Taylor Swift’s fiancé and Scarlett Johansson’s husband quietly redefine what it means to be a supportive partner
The “plus one” role has long come with bruised egos and quiet resentment. Kelce and Jost are showing a different way to handle it.
There are some men out there who, when asked about being the lesser-known half of a high-profile relationship, don’t get defensive or awkward about it. They just… laugh. And mean it.
Travis Kelce and Colin Jost are two great examples of this. Travis is a Super Bowl champion football player who is engaged to one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Taylor Swift. Colin is a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live and is married to the highly recognized actress Scarlett Johansson. By most standards, both men are very famous themselves. However, in their relationships, they have embraced a role many men might find hard to accept: the supportive partner, often seen as the “plus-one.”
During a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, Travis Kelce asked Colin Jost, “As two guys who are also of the plus one fraternity and have this same experience, how nice is it to be the less famous person in your relationship?”
Jost described it as a “huge relief.” He explained that since he often appears on TV, people find him approachable. However, his wife, Scarlett Johansson, is so famous that people sometimes don’t even believe that she is in front of them.
Jost shared a story about standing at passport control, where the officer looked at his wife’s ID and asked if anyone ever told her she looked like Scarlett Johansson. The fame is so absolute that people struggle to process her physical presence in an everyday situation. Jost also joked about the challenges of being with a superstar, especially when it comes to simpler things like ordering food. He said that when Scarlett tries to buy a sandwich, people are so mesmerized by her that they often forget what she ordered, ending up with nothing but a random sandwich with just bread and a pickle.
Jost explained that his fame has changed how he approaches his career as a comedian. He can’t get on stage and use the usual jokes about having a nagging wife because people wouldn’t relate. It’s hard for anyone to feel sorry for a guy complaining jokingly about Scarlett Johansson. Instead, he has had to change his style of humor to be more genuine and appreciative, celebrating the reality of his marriage rather than making jokes.
People were genuinely surprised at how openly these men talked about their place in the world of fame. One fan expressed admiration for the confidence needed to let their partner take the spotlight, saying, “When your biggest flex in life is your spouse.”
Another observer created a new term for these men, calling them part of the “Green flags fraternity.” The term “green flag” is shorthand for healthy behavior, and seeing Kelce and Jost joke about being less famous stars sends a strong message of security. They don’t feel threatened by their partners’ success or popularity, showing that they value their relationships more than their own egos.
Another viewer remarked on how refreshing it is to see this kind of supportive attitude towards women, saying, “We love men who adore strong women. Proof they do exist.”
One listener praised the way the topic was approached, saying, “I just love how Travis worded this question. Not degrading and not complaining.” Kelce framed his question without bitterness, asking how nice the experience was rather than whether it was difficult to be in a supportive role. This shows his respect for his relationship with Swift and his value for and support of her.
The new standard for relationships
The behavior of these men shows us a healthier version of masculinity that doesn’t require a partner to shrink so the man can feel big. In the past, being supportive often meant a man worked hard to provide for the family while the woman managed the home. But now, figures like Travis Kelce and Colin Jost are changing that. They actively cheer on their partners, attending concerts, walking red carpets, and even dealing with misunderstandings, like ordering sandwiches, with a good sense of humor. Their confidence allows them to stand tall without feeling threatened by their partner’s achievements.
In a successful relationship between two ambitious people, it’s ideal when both partners can take turns leading and supporting each other. When there’s no ego involved, the relationship becomes a safe and uplifting space for both partners, free of competition. They show up for each other, making it clear through their actions, without needing to say it explicitly.
Ultimately, the most “alpha” thing a man can do is remain completely unbothered by his wife’s success. The old-school fear of being outdone or outshone is becoming outdated and tiring. By embracing a supportive and positive mindset, as Kelc and Jost do, we realize that life is much more enjoyable when we focus on celebrating each other rather than worrying about who’s more famous. True love is about being the person your partner looks for when they come home to you after a long day of achieving their dreams.
