I truly believe that pop star Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have become America’s royal couple. They are both incredibly famous, and their love story feels so authentic. Frankly, America is enamored with this pair.
A cynical observer may assume their relationship is easy because fewer problems come with fame and fortune. But I beg to differ. These lovebirds may not have problems like us commoners — such as how to pay for dates or promise a partner a secure financial future — but they have a different set of problems.
It’s difficult to grow an authentic love under the glare of media scrutiny and with two time-crunched career schedules. Plus the paparazzi intruding on private moments!
I watched the two-hour podcast episode with Travis’ brother, Jason, and I have some takeaways about their relationship for anyone hoping to find their own love story.
1. Don’t Compete
First, Taylor and Travis don’t seem to compete with each other. Instead, they support each other.
When she claimed to not be athletic, he reminded her about her physically grueling performance schedule and her recovery rituals that are not unlike that of a professional athlete.
And she did the same, talking him up saying he was only pretending not to know the big words and praising his intelligence.
Also, he’s enthusiastic. Taylor says he uses many exclamation points in his texts.
2. Stress Test the Relationship Early
Secondly, they tested their relationship early on. Taylor invited Travis to join her on tour, even appearing on stage with her for one bit.
“The stakes are high, this water’s rough, but this love is ours.” — T. Swift
While a first-class performance tour might feel like an extended honeymoon, it was also a test. They had to deal with jet lag, travel woes, strange food and bathrooms, and, yes, the excitement of seeing the world.
Such an experience can easily put strain on a relationship, but Taylor and Travis only grew stronger as they led with humor and empathy.
2. Show Support in Public
Third, when they were dating, Taylor and Travis both waved the green flag of genuine social support.
They both have long-term friends from childhood who socialized with them. This shows that they both have the ability to sustain long-term, real friendships and that she has the ability to turn off her celebrity persona and just be a real person.
4. Get Family Approval
Fourth, they have endorsements from their tribe.
Rather than hiding in a private romantic bubble, they brought their family members together at football games and other events. Their parents have met and support their relationship.
Family is clearly very important to both of them. As Travis’ dad, Ed Kelce, recalls, the couple eagerly video-called immediately after the proposal to share the news. He said, “They started FaceTiming me and their mother and her folks to make sure everybody knew. So, to see them together is great.”
5. Don’t Pay Attention to the Noise
Finally, they ignore any pushback from fans and the media. Taylor disclosed that she turned the comments off her social media years ago and literally never looks at anything written about their relationship.
This helps the two get to know each other without background noise that could create self-doubt.
People can have their opinions, but they’re not in the relationship, so putting too much weight on those judgments can be a love-ending mistake.
Learn the Lessons & You’ll Never Have to Be Alone
I think singles and lovers can learn a lot from our new royal couple. They show the power of being intentional and waiting for the right person. These two are 35 years old. They have been through heartbreak. They know how to make good decisions for themselves.
They also successfully integrated their families. Relationships are a bridge between tribes. Breakup rates are higher when the tribes don’t approve.
I hope Taylor’s happily ever after inspires you to be a shameless champion of your partner, not a competitor. Let any or both partners have a voice.
Value your partner, and they will feel valuable to you. Love is an inside job. If you focus on your partner’s good traits, the little things won’t bother you so much.
