Hi, it's Slowdown producer Micah. Winter is here, and it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and slow down.

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Thank you.

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 weddings. Under warm sun, people are toasting to their new unions surrounded by families

and friends, bringing together their worlds. It's hard to imagine the lonelier 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 liberatory.

Knowing sides exist, I typically refrain from overt judgment and opt for massive support.

Why does the breakup of friends impact us so much? Maybe we overinvest in a 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. For example, why isn't it standard to be present during difficult and trying times

for married couples, just as we are at the beginning of a union.

Sustaining a relationship carries many challenges,

...