Taylor Swift found “the one” in NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce.
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift shared Tuesday on Instagram.
The global pop star is finally able to close out her dating playbook after finding her husband in Kelce. The two first sparked romantic speculation in 2023 after Swift attended one of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s football games. “This all started when Travis very adorably put me on blast on his podcast, which I thought was metal as hell,” Swift told TIME magazine. “We started hanging out right after that. So, we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew, which I’m grateful for, because we got to get to know each other. By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple.”
Before her romance with Kelce became endgame, Swift was romantically connected to a handful of A-list stars – Harry Styles, John Mayer and Jake Gyllenhaal to name a few.
Taylor Swift announced her engagement to Travis Kelce on Aug. 26.(Getty Images)
Here’s a look back at Swift’s most high-profile relationships:
Joe Jonas
Taylor Swift and Joe Jonas at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.(Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Swift and fellow musician Joe Jonas dated throughout 2008. The short-lived romance made headlines after Swift revealed Jonas ended the relationship during a phone call. The singer-songwriter confirmed the song “Forever and Always” from her album “Fearless” was about Jonas.
“When I find that person that is right for me, he’ll be wonderful. And when I look at that person, I’m not even going to be able to remember the boy that broke up with me over the phone in 25 seconds when I was 18,” Swift said during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
While a handful of other songs have been linked to Jonas, including “Mr. Perfectly Fine” and “Last Kiss,” the two seem to be friendly years later.
The two met while filming “Valentine’s Day” alongside Julia Roberts, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx and more.
Lautner attended the infamous 2009 MTV Video Music Awards with Swift, where her feud with rapper Kanye West first began.
Fans have long speculated that Swift’s “Back to December” ballad from her album “Speak Now” was about her relationship with Lautner. Despite the emotional breakup, the two have remained friends. Lautner joined Swift on stage at the “Eras Tour” in 2023 to announce the music video for her song “I Can See You,” which featured the actor.
John Mayer
John Mayer and Taylor Swift have never publicly confirmed their romance.(Getty Images)
John Mayer and Swift never publicly confirmed their romance, but the two did perform together a handful of times in 2009 after collaborating on Mayer’s song “Half of my Heart.” The collaboration came about after Mayer tweeted that he wanted to work with Swift.
Following the end of the rumored relationship, each musician released a break-up song, which many believed was about their romance. Swift released “Dear John” on “Speak Now” in 2010, while Mayer released “Paper Doll.” Fans picked out lyrics from the song “Dear John” that seemingly referenced the romance, including, “Don’t you think nineteen is too young / To be played by your dark twisted games / When I loved you so?”
Taylor Swift’s song “All Too Well” is reportedly inspired by her breakup with Jake Gyllenhaal.(Getty Images)
Swift was romantically linked to Jake Gyllenhaal in 2010 after the two were photographed in New York City together. The two were later spotted spending time together on Thanksgiving, but the relationship seemingly fell apart after Swift spent her 21st birthday alone.
Gyllenhaal turned 30 days later.
While neither Swift nor Gyllenhaal have spoken out about their short-lived romance, fans have speculated her song “All Too Well” was about the actor. Fans doubled down on the theory after Swift released “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” which featured additional lyrics.
“You, who charmed my dad with self-effacing jokes / Sipping coffee like you’re on a late-night show / But then he watched me watch the front door all night, willing you to come / And he said, ‘It’s supposed to be fun turning twenty-one.’”
Conor Kennedy
Conor Kennedy, pictured in 2019, dated Taylor Swift in 2012.(Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)
In 2012, Taylor Swift dated Conor Kennedy – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s son.
Speculation about a blossoming romance between Kennedy and Swift first began in the summer, after the “Midnights” singer spent the 4th of July holiday with the family. The two allegedly called it quits by October.
Fans have connected Swift’s romance with Kennedy to the crooner’s song “Begin Again” from her fourth album, “Red.”
Taylor Swift and Harry Styles briefly dated in 2011.(David Krieger/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Swift was first linked to Harry Styles in November 2012. Styles paid a visit to Swift during her rehearsals for a performance on “The X Factor.” Speculation about their romance intensified after Swift and Styles were spotted on a date in NYC’s Central Park roughly a month later. By January 2013, the couple had allegedly called it quits.
Swift released “1989” in October of that year and many fans speculated the album’s hits were about her relationship with Styles – including “Style” and “Out of the Woods.”
Styles later praised Swift’s songwriting when asked how he felt when it comes to exes writing songs about him.
“I think about what it means to me to write a song about somebody else and for somebody else to do that, it’s like flattering, even if the song isn’t that flattering, you still spent time on it and ultimately, using Taylor as an example, she’s a great songwriter. So at least they’re good songs,” he told Howard Stern in 2020.
Calvin Harris
Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris dated from March 2015 until June 2016.(James Devaney/GC Images)
Swift was linked to DJ Calvin Harris from March 2015 until June 2016.
The couple’s breakup was seemingly amicable, with a source telling People magazine “there was no drama” and “things just don’t work out sometimes.”
It later came to light that Swift and Harris’ breakup might have been connected to the couple’s secret collaboration on the DJ’s hit song “This Is What You Came For.”
Swift allegedly wrote the song and did the demo, which she shared with Harris. The two agreed to keep the collaboration secret and Swift was given credit under the pseudonym Nils Sjoberg.
Things took a turn for the worse after Harris said he didn’t plan to work with Swift in the future while promoting the song. “You know, we haven’t even spoken about it. I can’t see it happening, though,” he said at the time.
Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift had a brief romance.(Jerad Williams/Newspix/Getty Images)
In one of Swift’s most controversial dating moves, the pop star began dating “Avengers” star Tom Hiddleston – whom she met at the 2016 Met Gala while dating Calvin Harris – just 15 days after her breakup with the DJ.
The couple’s relationship lasted three months before the pair called it quits.
Swift reportedly felt overwhelmed by the public perception of her relationship with Hiddleston. “Taylor knew the backlash that comes with public displays of affection,” an insider told US Weekly. “But Tom didn’t listen to her concerns when she brought them up.”
Joe Alwyn
Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn began dating in 2016 and kept their relationship fiercely private.(Getty Images)
Swift’s most recent – and longest relationship to date – was with actor Joe Alwyn. The two dated rather privately for six years. Swift later revealed the timeline of their love affair in a diary entry included with the deluxe edition of her “Lover” album.
“I’m essentially based in London, hiding out trying to protect us from the nasty world that just wants to ruin things,” the pop star wrote in an entry dated January 2017. “We have been together and no one has found out for 3 months now.”
Even the end of Swift’s relationship with Alwyn was shrouded in secrecy. The news was shared with the world in April 2023, right after Swift kicked off “The Eras Tour,” but few details were revealed.
“They had plenty in common and fell in love in a safe bubble while she was retreating from the world during ‘Reputation,’” a source told People magazine at the time. “Then, the pandemic hit, and they were locked down together and able to continue growing their relationship in this insulated way. But he didn’t really ‘know’ her yet outside of that bubble.”
Alwyn reportedly struggled “with Taylor’s level of fame and the attention from the public.”
Jessica Alba is flaunting her bikini body after her ex-husband, Cash Warren, was seen with his new fling.
Alba took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a collage of photos from her summer. Included was a picture of the actress wearing a black string bikini in a pool. Alba was wearing a white hat and making a heart with her hands.
Alba included a few selfies, a photo of her working out in an orange matching set, some shots of food and a video of her and Warren’s son playing tennis.
Jessica Alba posed in a bikini.(Jessica Alba/Instagram)
Cash Warren stepped out with Hana Sun Doerr for a date night in Beverly Hills.(Backgrid)
This week, Warren was photographed with model Hana Sun Doerr, holding hands prior to dinner at an upscale restaurant in Beverly Hills. Warren, 46, was photographed kissing Doerr, 25, on the cheek during their outing.
According to Page Six, Doerr and Warren were first seen publicly grabbing dinner in Los Angeles earlier this month.
Jessica Alba filed for divorce from Cash Warren after nearly 17 years of marriage.(Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
The “Honey” star has had her own romances since her divorce from Warren. In July, Alba was spotted leaving Cancun with “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez, per TMZ, the outlet reporting the two were spending time together in the coastal town.
Rumors of her new romance with the actor then began swirling on social media, and a source told People that things are “very new” between Alba and the 32-year-old actor.
Jessica Alba has been linked to actor Danny Ramirez.(Shane Anthony Sinclair)
The source told the outlet the two are “having a good time together.”
In January, Alba took to Instagram to announce that her marriage with Warren was coming to an end after nearly 17 years.
“I’ve been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years – both as an individual and in partnership with Cash. I’m proud of how we’ve grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it’s now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals,” Alba wrote on Instagram at the time.
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have three kids.(Getty Images)
“We are moving forward with love and kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family. Our children remain our highest priority and we request privacy at this time.”
In February, Alba filed for divorce. In court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, the actress cited irreconcilable differences and listed Dec. 27, 2024, as the date of separation.
Jessica Alba was ready to embark on growth after her divorce.(Hoda Davaine)
Warren and Alba share three kids — Honor, Haven and Hayes. They were awarded joint custody in the divorce proceedings.
You know that moment when you’re scrolling through social media and see another engagement announcement, and you find yourself wondering: Is marriage still worth it? Maybe you’re deeply in love with your partner but questioning whether a wedding ring really changes anything. Or perhaps friends and family keep asking when you’re getting married, and you’re not sure how to answer.
In a world where couples live together for years without tying the knot, where divorce rates seem constantly debated, and where traditional relationship models are evolving, the decision to get married deserves thoughtful consideration.
Not every couple chooses marriage, but research has shown that those who build a strong foundation of friendship, navigate conflict with care, and remain committed to one another tend to form a deep connection that offers lasting comfort and support. Marriage, at its heart, is more than a ceremony or legal contract—it’s a shared framework for partnership, one that can weather life’s challenges and fully embrace its joys.
Understanding the Modern Context of Marriage
Is Marriage Still Relevant in Today’s Society?
The answer? It depends on who you ask. Relationships are deeply personal to the people who are in them.
Modern marriage has evolved from a primarily economic or social arrangement to something much more personal and intentional. Today’s couples choose marriage as a way to commit to building a life together, sharing not just resources but dreams, challenges, and growth.
Research consistently shows that married couples report higher levels of life satisfaction, better health, and more stability compared to their single counterparts.But it’s important to understand that these benefits come from the quality of the relationship, not just the legal status.
Marriage vs. Cohabitation: What’s the Real Difference Today?
The Commitment Factor: To some, marriage involves a public declaration of commitment that goes beyond personal feelings. It’s a promise made not just to each other, but to your community, your families, and yourselves that you’re in this for the long haul.
Legal and Social Recognition: Marriage provides legal protections and social recognition that cohabitation may not. From hospital visitation rights to tax benefits, there’s no denying that there are legal benefits to tying the knot.
