During a recent comedy skit at a charity event, Jason Sudeikis joked about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s relationship. Although Kelce found it funny, it serves as a good reminder that our relationships should be private and not up for public discussion. In the skit, Sudeikis, in character, playfully asked Kelce when he plans on taking the next step with Swift, adding a humorous touch to the event.
The actor from “Ted Lasso” also made a playful reference to a recent commencement speech given by the Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker. In the speech, Butker mentioned that the highest calling for a woman is marriage and motherhood. Sudeikis jokingly added, “Taylor doesn’t need to be working anymore. I know your kicker agrees with me.”
Sudeikis was in character when he made the comment, and Kelce seemed unfazed, smiling and not responding. However, it’s important to remember that not every couple wants to get married, and that’s perfectly okay. Additionally, it might be time to retire the outdated phrase “make an honest woman out of her,” which historically refers to marrying a woman you are intimate with, according to the Cambridge Dictionary.
“Sudeikis is absolutely hilarious,” remarked a user on X. “But let’s be real, Taylor Swift doesn’t need someone to ‘make an honest woman’ out of her. She’s doing great on her own.”
Not everyone is keen on tying the knot. Sudeikis’ quip highlights a shift in attitudes towards marriage, with research indicating a steady decline in marriage rates in the U.S. A 2019 study even revealed that three out of ten individuals consider marriage unimportant.
A prominent example of this trend is the enduring relationship of Hollywood couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, who have thrived together for nearly four decades without walking down the aisle.
Antonia Hall, a psychologist and relationship expert, mentioned in a previous interview with USA TODAY that over the years, there has been a growing interest in non-traditional relationship styles. Society now seems more accepting of cohabitation and diverse family structures. It is becoming apparent that there isn’t a single formula for successful relationships, and we are gradually embracing the idea of different ways of being in a partnership.
Nonetheless, individuals who choose not to adhere to societal norms often encounter social disapproval, especially from their supportive circle of friends and family members. Experts suggest that society tends to feel uneasy when individuals do not conform to traditional labels. “If they don’t neatly fit into a specific category, we tend to judge them,” as stated by Weena Wise, a certified clinical marriage and family therapist in a previous interview with USA TODAY.
Why not everyone is cut out for marriage
Despite the long-standing belief that traditional marriage is the ultimate way to find companionship, security, and start a family, psychologists argue that it may not be the best fit for every pair of individuals. Before deciding to tie the knot, it’s crucial to acknowledge that marriage is far from a walk in the park – it requires constant effort and commitment from both parties to make it work.
Opting to tie the knot as a couple is wonderful, but it certainly doesn’t mean that the effort to maintain a strong and happy relationship should come to an end. According to Hall, the misconception that marriage is a finish line rather than a continuous journey can lead to neglect and taking each other for granted in long-term relationships.
There are various reasons why some individuals decide not to get married, from financial concerns to the fear of divorce. For actress Goldie Hawn, the concept of legal entanglement with a partner seems too confining. She expressed her contentment with the decision she and Kurt Russell made to stay together without tying the knot. After many years together, the question arises – why fix something that’s not broken with a marriage certificate?
Hall and Wise both believe that marriage is not a requirement for a fulfilling relationship. They suggest that being engaged or married does not automatically signal a strong or successful partnership. According to Wise, choosing to stay together without the legal bounds of marriage can actually be mentally liberating. She believes it shows a deeper commitment when a partner actively chooses to remain in the relationship despite not being bound by marriage. Wise commends those who opt out of the traditional idea of marriage and instead focus on building a happy and healthy relationship.
