From a New York Times story by Gina Cherelus headlined “Why Everyone’s Breaking Up, but No One Seems Bitter”:

“Our journey now is shifting.”

“We are still the best of friends.”

“The decision was an amicable and mutual one.”

“Moving forward with deep love, kindness and mutual respect.”

In case you hadn’t noticed, 2023 is the year of the celebrity split, with dozens of notable actors, singers and reality stars — and one former mayor of New York — announcing a breakup, separation or divorce. The breakups of pop stars like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears have kept the internet in a chokehold for weeks at a time. And some of the celebrity declarations have been caked with so much aggressive optimism that they can feel forced.