This conversation between Picard and Data meeting for the first time in the novel "The Buried Age" is actually an ode to better sexual communication between women and men

I am not sure who to tell this to, but I was just reading some old Star Trek fiction by Christopher L. Bennet, namely TNG "The Buried Age," and was struck at how the conversation unfolding between Picard and Data is a wonderful euphemism for how men, especially inexperienced ones, should approach sex with women. Word for word, the passage struck me as excellent philosophy on an ideal, exemplary sex positive attitude a man should have, and a great example of how men should effectively sexually communicate their own desires, boundaries, and self-perception of their abilities. So without further adieu:Picard: Then tell me, Lieutenant: if you crave to understand humanity so much, why have you made such little effort to interact with the other Starfleet personnel?Data: I have attempted to do so, Captain. However, my fellow personnel have shown little interest in such interaction, and my superiors continue to assign me to solitary tasks.Picard: And are you satisfied with this?Data: No sir, I am not. It is a continual impediment to my efforts to understand humanity, as well as my motivational imperative to acquire knowledge in all forms.Picard: Then why have no not objected to the assignments you have been given?Data: I am obligated to obey orders sir. Am I not?Picard: Yes, but... That doesn't mean you're forbidden to express initiative. Starfleet does not want its personnel to be... unthinking drones. Officers should be able to assert themselves. To let their commanding officers know what they're interested in, what they're capable of. It's part of the information a good commander uses in deciding what orders to give, what duties to assign. Yes, once an order is given you're expected to obey it, but you're entitled to express dissatisfaction, to try to persuade your commander to offer you different opportunities in the future. Do you understand?Data: Uncertain, sir. I am unsure how to reconcile the conflicting responsibilities inherent in the problem. This appears to be another example of social dynamics which I lack the experience to evaluate. And yet it is a problem I would have to solve in order to gain such experience to begin with. It is a paradox, sir.Picard: Sometimes, Lieutenant, you must be to venture into a situation without prior experience or understanding. To be willing to learn as you go, and to risk making mistakes in the hope of gaining success. This is as true in the realm of social interaction as in the realm of Starfleet duties. Taking initiative -- seeking out new opportunities, showing confidence in your own worthiness to attain them -- is frequently rewarded. You can not simply wait for new opportunities to be given to you.- The end.Glossary of General Philosophical Conceptual Analogies (according to me only, maybe others)- Starfleet = women's standards/expectations, especially those belonging to a woman a man is trying to have a special relationship with- Starfleet officers/Data = men in general- Starfleet commanding officers/Picard = women in general- Solitary Tasks = having to masturbate because the love/desire/respect is gone and a woman would rather not have sex with you- Knowledge = sexual and sensual knowledge that makes someone an exceptional and satisfying lover- Assignments = women's sexual requests- Obeying orders = the sense of responsibility a man typically feels to respect his partners boundaries and wishes in bed- Initiative = the seemingly magical task that women so often desire that a lot of guys feel confused about how to do right via /r/startrek https://ift.tt/3edHIXP