I have watched the development of Taylor Swift as a performer and a woman with great interest for some time. For fellow diehard Swifites, we have watched Taylor navigate exceptional growth, relationships, and career struggles — all with authenticity and an honesty I find so refreshing. With becoming Time’s Person of the Year for 2023, it seems she is truly on top of the world in many ways.
An undeniably fun development to watch has been her developing new relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. Since the middle of the summer, the world has been eagerly watching the “Love Story” develop for these two.
Some background on the two — Travis was hoping to meet Taylor in person when her Eras tour brought her to Arrowhead Stadium, going so far as to make her a friendship bracelet (a known Eras-tour-inspired accessory). Unfortunately, he wasn’t given the opportunity to meet her. He shared the story on his podcast “New Heights” afterward and issued a challenge to Swift: “I have seen you rock the stage at Arrowhead, and you might have to come see me rock the stage at Arrowhead.” The next thing we know, Taylor is going to Chiefs games sporting bright red, getting to know Kelce’s parents, and jumping into his arms with a passionate kiss after he saw her perform live on tour in Argentina.
There is something sweet and almost magical about what seems to be a real, true developing love story. But beyond that, what is it about this love story that we can't see to get enough of?
And, are there lessons for us — single, dating, partnered, or just hopeful to find our person — that Taylor and Travis are showing us through their deepening relationship?
As a Swiftie and a romantic, I would say most definitely yes.
Shoot your shot
At the end of the day, Travis Kelce was just a guy with a dream and a friendship bracelet. With some confidence and determination, this man is now the significant other of perhaps the biggest pop star of all time.
Dream big — if you see someone you’re curious to get to know more, shoot your shot. Kelce is an example for modern men and women to not let fear of rejection keep you from moving forward from connecting with a wonderful person.
Smile at the man in the coffee shop, hold his gaze a bit longer with inner confidence. Go up and talk to that pretty woman when you’re out at the bar for the football game. Life is too short to not make the move or reach out because of fear.
Look for someone who supports you
This is a piece of advice my grandmother once gave me — and it also happens to be relevant to Swift and Kelce’s relationship.
One of the things that seems so special and real about this new couple is how they both support each other. Taylor consistently goes to Chiefs games to cheer her man on in the team's colors. Travis flew to Argentina to see Taylor take the stage — and of course, we all collectively freaked out when she changed the “Karma” lyrics in a nod to her man. Both people in this relationship keep showing up to support the other’s career.
Ideally, the right person will support you just as you are — without trying to change anything about yourself. Watching the support these two show each other is both endearing and a good reminder for all of us looking for love, and even those of us in a committed relationship.
Be open
One of the pitfalls of modern dating culture is the idea of having a “type” — the ideal person you’d need to cross paths with to have a serious relationship. Sometimes we can get so hung up on having the right type, that we become closed off to potential possibilities.
Watching the growing relationship of Taylor and Travis is a reminder to be open — and sometimes, it pays to ditch the concept of having a type. Looking at Swift, many news sources have noticed how Kelce is not necessarily the “type” of man she has gone for before (especially if we compare her previous six-year relationship with actor Joe Alwyn).
Sometimes the best things in life come as a surprise, including dating someone you normally may have not considered before. Don’t try to control every aspect of swiping and dating in the coming year. Be open and curious about people — it might just happen to be the best possible surprise. No matter where you find yourself on your journey, maybe we can all learn a little something from Miss American and #87.
