After about the 8th time the losses begin to add up.

Absolutely, yes. And the reason I feel that way is because I never used to. I cut myself off from relationships for a long time because of personal issues I was dealing with. Now I'm willing to take the chance, even if I may get hurt. Yes, you never know until you try.

I'd rather not have loved, for all the happy moments while in love the heartache and pain from being hurt surmounts it all.

It depends. If you loved someone and it was reciprical and you were compatible but something went wrong, then it's better to have loved and lost.
But if you are in a pattern of loving emotionally abusive people and gaslighters, then it's better to leave romance alone until you get a handle on your need to punish yourself.

I agree! Can’t learn if you never try.

I've loved and lost and loved again. I sure wouldn't want to erase the first go-around from my memories.

Yes of course it is better. People are meant to love whether it lasts or not