Star Trek DS9 - “Call To Arms”
The Sucker-Punch
Sometimes you’re blindsided when someone ends things. You say “I love you” and they say “I think we should see other people.” Out of nowhere, the Sitak and the Majestic have been hulled. You’re on your own.
But, if you look back, maybe you could’ve seen this coming. That whole thing about “not being sure” if they’re ready for a relationship right now? Or that whole thing about “not being sure” what’s going on with that ex they kept mentioning ? Or that whole thing about “not being sure” about that current relationship they’re in? Those are called “red flags,” and they portent a war-storm on the horizon. At best, they’re immature and just don’t get that they need to figure their bullshit out and not string you along while they do it. At worst, they’re an asshole who’s looking for an ego boost or a rebound fling. Either way, this is not how a healthy relationship is born and you’re gonna get hurt, so hit that mother-fucker before he hits you.
The Preemptive Strike
Don’t waste time making your case, showing them how awesome you are, or negotiating for their time. No amount of diplomacy is gonna save this. This is not the time for pour-your-heart-out honesty. This is war.
Before they have a chance, tell them you’re ending it. Tell them you think you should just be friends, tell them you’re too busy with your important life to really focus on dating right now, or even tell them you’ve met someone else. Lie. Strike deep into their territory and decimate that shit. Make them sorry they ever set foot in the Alpha Quadrant. There’s a storm coming alright, but its fucking coming for them.
