Jack Kerouac quote meaning.?

Question

What does the quote, "We turned at a dozen paces, for love is a duel, and looked up at each other for the last time.” mean exactly?

Answer 1

A duel was fought to preserve honor, participants stood back to back and walked away from each other 12 paces then turned and fired a gun at each other. One may be killed or both may be injured but honor was satisfied.

Love is the same way, it is a very passionate feeling. If you cannot remain in harmony with your loved one, you may for the sake of both parties, have to walk away.