DFK, I think you are EXACTLY correct in that it is "easier the first time around"!
I think if things don't work out perfectly the first time, we get a little jaded or maybe AFRAID is a better word. Once you experience a broken heart, who wants to go through that again?
I think people put up walls that have to be overcome in order to love again.
I definitely feel that you can love more than one person and I think you can be IN love with more than one person. Typically if you ARE in love with that special someone, you probably aren't going to be "running into" anyone else that this might happen with. You think? Does this even make sense?
LonesomeDove, you write very well and I would enjoy reading anything you would care to elaborate on!
--v