ABSTRACT
Their friends talk about Max and Julie’s relationship as incredibly special. Married for nine years to her college sweetheart, Julie still lights up when he enters a room. In turn, Max knows just how to make her laugh. Although Julie worries about her father with Alzheimer’s and Max carries the burden of losing his younger brother in a car accident, they find ways to bring joy to each other on a daily basis. Their rule “Never go to bed without a kiss” means that they have to settle any disagreements before going to sleep. Usually, it’s easy, but sometimes it takes an hour before that kiss. Each checks in with the other during the day, often texting a love message. When Max travels for business, affectionate notes appear in his suitcase; when Julie goes on her annual “Girls Weekend,” flowers appear in her hotel room with a note, “Love, Me.”