Trends and Shifts in Marriage Attitudes
Marriage today looks different than it did even a generation ago:
Later Marriage Age: People are waiting longer to marry, often bringing more life experience and self-awareness to their partnerships.
Equality Focus: Modern marriages emphasize partnership equality, with both spouses contributing to household management, childcare, and financial responsibilities.
Intentional Choice: Rather than following social expectations, today’s couples choose marriage deliberately, often after careful consideration and preparation.
Why Get Married Today: 8 Powerful Reasons
1. Deep Emotional Bond and Commitment
When you make the commitment to marry each other, you’re not just saying “I love you”—you’re saying “I choose to keep loving you, even when it’s difficult.” There is more commitment to working on the relationship when times get tough because there is so much more at stake. And every relationship takes intentional work to be successful, so the challenging times are an opportunity to deepen connection.
In a longitudinal study of 130 newlywed couples, Gottman found that commitment to the relationship—defined as a decision to invest in the relationship even during hard times—was one of the strongest predictors of marital stability and satisfaction over the years.
2. Financial Advantages
Marriage in the United States provides significant financial benefit that can impact your life in meaningful ways:
Joint tax filing (often resulting in tax savings)
Automatic inheritance rights
Social Security survivor benefits
Health insurance coverage options
Joint ownership of property and assets
The reality is that these factors remove some of the financial pressures of today’s world and offer distinct advantages for married couples.
3. Legal and Health Benefits
In the United States there exists a bias towards married couples. They are afforded certain privileges that are more difficult for non married committed partners to access. Marriage provides crucial healthcare rights that unmarried partners often find harder to obtain:
Hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights
Access to partner’s health insurance
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits
Rights to medical information and treatment decisions
4. Stronger Family Structure for Raising Children
While you certainly don’t need to be married to be good parents, children can benefit from the stability that marriage can provide.
Research has found that on average, children in households with married biological parents experience more stability (fewer household transitions) than those in cohabiting households, and that stability is linked to better outcomes for children.
However, the benefits are strongly tied to relationship quality, not marriage status alone. Children in high-conflict marriages may fare worse than those raised by cooperative, separated parents.
Brown et al., (2009) found that happily married couples with healthy communication and conflict resolution skills tend to stay together longer, providing more consistent family structure, as well as pool resources more effectively for children’s needs (Kenney, C.T. 2004).
5. Long-Term Security and Stability
In our uncertain world, marriage can provide a foundation of stability that helps you weather life’s inevitable storms.
This security can potentially show up in these ways:
Emotional security: Knowing someone is committed to you through good times and bad
Financial security: Combined resources and shared financial planning
Social security: A built-in support system and advocate
Future security: Someone to grow old with and care for you
6. Religious or Spiritual Fulfillment
Across many religions, marriage is more than a legal union—it is a sacred covenant. It represents a lifelong commitment made before God, rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Whether seen as a promise, duty, or spiritual partnership, marriage serves as a framework for deep connection, guiding couples to support one another through happiness and challenge. It can represent:
A sacred covenant blessed by your faith community
An opportunity to live out spiritual values of love, commitment, and service
A way to honor your religious traditions and values
A foundation for raising children within your faith tradition
7. Tax and Estate Planning Advantages
In some countries, marriage provides significant financial planning advantages that can benefit you throughout your lives and beyond:
Benefit Type
Marriage Advantage
Tax Filing
Joint filing often reduces overall tax burden
Estate Planning
Automatic inheritance rights, no estate tax between spouses
Retirement Benefits
Access to spouse’s Social Security and pension benefits
Gift Tax
Unlimited gifts between spouses without tax implications
Property Rights
Joint ownership and community property protections
8. Psychological Wellbeing and Reduced Loneliness
Research consistently shows…
People in high-quality, happy marriages report lower levels of depression and anxiety than those in unhappy marriages or those who are divorced.
High-quality marriages are linked to better immune functioning.
High-quality marriages are associated with lower loneliness Hawkley, L.C., & Cacioppo, J.T. (2010)and greater social support, which are both important for mental and physical health.
The key word here is “happily.” Marriage itself doesn’t guarantee these benefits, but a good marriage can significantly enhance your mental and physical health.
Common Misconceptions About Marriage Today
Marriage Is Just a Piece of Paper
This is one of the most common misconceptions about marriage, and it misses the deeper significance of what that “piece of paper” represents.
Yes, a marriage certificate is a legal document. But it’s also:
Legal protection for your partnership
A symbol of your choice to prioritize this relationship
A framework for building a shared life together
Marriage Is Only for Religious People
While many people choose to marry within a religious context, marriage is fundamentally a human institution that transcends religious boundaries.
Civil ceremonies can be deeply personal and significant
Many couples create their own rituals and traditions
The commitment and legal benefits remain the same regardless of religious involvement
You can honor your own values and beliefs within marriage, whether religious or not
Marriage Doesn’t Work Anymore
This misconception often stems from looking at divorce statistics without context.
Here’s what the research actually shows:
The key isn’t whether marriage “works”—it’s whether you and your partner are willing to do the work that makes marriage successful.
When Marriage Might Not Be the Right Choice
Avoid Marriage for the Wrong Reasons
Marriage should be entered thoughtfully, not rushed into for the wrong reasons. Consider whether you might be considering marriage because of:
External Pressure:
Family expectations or pressure
Cultural or social expectations
Feeling like you “should” be married by a certain age
Friends getting married around you
Practical Convenience:
Health insurance benefits
Tax advantages
Easier living arrangements
Visa or immigration status
Fear-Based Reasons:
Fear of being alone
Fear of losing your partner
Fear of missing out
Pressure from a partner threatening to leave
While these factors might be considerations, they shouldn’t be your primary motivation for marriage.
