Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift engagement pressure mounts but marriage isn't for everyone

Game on, Kelce.

At least that's the prevailing narrative after Travis Kelce wished Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen congratulations after their engagement.

In a joint Instagram post shared Friday, Allen is seen on bended knee in front of a massive floral arch as Steinfeld leans down, pressing her forehead to his. The two are surrounded by cylindrical candles, with the ocean in the background. The couple didn't explicitly say they were engaged, simply captioning the photo with: "♾️ 11•22•24 ♾️." USA TODAY has reached out to the couple's reps for comment.

Kelce's "congratulations" comment – with three exclamation points and four emojis – stirred many Instagram users. The comment has nearly 14,000 likes and more than 200 replies as of Monday morning, many speculating he'll be the next one engaged to girlfriend Taylor Swift; "You next," one commenter wrote. "Your move bro," another quipped.

But pressuring someone to get engaged, married or pursuing any major romantic step isn't really a great idea, especially because marriage isn't for everyone.

Research has shown that marriage in the U.S. is steadily declining, and a 2019 report found that three in 10 people view it as unimportant.

"For decades, people have been exploring less traditional forms of relationship style," Antonia Hall, a psychologist, relationship expert and author of "The Ultimate Guide to a Multi-Orgasmic Life," previously told USA TODAY. "Societal views on cohabitation have become more favorable, and we are becoming more accustomed to varying familial paradigms. We are slowly understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all way of being in relationships."

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Why we judge those who don't want to get married

Though the pressure to get married often comes from well-intentioned people, those who don't conform still face a social stigma. Any move Swift and Kelce make, especially without rings on their fingers, invites more scrutiny.

This is because "generally, our society operates in fear when we can't fit people into clearly defined categories.

"So when they don't fit into a neat box, we resort to judging them," according to Weena Wise, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist.

Traditional marriage has long been hailed as an ideal life structure that provides companionship, security and the best way to raise a family. However, experts say this isn't necessarily true.

Rather, many people hold a glamorized image of what marriage is supposed to look like. They assume marriage is effortless and easy, without understanding the reality.

"Marriage can be seen as a goal accomplished that no longer requires effort, which couldn't be further from the truth," Hall says. As a result, "it's all too common in long term relationships and marriages that couples stop trying and take each other for granted."

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When couples wait to get married

Hall said that contrary to popular belief, proposing and getting married isn't necessary for maintaining a loving relationship. In fact, it doesn't prove your love for your partner either.

"We all want to feel desired and appreciated, especially by our partners, so there's something very romantic about consciously choosing someone day after day, rather than just seeing one's relationship partner as a given," she says.

Wise adds, "I applaud individuals who avoid the marriage matrix and avoid getting married too soon or for the wrong reasons. You can absolutely still be perfectly happy or in a healthy relationship without being married." Not to mention that traditional marriages work for some, but successful, long-lasting relationships look different for everyone.

Swift and Kelce, both in their mid-30s, have been around this relationship rodeo before. They'll likely get engaged if and when they're on solid (holy) ground.

Contributing: Jenna Ryu and KiMi Robinson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift engagement pressure mounts