One day I was particularly gloomy, and Jim asked me what the matter was. I told him my high school girlfriend {for all of two weeks} had broken up with me. He said, "Oh, that'll happen a lot." The knowledge that this horrid grief was simply a part of life's routine cheered me up almost instantly.
In "Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life," Steve Martin shares a moment of vulnerability when he felt down after a breakup with his high school girlfriend, despite it being a short relationship. His friend Jim noticed his mood and inquired about his sadness, prompting Martin to open up about his feelings. Jim's response, that such heartaches are common, served as a comforting reminder.
This acknowledgment of life's ups and downs helped Martin regain his composure and perspective. The realization that his grief was a shared experience made the situation seem less severe, highlighting how understanding and support from friends can lighten emotional burdens.