Signs You May Not Be Ready for Marriage
Be honest with yourself about your readiness. You might want to wait if:
You’re hoping marriage will fix problems in your relationship
You haven’t had important conversations about future goals, finances, and values
You’re dealing with significant personal issues (addiction, untreated mental health challenges, major life transitions) that need attention first
You feel pressured into marriage rather than genuinely excited about it
You and your partner handle conflict very poorly and haven’t developed better communication skills
You have significant doubts about your compatibility or your partner’s character
Remember: There’s no rush. Taking time to prepare for marriage is always better than rushing into it unprepared.
How to Know If Marriage Is Right for You Today
Checklist: Are You and Your Partner Marriage-Ready?
Communication and Conflict Resolution:
You can discuss difficult topics without attacking each other
You both listen to understand, not just to respond
You repair well after arguments
You feel heard and respected by your partner
Shared Values and Goals:
You agree on major life goals (children, career, lifestyle)
You share similar values about money, family, and priorities
You support each other’s individual dreams and goals
You both want marriage for positive reasons
Individual Readiness:
You know yourself well and are comfortable with who you are
You can be happy and fulfilled as an individual
You choose your partner rather than feeling you need them
You’re prepared for the responsibilities of marriage
Practical Considerations:
You’ve discussed finances openly and honestly
You’ve talked about household responsibilities and expectations
You’ve considered how you’ll handle extended family relationships
You’ve discussed your hopes and concerns about marriage
Seeking Counseling or Guidance
Consider pre-marital counseling or guidance if you:
Want to strengthen your communication skills
Have concerns or questions about your relationship
Come from very different backgrounds or families
Have experienced significant challenges in your relationship
Want to give your marriage a strong foundation
Pre-marital counseling can help you:
Identify and address potential areas of conflict
Learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills
Clarify expectations and goals for marriage
Strengthen your emotional connection and intimacy
Remember, seeking help before problems arise is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Final Thoughts: Why Get Married Today?
Marriage as a Modern Act of Love and Partnership
In today’s world, choosing marriage is a powerful statement. It’s a way to say, “Despite all the challenges and uncertainties in life, I choose a life with you.”
It’s not about following tradition for tradition’s sake. Marriage is about creating a partnership that honors both your individual identities and your shared dreams. It’s about choosing love not just as a feeling, but as a daily commitment to showing up for each other.
Marriage is a deeply personal choice. For some, it’s the right path to deepen commitment and build a shared future. For others, love and partnership thrive outside of marriage—and that’s just as valid and beautiful. What matters most is that the relationship you build reflects your values, your vision, and your unique connection.
Embracing a Fulfilling Future Together
The question isn’t whether marriage is perfect—no relationship is. The question is whether you and your partner are ready to commit to growing together, supporting each other through life’s seasons, and building something meaningful together.
If you’ve found someone who makes you want to be your best self, who shares your vision for the future, and who you can genuinely say you want to grow old with, then marriage might be one of the most beautiful adventures you’ll ever embark on.
Want to make your advice and feedback more digestible? Learn how to make a “Compliment Sandwich” to deliver constructive criticism in a more positive and motivating way.
Have you ever struggled to share your thoughts with a colleague or friend without sounding too harsh? Being able to offer advice, feedback, and constructive input is an essential skill in both personal and professional environments. However, striking the right balance between positive reinforcement and helpful critique can be tricky.
The “Compliment Sandwich” is one effective technique for delivering constructive criticism. It works by balancing both positive and negative comments, making it easier for the recipient to agree and act upon your suggestion. Here’s how it looks in action.
What Is the Compliment Sandwich?
The main goal of the “Compliment Sandwich” is to deliver criticism while maintaining a positive tone throughout the conversation.
It involves three key parts:
Positive Opening (First Slice of Bread): Start with a genuine compliment or acknowledgment of something the person is doing well. This sets a positive tone and makes the recipient feel valued right away.
Constructive Critique (The Filling): Present the main feedback or critique in a clear, supportive way. This is the heart of the feedback where you address what needs improvement or adjustment.
Positive Closing (Second Slice of Bread): End with another positive or encouraging statement to reinforce your support and motivate the recipient. This leaves them feeling confident and balanced.
Practical Applications and Examples
Here are some hypothetical examples to show how the Compliment Sandwich works in practice. Remember, these aren’t scripts to follow word-for-word, just guidelines to inspire your own approach.
1. Workplace Feedback
Scenario: Addressing an employee’s inconsistent communication with the team.
Positive Opening: “I really appreciate the effort you put into your work and the unique insights you bring to our projects.”
Constructive Critique: “Lately, I’ve noticed some delays in team updates, which can make it harder for everyone to stay aligned and avoid miscommunication. Improving this will help the team function more smoothly.”
Positive Closing: “I look forward to seeing what you contribute to the team’s future success.”
2. Teacher and Student
Scenario: A teacher providing feedback on an essay.
Positive Opening: “Your thesis is engaging, and it’s clear you put a lot of thought into your argument.”
Constructive Critique: “To strengthen your essay, consider adding recent studies or relevant examples to support your ideas.”
Positive Closing: “You’re on the right track, I’m excited to see how this will evolve with the added research—I have no doubt it will be excellent!”
3. Personal Relationships
Scenario: Talking to a friend who tends to dominate conversations.
Positive Opening: “I always enjoy talking with you because you have so many great stories.”
Constructive Critique: “Sometimes I don’t get a chance to share my thoughts as much. It would mean a lot to me if we could balance our conversations a bit more.”
