In today’s age of viral memes and relentless online scrutiny, public relationships involving celebrities rarely escape criticism. Taylor Swift, one of the most famous and successful women in the world, has experienced this firsthand for years. Now, as her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce unfolds in the spotlight, the couple has become a subject of fascination—and, inevitably, criticism. Swift and Kelce’s public displays of affection, including a recent appearance at the US Open where they were spotted cuddling, kissing, and playfully interacting, have sparked a wave of internet reactions. Some hailed the couple as endearing, while others quickly labeled their affection as “cringe-worthy” and overly performative.

At the US Open, Swift and Kelce’s chemistry was undeniable. Kelce, the 6’5” Kansas City Chiefs player, stood protectively behind Swift, wrapping his arms around her waist as they enjoyed the match. They kissed, laughed, and danced together to “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness, their joyful energy radiating through the crowd. But as soon as videos of their affectionate moments hit the internet, a barrage of criticism followed. “Incredibly cringe,” one Twitter user wrote in response to the footage. Another claimed, “Someone should tell her she doesn’t have to overact so happy on camera—it’s a sign of terribly deep and incurable sadness.”

This kind of response isn’t new for Swift. Her romantic life has been under a microscope for over a decade, often attracting harsh judgment and ridicule. Each new relationship she enters is met with a mixture of fan excitement and cynicism from the public. The judgment seems to be amplified whenever Swift steps into the spotlight with a new partner. Whether she’s seen holding hands, kissing, or simply smiling with someone, there are countless comments dissecting her every move, accusing her of either “acting too happy” or “looking forced.” And when your name is Taylor Swift, the scrutiny tends to escalate tenfold.

But behind the memes and hypercritical tweets lies a deeper issue—why are we so quick to tear down couples who dare to express happiness in public, especially when one half of the couple is a woman like Taylor Swift? The constant barrage of negative commentary about Swift’s relationships isn’t just casual gossip. It reflects a troubling tendency in our culture to shame women for their romantic choices and expressions of love, particularly when they do so in ways that appear joyful or authentic. This kind of judgment isn’t unique to Swift, but because she’s an internationally known figure, the reactions she faces are magnified to an extreme degree.

The public’s discomfort with Swift and Kelce’s displays of affection speaks to a larger issue—the policing of how women are “allowed” to behave in relationships. For years, Swift has been subjected to a narrative that she dates too many men, that she’s too open about her feelings, or that she somehow lacks authenticity in her love life. She’s been accused of using her relationships as fodder for her music, a criticism that many male artists are rarely subjected to. Swift has responded to these critiques through her songwriting, addressing the misogyny and double standards that have defined her public image for years. Songs like “Blank Space” and “The Man” directly confront the media’s obsession with her love life and the unfair labels placed upon her.

What’s particularly refreshing about Swift’s relationship with Kelce, though, is the obvious comfort and joy they share—comfort that allows them to be a little “cringey” in public, to embrace the giddiness that often comes with a new romance. They don’t shy away from showing their love, even when they know the world is watching. This kind of unfiltered affection stands in stark contrast to the image of the “perfect” celebrity couple that many other public figures project. In a world where so many relationships are carefully curated for the cameras, Swift and Kelce seem to be enjoying themselves, letting their guard down, and simply having fun. And that’s precisely why their relationship feels so authentic.

It’s also important to note that Swift, after years of relentless online misogyny and shaming, has chosen not to hide her relationship with Kelce. Her previous relationship with actor Joe Alwyn was famously private, with the couple rarely being photographed together or acknowledging their romance publicly. This time around, however, Swift appears to be embracing the public eye—proudly attending Kelce’s NFL games, cheering him on, and openly sharing affectionate moments with him. It’s a refreshing change of pace for Swift, who, despite the backlash, seems to be reclaiming her narrative and enjoying her relationship on her terms.

The scrutiny surrounding Swift and Kelce’s romance also highlights the broader societal discomfort with public displays of happiness, particularly in celebrity culture. When couples appear too happy or too affectionate, it often triggers a kind of collective cynicism, as though their love must be performative or inauthentic. But why should a couple’s happiness be dismissed or mocked just because it’s visible? Why is it easier to criticize their joy than to celebrate it? In the case of Swift and Kelce, the backlash they’ve received for their public affection seems rooted in a discomfort with vulnerability—especially when that vulnerability is displayed by someone as famous and influential as Taylor Swift.

The narrative that Swift is “overacting” or being too “cringe” with Kelce reveals more about the public’s unease with seeing a woman unabashedly happy in her relationship than it does about Swift herself. It reflects a broader cultural problem—one that encourages us to view vulnerability, affection, and joy through a lens of skepticism, rather than acceptance. The reality is that relationships are messy, emotional, and imperfect. But when two people are in love and choose to share their happiness with the world, it shouldn’t be met with derision.

Ultimately, Swift and Kelce’s relationship is a refreshing reminder that love, in its most authentic form, doesn’t have to conform to public expectations. Their goofy, affectionate, and at times “cringey” moments are a testament to their real connection—a connection that’s unafraid to exist in the spotlight, despite the noise of the internet. And while the memes and hyperanalysis will continue, one thing is clear: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are enjoying each other’s company, and they’re not afraid to show it. In a world that often tries to tear people down, that’s something worth celebrating.