Whilst at high school, my son began a relationship with a lovely girl who was in his year group. They stayed together all through school and into the early days of them being at university. But by the end of their first year the relationship began to crumble and they split up. The whole of the two families had become friends during those 5 years and we looked on the young girl as a family member, as they looked on our son as one of theirs. It was a very sad time but, they were really too young to be settling down for life at just 19 years old, and we too hoped that they would remain friends. Fast forward 20 years and they are now both married, albeit to different partners, but their friendship has remained true and encompasses their partners and young children and they enjoy family days out together occasionally. And although I'm still very fond of that young woman, I can see now that my son is with someone who suits him much better as a life partner, but I'm so glad that their friendship continues. And we get to still be in contact too which is a bonus!