Positive Closing: “I love our chats and look forward to many more. Your energy makes them lively!”
4. Coaching in Sports
Scenario: A coach providing feedback on a player’s performance.
Positive Opening: “I love the energy and determination you bring to every game.”
Constructive Critique: “Your defensive positioning needs some improvement, I can help you work on that during practice this weekend.”
Positive Closing: “Keep up the hard work, and I know with some adjustments, you’ll be a better player all around.”
Tips for Effectiveness
Be Genuine: Sincere compliments are essential to avoid feedback feeling manipulative. Always be truthful.
Learn to Find the Good: Practice recognizing positive traits in others. This makes it easier to offer genuine compliments and feedback.
Remember the Positivity Ratio: Aim for a 3:1 ratio of positive to critical feedback to maintain motivation and foster growth.
Share Good News: Inject positivity by sharing good news, which can have a “bless the messenger” effect, where people feel more positive towards a person delivering uplifting information.
Adjust for Context: Tailor your feedback based on the recipient and situation. Some prefer gentle handling, while others want direct feedback.
Limitations of the Compliment Sandwich
The Compliment Sandwich has been widely used as a feedback tool, originating from management and communication training programs, typically in a corporate or organizational setting. Despite its popularity, it has drawbacks. One major criticism is that it can feel formulaic if used too often. When feedback follows the same pattern every time, it risks sounding insincere, reducing its effectiveness. The best feedback is organic and authentic. Use the Compliment Sandwich as a flexible guideline, not a rigid formula. Adapt your specific feedback based on the situation and the individual. Keep your communication fresh and spontaneous.
Psychological Foundations: Priming and the Recency Effect
The effectiveness of the Compliment Sandwich can be better understood through psychological principles like priming and the recency effect.
Priming is about how an initial stimulus can influence how someone perceives a subsequent one. In this context, the initial positive statement can make someone more open to subsequent feedback. Starting with praise sets a receptive tone, reducing defensiveness when delivering constructive critique.
The recency effect means people remember the last part of an experience most clearly. Ending feedback with a positive comment leverages this effect, leaving the recipient with a favorable impression and motivating them to act on the critique.
The main takeaway? Start and end on a good note. It’s a simple yet powerful and scientifically-backed way to boost the effectiveness of your communication while maintaining truth and honesty.
Conclusion
The Compliment Sandwich can be an effective way to deliver balanced and constructive feedback when used thoughtfully. The key is to avoid being scripted and to ensure that your feedback is sincere and unrehearsed. Try using the Compliment Sandwich the next time you give feedback and see if it changes the way people respond to your feedback and suggestions.
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If you choose to move in with your Vata partner, don’t be surprised if they are not the most meticulous roommates. You may find their belongings lying everywhere as they usually have limited faculty to organize. On a positive note, Vatas are not picky, so you can always have dibs on everything: the side of the bed, what to eat, where to vacation, and even the home décor. But you must be warned here that, as a team, you may show up late to almost everything. Vatas are so on the move that they may not stop to see the clock.
Relationships require us to learn new ways of collaborating, communicating, self-reflecting, and of course, growing. If you want to be in a relationship with another person, you have to expand. If you want to be in a conscious relationship, you need to centralize the relationship. Centralizing the relationship often means decentralizing yourself, which can be challenging.
Couples don’t want to argue, but solutions like “I’ll try not to get so angry” or “I’ll just accept things the way they are” go by the wayside in a flash. Humans are wired to connect, which is why these solutions are paper-thin—we often are not actually OK with this new and unwanted status quo. (In turn, when true feelings are buried for the sake of avoiding arguments, people often go on to complain, spend more time with friends, or even have an affair—which, again, are not solutions to the distress in the relationship.)
Los Angeles Council District 14 (CD-14) candidates Ysabel Jurado and Kevin de León sparred over their qualifications in what could have been their last in-person debate before the November election.
Wednesday’s CD-14 debate, a district home to approximately 265,000 people, 70% of them Latin American, offered the public a chance to hear from both candidates and their stand on issues such as homelessness, public safety and affordable housing, among other things.
CALÓ News was one of the media outlets that were present inside Dolores Mission Catholic Church in Boyle Heights, where the debate was held. Below are our reporter’s main takeaways.
People showed up and showed out. More than 300 people attended the debate, which was organized by Boyle Heights Beat and Proyecto Pastoral. More than 260 people gathered inside the church and the rest watched via a livestream projected on the church’s patio.
The debate was bilingual, with translation services available for all, honoring the many Spanish speakers that live in the district, as Brendan P. Busse, pastor of the church, said in the opening statement.
As part of the event guidelines, Busse also shared that no applause or booing was to be permitted, a rule that was broken within the first ten minutes of the forum. “Where you are tonight is a sacred place. People who are in need of shelter sleep here and have for the last 40 years,” he said when referring to the church transforming into a homeless shelter at night for over 30 adults. “Power and peace can live in the same place.”
That was the most peaceful and serene moment throughout the two-hour forum.
What followed was traded insults and competing visions from both candidates.
One of the first stabs occurred when De León accused Jurado of wanting to “abolish the police” and when Jurado reminded the public of De Leon’s “racist rhetoric,” referring to the 2022 scandal over the secretly recorded conversation with Gil Cedillo and Nury Martínez where they talked about indigenous Mexicans, Oaxacans, the Black and LGBTQ+ communities and councilman Mike Bonin’s adopted son.
