It's a bit complicated?

Love...its one of the craziest, most wonderful, most torturous (is that a word?), most exciting emotions i have ever known. Why is it that some approach it whole heartedly and lose ourselves in the process while others tread around it VERY carefully, not allowing themselves to be consumed by all of its beauty and pain?

Ok, I'll admit it...I'm one of those dumbasses that goes into it just ready to fall in love so deeply that my heart has control of my emotions instead of my head. BUT i've learned a lot through the years to where i'm careful, but once i'm in love THAT's it buddy...i'm a sucker, i'm a goner, stick a fork in my, I'M DONE...

While other's (my best friend) refuse to fall in love. doesn't like using the word, is very careful about becoming attached to people for fear of losing them? I know it stems from pain of losing his mother at a young age and not having the best childhood, but to separate yourself from what i consider one of the most beautiful emotions? is that really possible? well from him i learned that it is... i know that he says he doesn't get attached to people because when u r truly happy that's when things are taken away from u...i hear it but i don't understand it? and its crazy cuz he has a girlfriend, they've been together on and off for about 10 years....however he would rather go through life not knowing or not wanting to experience TRUE love for fear of losing it? I guess its just who i am but i could never fathom not knowing what is like to give urself completely to someone and get that love in return...i don't doubt that he loves her though, he's said that he does...but at the same token he's really weary about taking the "next-step" with her..u know marriage.

I do understand the fear of falling in love so deeply and then losing it, shit i did. I loved my husband like no other. I gave myself completely for 10 years. I loved, cherished and obeyed...and u know what, i don't regret it. It hurts like hell, it burns me and tears me up to know that i have lost someone that i loved soooo much but i would have rather loved and lost than to never have loved at all...I could only be so lucky to love and be loved that way again....

I don't know, i'm just on a mission to help my bestfriend understand that its ok to fall in love. that its ok to lose...i mean he loves people but its only the people in a pretty tight circle. and the scary thing is that he can un-attach himself very easily from any one of them...his girl, his friends, even family. its crazy, cuz we've been through stuff and he's there for me...i seem to piss him off but not enough for him to cut me out of his life. wheew...

How about u? whats ur take on love? how do u approach it?