It is easy to sabotage a new relationship, but the good news is it is just as easy to keep new love alive. How can you make that happen? Remember that all men are people, just like you. They are not the enemy. Most men want the very same thing that you do – to connect and come alive with the possibility of love that might last a lifetime. Believe in a man’s good intentions.

At the same time, be careful to guard your heart. A new man has the power to hurt you, but the power is not his. It is yours. Value yourself enough to hold back until a man has proven he is worthy of your heart. This does not playing games. It means having boundaries. Do not go overboard, do not chase him, and do not be reckless with his heart and his emotions. Be loyal, and be a good friend. Be kind.

It could mean that a person is so insecure she has to put it out there up front, as a warning: "I don’t play games!" Often, this means her heart has been broken and she doesn’t want to go there again. It could mean simply having a partner who isn’t honest. Those words can be used as an excuse to break up with someone when the relationship doesn’t move in the direction one person wants it to, like when a guy says, "I dropped her; all she did was play games."

Let all the possibilities of new love flood you with happiness, but have the sense to stay grounded and face reality. A new man will not fix all that is wrong in your life, but a new man can add fun and happiness while you learn to take care of yourself. Live with a purpose, love with abandon and learn with each new relationship. Be thankful for the opportunity to love, be hurt, and love again. The only thing constant in life is change. Take care of yourself first