“I made a mistake, and I took responsibility. I have been apologizing for two years,” De León said. “Just as in the traditions of the Jesuits, love, reconciliation [and] peace, one must choose if we are going to be clinging to the past or move forward. I choose to move forward.”
When Jurado was asked about her stance on police, she said she had never said she wanted to abolish the police. “Don’t put words in my mouth,” she told De León. “I have never said that,” she said. “We put so much money into public safety into the LAPD yet street business owners and residents in these communities do not feel safer. The safest cities invest in communities, in recreation and parks, in libraries [and] youth development.”
De León and Jurado also discussed their plan to work with the homeless population, specifically during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, an estimated 75,312 people were experiencing homelessness, as stated in the 2024 homeless count. For CD-14 the issue of homelessness takes a higher level as it is home to Skid Row, which has one of the largest homeless populations in the U.S.
“We should continue to house our unhoused,” De León said.
He followed this by saying that under his leadership, CD-14 has built the most interim housing than “in any other place in the entire city of L.A.” He made a reference to the Boyle Heights Tiny Home Village and 1904 Bailey, both housing projects in CD-14.
“We need safety when the Olympics come,” he added.
Jurado said De León’s leadership has fallen short in his years in office, specifically when it comes to the homeless population and said that housing like the tiny homes is not sufficient for people in the district to live comfortably.
“My opponent has governed this district, Skid Row, for over 20 years. Has homelessness in this district gotten better? We can all agree that it hasn’t,” she said. “County Supervisor Hilda Solís put up 200 units that are not just sheds; they have bathrooms, they have places and they have support services. Why hasn’t [CD-14] gotten something better than these tiny homes?”
One of De León’s repeating arguments in various of his answers was the fact that Jurado has never held public office before. “I’ve dedicated my whole life to public service, to the benefit of our people. My opponent, to this day, has not done one single thing,” De León said in the first few minutes of the debate.
In one of the questions about low-income elders in the district, he listed some of his achievements when helping this population, including bringing free vaccines for pets of seniors of this district and food distributions, which, as De León noted, help people with basic food needs, including beans, rice and chicken. “The same chicken sold in Whole Foods,” he said.
Jurado defended herself against the reality of never holding public office and said her work as a housing rights attorney and affordable housing activist have given her the tools and experience to lead the district in a different direction than the incumbent, De León. “We can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results,” Jurado said. ‘We need long-term solutions,” she said.
Last month, The L.A. Times also reported on Jurado’s past political experience, including working on John Choi’s unsuccessful 2013 run for City Council, as well as her work as a scheduler in Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office and how she was appointed by Garcetti to the Human Relations Commission in 2021.
She later added that she was proud to already have the support of some of the L.A. City Council members, such as Eunisses Hernández, Nithya Raman and Hugo Soto-Martínez, which De León later referred to as the “socialist council members.”
After the debate, CALÓ News talked to both candidates and asked how they thought the debate went.
“It was a spirited debate, no question about it,” De León said. “Sometimes elections can take a real ugly twist that is very similar to Trump-ian characteristics. Like Donald Trump just says whatever he wants to say, no matter how outlandish [or] inaccurate it is.”
When asked the same question, Jurado said, “ I think my opponent said a bunch of lies and said that he has plans for this district when he’s had four years to execute all of them. It’s really disappointing that only now he suddenly has all these ideas and plans for this district.”
Both candidates told CALÓ News they will continue working until election day and making sure CD-14 residents show up to vote.
“But I think past the debate[s], it’s just [about] keeping your nose to [the] grindstone, working hard, and taking nothing for granted, knocking on those doors and talking directly to voters,” De León said.
Jurado said she still has a couple other events that she and her team are hosting before election day. “I’m out here talking to voters. We want to make sure that people know who I am and that they have other options. People are disappointed. We’re going to keep folks engaged and make sure that [they] turn out to the polls,” she said.
Jorge Ramírez, 63, from Lincoln Heights, said he has been supporting De León since his time in the State Senate and said he will continue to vote for him because he doesn’t know much about his opponent. “He is the type of person we need. He’s done a lot for immigrants,” he said. “The other person, we don’t know much about her and she’s not very well known. She doesn’t have much experience in this field.”
Alejandra Sánchez, whose daughter goes to school in Boyle Heights and lives in El Sereno, said she believes CD-14 has been in desperate need of new leadership and worries that many people will vote for De Leon just because he is who they have known for so long. “It’s very powerful to see a woman leader step in… It’s been an incredible year to see a woman president elected in Mexico, a woman running for president in the U.S. and a woman also running for leadership here in our community,’ she said. “That’s part of the problem… we are afraid to think about something new, about the new leadership of someone doing things differently.”
General election day will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Early voting began on October 7. You can register to vote or check your registration status online on the California Online Voter Registration page.
We all want to find our person, but it ain’t easy.
In fact, sometimes it feels damn near impossible.
How do you know you’re with the right partner? If things don’t seem to be working, should you walk away or try harder? What can you live with, and what are your dealbreakers?
One Redditor asked, “What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a relationship?” and the responses might be just what you need to hear to save yourself some heartache.
Venice Pride’s Gaywatch May 31 Baja Venice 311 Washington Blvd, Venice venicepride.org
Venice Pride Block Party presented by Aids Healthcare Foundation May 31 99 Windward Ave LA’s beloved grassroots LGBTQ+ Pride celebration returns with a *FREE* party in the street! Venice Pride Block Party
4th annual San Gabriel Valley Pride March and Festival
June 1
Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside (BGCWSGV),City of Monterey Park, and Alhambra Teachers Association are teaming up on the 4th annual San Gabriel Valley Pride March and Festival this Saturday, June 1. Hundreds of community members, including those of the LGBTQ+ group, will gather during this event to advocate for inclusivity and kindness during Pride month. The one-mile Pride march begins at Mark Keppel High School and will conclude at Barnes Memorial Park, where there will be food trucks, live music performances, art, and community resources. The festival will be hosted by Lisa Foxx from IHeart Radio and will highlight Club youth with inspiring LGBTQ+ stories, including teen member Mia Guttierez.
