After re-reading what you wrote G I have to ask why jumping in with your whole heart is a virtue? It's one way of approaching love but that doesn't make the attachment any more virtuous than taking your time. I know I have a tendency to want to jump in fast too...but it's because I don't like the anxiety of not knowing, it's certainly not a virtue. Protecting your heart does not mean you lack virtue, it means you value yourself and the relationship enough to make sure it's what you need it to be before "jumping in" all the way. I think it takes discipline and practice...and for people like us it's not easy. Also people tend to value something that they have to earn and work towards obtaining. When someone just hands you their heart it may not be valued that much. I know it sounds very unromantic but it's true in life and in love. Anyway, just more to ponder.
