Risk: the possibility of loss or injury; someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard, according to Merriam Webster dictionary. When you put it that way, it doesn’t sound like anything anyone would want to be a part of. However, risks also tend to come along with more substantial rewards in the long run.

This is true in nearly every facet of life: your budget, your career, and your adventures alike may all be made better with a few risks outside of your comfort zone, and your love life is definitely no exception to the trend. But at the same time, these risks come along with a sense of uncertainty that’s often a little too much to handle. So where can we draw the line?

First, let’s talk about risks on a broad level. A recent study by Coventry Direct found that risk tolerance varies significantly across the United States. For example, states like Michigan, Illinois, and Wyoming come in as the states with the lowest risk tolerance, or the most caution, for the optimistic people reading this. On the other hand, states like Minnesota, Arizona, and Utah top the list as the those with the highest risk tolerance in the nation.

It’s interesting to think that something as simple as where you’re located on a map can impact how willing you are to make a bold move, like texting an ex or confessing your feelings to a friend. But these certainly aren’t the only things that can have an influence. Your age, gender, beliefs, and personal experiences are all likely to play a role in what choices you make.

When it comes to relationships, risks can be a good thing. No matter who you are, opening up to someone can feel extremely risky. What if they don’t feel the same way? What if I ruin the relationship forever? What if I get my heart broken?

But when it comes down to it, you can’t experience all the good things in a relationship without opening up. Take a step back. All of the things that you cherish in life probably came with a little bit of risk, if you really think about it. That job you love working probably seemed scary before you committed to working it, or that house you’re obsessed with living in likely was a bit of a budget stretch at the time.

Now that’s not to say all things are worth the risk. Especially when it comes to romance, we have a tendency to think with our hearts instead of our brains. For those with a high-risk tolerance (I’m looking at you, Minnesota), it may be easier for us to jump back into toxic situations when deep down, we know they’re not good for our health.

That’s the ultimatum I think we should keep in mind: ourselves and our wellbeing. Too often we worry about how our actions will make others feel, especially when it comes to relationships. While this is a good, well-intentioned trait to have, it can make things a little hazy – especially when it comes to making risky decisions.

So next time you have a tough decision to make (like should I really call him back after a long night out at 2 a.m.), take a pause. Without overthinking it (easier said than done), think of the pros and cons and how the decision will really make you feel in the long run. If you can’t think of any major red flags or long-term, detrimental impacts, it’s always worth a shot.