WHEN: Saturday, June 1 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
*Pride festival begins at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Barnes Memorial Park |350 S Mc Pherrin Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754
*Noting that this march will begin at Mark Keppel High School and conclude at Barnes Memorial Park, where the concert and festival will occur.
Los Angeles Angels Pride Night June 1 Angel Stadium of Anaheim Join fans in the Gate 5 Courtyard for pre-game Pride festivities. Purchase a Pride Night ticket package and receive discounted pricing along with a Pride Night-themed Angles hat. Proceeds from each ticket purchase will benefit OC Pride. angels.com/pride
AIDS/LifeCycle 2024 Ride June 2-8 The Cow Palace AIDS/LifeCycle is a fully-supported, seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It’s a life-changing 545-mile ride-not a race-through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. aidslifecycle.org
WeHo Pride Weekend May 31- June 2 WeHo Pride 2024 kicks-off on Harvey Milk Day, May 22, with a special event. wehopride.com
Friday Night @ Outloud May 31 WeHo Pride presents this free-to-attend concert in West Hollywood Park featuring headliners to be announced soon! wehopride.com
Glendale Pride in the Park June 1, 1pm-5pm Adams Square Mini Park The Glendale Pride in the Park celebration and queer family picnic is back. Glendale invites everyone in the community to join and work with love, in healing, and in creating safe space for our kids to thrive. glendaleout.org
Yappy Pride Party Returns to Just Food for Dogs West Hollywood
June 1, 2024, from 2 pm – 5 pm
The Yappy Pride Party is returning to the Just Food for Dogs West Hollywood kitchen, located at 7870 Santa Monica Boulevard, Saturday June 1, 2024, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. during WeHo Pride weekend. Dogs and their pet companions are welcome to attend the event at their parking lot on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue
Guests will celebrate the kickoff of Pride Month with some food and refreshments. Past events have offered wraps, freshly made burgers, hot dogs, and there were plenty of dog treats for pets to munch on. This year enjoy a photo session with fur family photos (available from 3-5pm) with the purchase of toy and treat bundle. There will also be a K-9 couture contest.
Relentlessly Advocating for Pet Health Being Completely Transparent Basing Decisions on Scientific Evidence Driving Change in Our Category Honoring Pet Life Through Support of Rescue Efforts You can find them at retail kitchens, inside veterinary clinics and hospitals, at Pet Food Express stores in California, Petco locations nationwide, and on Chewy.com.
Women’s Freedom Festival June 1, 12pm – 6pm WeHo Pride Street Fair Community Stage at La Peer Dr.
Co-sponsored and produced by the L-Project, the festival will feature emerging LGBTQ and BIPOC women, non-binary musicians, comedians, poets, and activists. wehopride.com
Dyke March June 1, 6pm-10pm WeHo Pride Street Fair Community Stage at La Peer Dr. Featuring a motorcycle-led march, this annual rally will begin immediately following the Women’s Freedom Festival along Santa Monica Boulevard. wehopride.com
WeHo Pride weekend is almost upon us. It all begins this Friday, May 31, 2024 to Sunday, June 2, 2024, with the return of the Women’s Freedom Festival and Dyke March on Saturday. Women are taking over Boystown for WeHo Pride! Women’s Freedom Festival and the Dyke March returns for its 3rd year at West Hollywood Pride on Saturday, June 1, 2024 beginning at 12 noon!
This event is FREE. It is produced by The L-Project Los Angeles and co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood.
Located at the Celebration Stage on west end of Santa Monica Blvd at LaPeer Avenue, the event will be hosted by Jackie Steele with sounds by DJ Boom Boom & DJ Sterling Victorian.
This year’s lineup of 2SLGBTQ+BIPOC artists will include live performances by: Nekeith – Madline Grace Jones – Shiah Luna – Gattison – Cheri Moon – Theia – Mariah Counts and the KingQueen Band. Poetry by Yazmin Monet Watkins + Sasha MaRi – Suri Chan and West Hollywood’s Poet Laurette, Jen Cheng.
Dyke March performance by THEIA & MEDUSA, THE GANSTA GODDESS
Biker staging for the Dyke March will begin at 5pm with an opening performance by Medusa at 5:30 p.m. The Dyke March Rally at 6 p.m. and the March will begin 6:30 p.m.
Bikers! If interested in joining Pride Riders for the Dyke March, please contact: Katrina Vinson at: [email protected]
Reserve your tickets for a chance to win free promos and other giveaways by clicking on the link here: (Link)
The Women’s Freedom Festival lineup and schedule (*subject to change) is as follows:
The L-Project is an historically lesbian non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2015 by Elisabeth Sandberg, in West Hollywood, California. Their mission is to promote and support emerging LGBTQI BI+POC women and non-binary creatives through the arts and technology.
