opinion poll

[BTM]

Not sure I can really answer this myself, as I've (sadly) never really been in love. (At least not the, you love them, and they love you BACK, kind of love.)

Sorry, I'm feeling depressed... 

[AndyC]

I'm going to say both are equally valid, because I can't decide which is better/worse. Might depend on the person. I think I might lean toward the "Yes" philosophy, just because while I can honestly say never being in love is ultimately unfulfilling, it's pretty painless. Being in love has, at times, caused me pain when it didn't work out.

On the other hand, my relationship with my wife has given me so much, it is a good thing, no matter what the future might bring. So maybe I lean more toward Shakespeare.

Equally valid, depending on your point of view. I would say that for someone who has never been in love, the Yes philosophy could be satisfactory, and could mean having fun, desiring and fantasizing, never quite growing up.  I guess it ties in with another bit of wisdom I'm fond of - "Ignorance is bliss."

Once one has experienced a genuine loving relationship, however, the Shakespeare philosophy takes over, and there's no going back.

[Menard]

Having been there, I would rather not know than to have something and feel the absence if it goes away. Though, as Andy said, a relationship that works out and provides you with a friend and partner for life is wholely rewarding. I would certainly, though, not recommend avoiding something for fear of losing it. You can get over hurt; it's harder to do, though, if you are the only one there for yourself.

[LilCerberus]

A rose in a cow pasture is still a rose, just watch your step.

[Menard]

A rose in a cow pasture is still a rose, just watch your step.

Now LC...referring to women as...cow pies...is not going to help very much in gaining their interest.

[ER]

That's easy: It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.

[ghouck]

That's easy: It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.

I agree, , and if I didn't forget to lock the basement door I wouldn't have lost in the first place.

[LilCerberus]

A rose in a cow pasture is still a rose, just watch your step.

Now LC...referring to women as...cow pies...is not going to help very much in gaining their interest.

Every rose has it's thorn
Just like every night has it's dawn
Just like every cowboy sings YIPPIE-YI-YAYYY, Cow Pattie!

[CheezeFlixz]

It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all ...

Because to know what could be is better than to remain ignorant of the unknown, broken hearts heal ... time heals all wounds. Granted sometimes that is a long time, but can you truly understand pleasure without pain, happiness without sadness, yin without yang?

As another old saying goes (and it's a modern song too) "You don't know what you've got, until it's gone."

[Mr. DS]

I say both are equally valid.  Love will drain the life out of you and/or will add years to your life. 

[Patient7]

I see how both are equally valid, but I've got no idea how they can both be wrong, would that mean that it's best to be just okay with everyone but really good friends with at least one girl?  Anybody have a good explanation?

[Psycho Circus]

I'm only young, but I am in love with a girl who I've been seeing for 3 years. Nothing compares to her, I'd never been in love before her and I'd always had that "loneliness" and sense of longing, but I've been through some horrific times because of it all too and those times took me to the brink of destruction.  I'm glad also, that I've had those experiences, because no matter how bad they were, I'm still here to tell the tale & a stronger person for it. 
I've always continued to love her no matter what & it's been worth the hurt for the good memories I have.

Basically, you should never give up hope that you'll never fall in love or stop dating or trying to establish relationships for the fear of getting hurt, that's life. 

"Love's a b***h" 

[HappyGilmore]

Basically, here's the deal: I voted both are equally valid.  But, I've never been in love, never even dated in my life.  But, I've had friends who've had relationships and were miserable after they've broken up with their 'other half.'  So, while I've been lonely, I've never felt as bad as they seem to have been at the end of it.

Basically, you should never give up hope that you'll never fall in love or stop dating or trying to establish relationships for the fear of getting hurt, that's life. 

"Love's a b***h" 

Why?  That's what I've done.  Seems to work too.

[Allhallowsday]

Being able to love is more important than being loved.  But nothing feels more wonderful and encouraging than being loved.  Everyone yearns for companionship, and love; it's our nature.  If you make no effort to socialize out of fear, it is understandable but never admirable.  We should remember that our hearts don't always break because of romantic failures.  My heart broke on September 11, 2001. 

[LilCerberus]

I've never been in a relationship, so I frankly wouldn't know the difference.

The only kinds of men I've ever known to actually talk about love & relationships in depth, are the kinds of guys who have a few divorces under their belts, & it's usually some crazy story about one of their ex's.

"Little Miss, Little Miss, Little Miss Can't Be Wrong
Ain't nobody gonna bow no more when you sound your gong
Little Miss, Little Miss, Little Miss Can't Be Wrong
Whatcha' gonna do to get into another one of my rock'n'roll songs"

YIPPIE-YI-YAYYY, Cow Pattie!