It's not unusual to see engagement announcements, wedding announcements and we've-got-a-baby-on-the-way announcements while scrolling Facebook timelines.
Especially among millennials, when a couple has news to share, it's natural to tell friends and family online, because that's where we know they all are.
But there's something new on social networks, and these posts catch my attention more than the usual puppy pictures and meal shots. It's the trend of couples announcing their breakups.
These aren't cringe-worthy, reputation-bashing screeds. They're relatively positive and healthy breakup posts. Posts that talk about a deep mutual respect for each other, but a love that could not carry on.
Posts like, "It is with great sadness that (partner's name) and I must inform you that the story of our romance has come to an end. The love shared over the near two years was amazing, but we are in different places in our lives. We know it's time for us to chart our own paths and follow our passions and dreams of our own, and to do it individually. "
Calling off a wedding and making the announcement was one of the most heartbreaking, but admirable things I read recently.
"My fiance and I felt that we should share that about a month ago we decided to call off our wedding and no longer be in a relationship. After a long period of hard work and communication, we decided that getting married was not in our best interest. We are still in touch with each others' families and have no hard feelings."
Some might say it's a private matter that should not be shared. But admit it, with the amount that people typically post about their significant other on social media, isn't it strange when you no longer see that person mentioned?
Your first question is: What happened?
As a social media viewer, you get a bit invested in the relationships, too -- even when you barely know the people.
The breakup announcements help eliminate those questions. It's the reason why Kayla Clifton, a 22-year-old from southeast Texas, decided to post a status when she and her fiance split.
"I wanted everyone to hear it straight from me instead of through rumors," Clifton says. "I wanted everyone to know that both of us are OK with it, and that we had no hard feelings. It also made things easier for us by not having to constantly tell people we split."
Relationship experts say that the intent behind the post is the most important thing people should discuss before hitting "post."
"If you use it as a weapon, I would say don't do it," says Karen Prager, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Prager, who has taught psychology for 36 years, says making the breakup news public online can bring closure for the couples.
"If they're broken up and ready to move on, then announcing that can be helpful. It's a way of accepting that 'This is how it's going to be,' and it makes it final," Prager says.
Relationship counselor Liz Higgins usually sees clients who are going through breakups. Higgins, who specializes in counseling millennials in couples therapy, says pop culture could be fueling this trend.
"I do think we are heavily influenced by celebrities and news," Higgins says.
"I think it's interesting that, every day, couples have this obligation and desire to make this announcement," Higgins says. "Social media has been a part of life so long, so I do see some sense in talking about it there."
"When we put something out there in the social media world, it's an unspoken invitation for comments and feedback and people's opinions," Higgins says. "But, then again, some people are seeking that validation that they made the right choice."
Family on 08/09/2017