Ron finally lets Leslie know what actually led to their falling out. All his friends had moved on to better things, and he was prepared to make a drastic decision, only to be blown off by Leslie.

Ron Swanson:

“One day I looked up and just didn’t recognize anyone. So I made a decision, an unthinkable decision.”

(flashback to years past in Leslie’s office, then back to current time in the office)

Leslie Knope:

“Oh, no, Ron — I stood you up for lunch.”

Ron Swanson:

“You did. Yes. I waited for awhile but it was pretty easy to figure out what had happened. Your life seemed pretty hectic.”

Leslie Knope:

“Is that rest of the story? That I stood you up? You were going to ask me something that’s why you wanted to have lunch. Ron you were going…”

Ron Swanson:

“I was going to ask you for a job. In the Federal Government. Just saying it out loud feels dirty.”