Kinky interactions for the D/s inclined

At this age, I had really hoped I had learned the hard lessons. Alas, it isn't so.

So often I hear (from women mostly), "I don't want to get hurt again."

Does anyone truly believe there is a way to invest your time, your energy and yourself with another person and not be hurt when it doesn't work? Even friendships exist with pain. Some you can get through, some you can't.

Maybe the better question is, how is the best way to handle the hurt?

I'll sit and struggle with this one for awhile. Only time will give me perspective and help me on the next encounter.