chatrad.net - Past can affect only if you let it If you allow the past to affect you, then only it can affect you and otherwise not. -chatrad.net/?post=lesson-people-learn-from-being-in-a-relationship-pt3- When you are in a relationship, it may be impacted by the past you had. If you had some failed relationships it may impact your present relationship if you bring that memory and believe that since you could not be successful in the past will not be successful at present as well. -chatrad.net/lesson-people-learn-from-being-in-a-relationship-pt3- However, it is possible for you to change and by changing the necessary variables, your thoughts, a behavior etc. you can definitely ensure that the past mistakes that not effecting present relationship.