Your heart looked something like Swiss cheese right after your ex broke up with you. You never thought it could possibly be whole again. Now he's back and asking for a second chance. Are you crazy for thinking about dating your ex again? Can your heart afford that kind of break again? Are you just kidding yourself that things could actually work out differently this time so that there are no problems and you will have the happy ending you had always thought was in your future? Can you be sure things won't end the same way this time as they did last time? Here are a few things to keep in mind that should help you have a happier ending for your second chance at love with the man of your dreams.

Don't Take Anything for Granted

Relationships that last require work. They don't just "happen." You can't take the relationship for granted and expect things to go perfectly this time around. You're going to have to sit down and talk to each other, establish ground rules, and decide if you're really both willing to pitch in and get the job done to make your relationship last this time around. If he's willing to work with you to save your relationship then he's likely to be worth the risk. Just remember that being worth the risk is not a guarantee by any means.

Only Fools Rush In

It might seem tempting but in the end, it really is the fools who do not look before they leap. Take your time. Test the waters. Take things slow. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing proposition. Dating your ex isn't signing on to an exclusive relationship. If you go in too hard too fast you could find yourself looking for ways to get your ex back all over again. Take it slow and see where things for the two of you.

You Can't Always get What You Want

But, if you're willing to adjust your expectations, sometimes you find that you really do have exactly what you need. It's great to have hopes, dreams, aspirations, and expectations. But, when it comes to relationships, you have to make adjustments sometimes in order to really make the most of them. Most couples have very unrealistic expectations about what marriage is really going to be like. Some of them are never able to reconcile their expectations with the realities of marriage. Don't let that happen to you or it will ruin your second chance.

Don't get so caught up in planning every tiny detail of your happily ever after with your ex that you miss out on the opportunity. You're not crazy to think about dating your ex again or trying to save your relationship. But, you might be crazy to miss out on the opportunity.