Going Dark

'Going Dark:' term derived from CIA operative lingo adapted to the singles dating scene to indicate the moment in a newly acquainted relationship when one party suddenly & seemingly inexplicably ceases all forms of communication with the other party following a period of consistent communication. This phase is typically succeeded by the first inception of the most commonly referenced, ego-soothing rationalization, "what if he/she got hit by a bus?!" The 'going dark' phase can be temporary or permanent, is highly variable in duration and is not gender-specific. It can be activated interchangeably by either partner throughout the courtship & may put the relationship at risk of tit-for-tat syndrome. Lesser evolved partners are more prone to this hazard. Experts suggest the best way to avoid 'Going Dark' is to maintain a healthy frequency of contact that leads to live dates, or to notify the partner of your discontinued interest by putting on your big boy/girl pants, or by simply looking both ways before crossing the street as to avoid any and all buses & other moving vehicles