Do you know how many silver cars are speeding merrily through stop signs right now? Well, I'll tell you: a lot. I know because I still jump every time I see one. My ex drives a silver car, you see. And, yes, I know that's pathetic.

It's tempting (and futile) to hope your ex will cease to exist the second your relationship ends, although this would save you some high-octane skittishness that requires you to jump three feet in the air when you see someone his height pass you on the street, even though it's actually a woman, and the long red mane should have tipped you off.

The only cure for this vile affliction is time -- and meeting someone else, which is in itself quite the reality check. Oddly, though, I've managed to not morph into the French-speaking astrophysicist I naturally assumed I would become with all my extra free time.

Dating is, by definition, a hopeful act. Pitfalls abound as you get back into dating, but they feel oddly hopeful, even as you fall into them face-first. Here, a few of the most common that you can expect to withstand.

Click here to read Amber's list of potential dating pitfalls ...

Potential Dating Potholes (Not That I Would Know)

1. Sending the "I really like you" e-mail too soon. Oh, how awkward. A special kind of awkward that could have been masterfully avoided by the simple expediency of Keeping Your Damn Mouth Shut (And the E-mail Window Closed).

2. Getting antsy about communication, or lack thereof. Luckily, this one usually lasts a grand total of three minutes and is easily solved by a simple formula. Working title: Having a Life.

3. Obsessing over mistakes. You know -- that familiar shiver running down your spine as you endlessly contemplate every new batch of "Oh, holy hell, why did I say/do/spill that?" you can conjure up.

4. Inability to know when to move on. Maybe I'll finally master my oh-so-wise plan of Don't Waste Your Time Fretting, Because Life Is Short, Etc. Maybe not.

This is the price of life, the cost incurred for walking out your door each morning. You just have to decide if you're willing to take the risk. Am I willing to risk getting hurt? Yes. Am I willing look stupid for a fresh shot, especially if that fresh shot comes with sex? HELL, YES.

Especially if it means I don't even notice those wretched silver cars because I'm too busy wondering if it's too soon to send another piquant little text message.