Don't trust anyone.
That's how I walk into every game. It's also the best way to not get disappointed in whatever transpires during the game. Afterall, if you expect the worst, the only thing people can do is impress you.
Granted, if you're in a long standing partnership with someone and they unexpectedly cut relations and attack you, you'll feel some measure of hurt. That's natural.
Most people here though aren't out to hurt other players purposely. Most cases of backstabbing can be seen comming too (eg ship movement) so backstabbing can also be seen as a consequence of not paying attention to the activites around you. Afterall, if you see your neighboor building up a large fleet near your border with no particular reason behind it, then you better blow the dust off your defenses just in case.
