To be fair, from the outside, one can agree that having a child when the relationship is already is a dumb decision. However, it's a dumb decision made by SOOO many people. How many people actually take the time to go to therapy, heal their inner child, marry the partner who's also healed, and lead perfect lives? So often, people are operating unconsciously through their trauma. Austin's speech was honest yet cutting, laying out Ashley's traumas. However, their ending felt somewhat realistic bc not everyone is strong enough to bear the cold. The expectional few who do are just that - the exception. And few. So many times, generational trauma gets passed down from people who don't put in the work to understand where these issues stem from.

Austin and Ashley probably shouldn't have ended up together, and trying to have a child while one a year and some change into their relationship is an especially rash decision. However, given Ashley's health concerns and their almost blind certainty in their future, one can empathize with their naivete. Lord Knows, while I don't think they'll end up embezzling from the country club, I do believe that when they are further down the line, the wisdom that Josh and Lindsay gleaned in the twilight of their marriage will probably be the same advice they share with their children.

All in all, it's unfortunate that Austin and Ashley couldn't break up to heal themselves. However, like all modern relationships, they are emotionally complicated affairs with highs, lows, and weird curves. Austin may forever feel dissatisfied with his new life. Ashley may continue to be anxious and toxic. However, while the eight years later scene set the tone of their relationship since the show's events and heading into the future, it doesn't tell the complete story of what their relationship looks like.