Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have reached a pivotal moment in their relationship - she's now sharing photos of him on her Instagram grid, marking a significant shift from their previous low-key approach to public displays of affection.
Experts believe that there are downsides to doing this, and the singer just might regret doing this.
This phase is commonly referred to as the "hard launch" in celebrity circles: the moment when a couple decides to openly declare their relationship without reservation.
In the world of celebrities, where every detail is scrutinized, such public gestures carry considerable weight. For Swift, this included bringing Kelce on stage during her Eras tour, further cementing their status.
It's not only Swift who is very open about this relationship. Kelce is, too.
He made headlines last week after his appearance on the Bussin' with the Boys podcast, where he openly discussed his relationship with Taylor Swift. His candid remarks have captivated the internet, with fans expressing admiration for the NFL star, 34, who shared what initially attracted him to Swift and his eagerness to be transparent about their romance.
Many keen observers have alerady pointed out the contrast between Kelce's openness and Swift's previous six-year relationship with Joe Alwyn. Alwyn reportedly struggled with Swift's fame and preferred to keep their relationship out of the public eye.
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In contrast, Kelce, who has been romantically linked with the 34-year-old "Down Bad" singer since September 2023, seems comfortable with a more public approach to their love story.
Swift and Kelce aren't alone in embracing this trend.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter prominently featured Barry Keoghan, her not-so-secret beau, in her recent music video for the chart-topping hit "Please Please Please."
Keoghan's Instagram activity also speaks volumes, as he follows only Carpenter.
Therapists however note that celebrities face unique pressures when taking such public steps, as every aspect of their relationship becomes subject to intense scrutiny and judgment.
"Every aspect of the relationship can become fodder for public consumption and scrutiny, putting a spotlight on the couple and creating pressure to be seen as a healthy match," explains Jeff Guenther, licensed professional counselor and author of "Big Dating Energy."
"You're also leaving yourself open to increased criticism."
In essence, whether meticulously planned or spontaneously shared, since Swift and Kelce have now gone public, they can't easily retreat from the spotlight they've invited into their personal lives.
READ MORE: Taylor Swift Will 'Never Forget' London Shows After Travis Kelce Onstage Cameo
