From my organizer page...

[jay]

"A first failure may prepare the way for future success." --Arnold Lobel

I know this to be true in science, and to some extent in engineering and business. I wonder how applicable it is in relationships, though... I've read some accounts that if one isn't successful in making a connection (of whatever sort) initially, the likelihood of future success falls off dramatically. Or does it?

Comments

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

I meant with the same person... if one makes a bad first impression, or courts awkwardly, is it usually a lost cause? Once you're relegated to "just friends", is it permanent? Or does learning from one's mistakes, learning more about the subject area (in this case, some other person) and perseverance and patience make the same difference that they do in other realms of life?

Presumably, experience might help with subsequent attempts with others -- but relationship possibilities are a rarity in life, so I wouldn't think that there's as much opportunity to put that experience to use with others.

[serenejournal.livejournal.com]

Well, relationship possibilities don't seem to be a huge rarity in life, but I see what you mean now.

Hm.

I've gotta ponder this one for a while. I think it's possible that I put people in the "just friends" box in my head, but am amenable to that changing if their behavior toward me changes.

Pondering.