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I'm Major Jackson and this is the slowdown. In summer it feels like we see more hand-holding in public, more kissing, more elaborately planned proposals, and of course, more

more weddings.

Under warm sun, people are toasting to their new union surrounded by families and friends

bringing together their worlds.

It's hard to imagine the lonely or colder seasons coming at all,

while this jubilant communal love is everywhere you look.

But it's the longevity through these cycles that test all couples old and new.

Occasionally, one hears of long married couples who decide,

after many years, to go their separate ways.

Always, my heart goes out to them.

For the parties involved, though, it may be unavoidable, even

laboratory. Knowing sides exist, I typically refrain from over-judgment and opt for massive support.

Why does the breakup of Friends impact us so much? Maybe we over-invest in the hope that newly married couples represent,

and thus their irreconcilable differences become a verdict on our own optimism.

There should be a playbook on how to handle the separation of couples who are your friends.

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