My barrier to love is a can of mace.

lol - that will work.

You just reminded me of a true story from my "internet dating" days. Hope it's not too raunchy for the board.

I planned to meet someone for lunch at Applebee's. It was all very anonymous. We ordered and the waitress brought us our iced teas. There was just something weird about him that bothered me. He kept staring at me in an odd way or maybe I simply wasn't attracted to him. I was in a very silly mood that day and I just wanted to end the meeting, but didn't want to offend him. I guess I should have written in my profile "must get all my stupid puns" too. LOL During our chat I said "Well, I didn't want to put this online, but I should get something out of the way." He looked puzzled and asked. I said I was really too embarrassed but he insisted. "Well, I'm a little concerned that you are attracted to me, because that means you'll probably want to have sex, right?" He answered "Of course if a relationship moves forward, that would be normal." So I continued, "Okay, I understand completely." (how did I keep a straight face?) "But....lowering my voice...about 2 years ago I developed a rash in my, ya know, personal area and it spread to my my upper thighs. I went to 3 different doctors and they can't identify it and wonder if it's something I picked up in Central America. Now it's crusty and sometimes it pusculates if I get too hot. I put my head down and shook it. "Please don't tell anyone, but you seem nice so I thought you should know." Next thing from his mouth "Waitress, check!!"

I am reminded of a close friend in college. She got married very early, to a man very much in love with her.   This man worshipped the ground she walked on. But the marriage didn't last. She left her husband for worlds unknown. By chance, I met the ex-husband recently, and was very surprised how much he has changed. No longer the trusting, happy-go-lucky individual, but a subdued and cautious man, looking so defeated. He claimed he has never loved again, nor want to love again, not wanting to be bruised again. He has placed a barrier to love.