Chances are you never thought you needed to be rescued from romance. In fact, you probably feel you need more romance in your life, not less. The truth is that most hearts are broken in the painful difference between the possibility of real romance and the insistence on the fantasy of romance -- with the real thing taking the loss. Here are a few tips to help protect you from the ravages of romantic fantasy.

1. Beware the person who comes on too fast. Chances are she or he is "in love with love," not you. There is no such thing as intimacy at first sight.

2. Pay special attention to needing instant chemistry or to fall for "your type." You