Speaking to your take away,

It'd be a better world if people didn't act like this, but I agree. We can't change other people, so the best defense is to be a little more cynical or aware.

One thing I have told myself is... I do a gut check before sex, "Would I still have sex with this person if they disappear on me in the morning?"

Because I just never know when women are going to ghost or become distant after. So I need to just be interested enough in the moment and in honor of what we've been in the past, rather than have sex be a sign of future commitment.

Which sounds a little sad, but... that's where I'm at.