Outloud @ WeHo Pride June 1-2 An award-winning, ticketed concert highlighting LGBTQ artistry, this star-studded, high-energy line-up celebrates and advocates for queer voices in music, kicking off Pride Season! wehopride.com
WeHo Pride Street Fair June 1-2 The street fair is free and will include community group booths, exhibitors, sponsor activations, a stage with live performances, and other entertainment elements. wehopride.com
WeHo Pride Parade June 2 A colorful and entertaining event for the whole family, the parade will feature contingents such as floats, bands, drill teams, dance teams, entertainment entries, marchers and special guests. wehopride.com
LA Pride in the Park June 8, 1pm-11pm Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles LA Pride in the Park is a highly anticipated music event. This year’s headliner is Latin superstar Ricky Martin. Joining him on the massive 80-foot stage will be MUNA, Tokischa and Jojo Siwa, among others. It’s also an LGBTQ+ community event organized by CSW, LA’s original 501(c)3 Pride nonprofit, established in 1970. Guests will enjoy over 20 acres of activities, glow-ups, giveaways, and more from LGBTQIA+ partners, exhibitors, and vendors. lapride.org
Photo Credit: Ricky Martin/WeHoTimes
As the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at the highly-anticipated Pride event of the year, this marks Martin’s first-ever headliner Pride performance.
LA Pride in the Park will return to the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, June 8. Across 20 acres and with a capacity for 25,000, LA Pride in the Park is one of the most sought-after and largest Official Pride concerts in the country. Additionally, the official theme for this year’s Pride season is “Power in Pride,” which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community’s ability to live authentically.
General Admission and VIP Passes are now available to purchase at lapride.org.
“I am thrilled to be headlining LA Pride in the Park because it’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate love, diversity, and equality,” said Martin. “LA Pride is a testament to the power of community, the power of visibility, and the power of standing up for our rights. Being part of this vibrant community fills me with pride and purpose.”
54th ANNUAL LA PRIDE PARADE
JUNE 9, 2024:STEP OFF at 11AM
The best Parade viewing spots are along the middle of Hollywood Blvd, or on Highland, opposite the ABC7 broadcast area. Step-off is at 11AM sharp, so get there early to get a good spot.
If you can’t be with there in person, be sure to watch the parade live on ABC7, LA Pride’s Official Television & Streaming Partner.
PARADE BLOCK PARTY
June 9, 2024 ADJACENT TO PARADE ROUTE HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
We’re keeping the celebration going on Sunday by throwing the ultimate free Block Party adjacent to the Parade, open from mid-day and going into the evening. With a performance stage, large vendor village, food & bevs, pop-up bars, and more, it’s the place to be to after the Parade. Last year, 35,000 people enjoyed this free Parade “after-party,” don’t miss it!
The Block Party vendor booth application deadline has now passed. Stay tuned to learn more about the cool things we have in store!
The Grove will host Los Angeles’ beloved annual Pride Night celebration on Thursday, June 13, presented by Afterpay. Friends, family and members of the LGBTQIA+ community will gather in The Park for a colorful night of festive bingo, live entertainment, delectable sips and bites and more in celebration of this year’s Pride Month.
When doors open at 6PM, The Park at The Grove will shine in bright rainbow ornamentation, welcoming guests to rejoice with Pride-themed décor, upbeat tunes from a live DJ and a variety of interactive photo moments to capture the excitement. An array of bites from Rocco’s Pizza and The Grove’s dining tenants will be available to enjoy, including Häagen-Dazs, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Pressed Juicery and % Arabica, complemented by beverages from Hamptons Water, Casa Dragones, Grey Goose and Calidad.
The Grove’s acclaimed Pride Bingo will begin promptly at 7:30PM. Tickets are $55 per person and include 10 rounds of bingo hosted by LA legend ‘Bingo Boy’ (Jeffrey Bowman) and chances to win luxury prizes from some of The Grove’s renowned retailers like the newly opened David Yurman and Arhaus, along with Byredo, Backcountry, Todd Snyder and more. Caruso Signature members will also receive exclusive Pride merch and complimentary parking validation. Ticket proceeds will be donated to LA Pride.
Pride Night is sponsored by “buy now, pay later” service Afterpay. New and existing Afterpay customers who purchase Pride Bingo tickets will be reimbursed at check-in and guests are encouraged to arrive via Lyft, the official rideshare partner of Caruso. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://thegrovela.com/events/pride-bingo-2/.
WHAT: Pride Night at The Grove, presented by Afterpay
*Includes 10 rounds of bingo, meal and beverage tickets, exclusive Pride merch, photo opportunitiesand chances to win complimentary prizesfrom The Grove’s stores and restaurants
Our World Series-winning Dodgers take on the Kansas City Royals with LA Pride pre-game festivities featuring DJ party, and Pride merch for special ticket holders!
Catalina Island Gears Up for an Unforgettable Pride Celebration
June 15, 2024
Catalina Pride, sponsored by US Bank, will kick off at noon with the ceremonial Pride Walk, starting from Wrigley Stage and continuing along the scenic waterfront to the famous Catalina Island Casino. Participants are encouraged to don their brightest rainbow attire as they join in this joyous march showcasing support for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, the historic Catalina Island Casino will be lit in vibrant rainbow colors to showcase Catalina’s love and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Wrigley Stage will be the heart of the celebration, featuring an exciting lineup of live entertainment. Highlights include:
Pulp Vixen – This all-female cover band, known for their high-energy performances, will headline the event.
DJ Asha – Returning for her third year, DJ Asha will keep the crowd dancing with her dynamic mixes.
KingQueen – The rock-pop band is back by popular demand.
Mermaid – Featuring Candace Quarrels and Brittany Campbell, this duo blends rock, pop, and R&B.
Danielle Lande – Singer-songwriter and founder of QUEERSOUND.
Patrick St. James – Irish-born, Manchester-based queer pop singer-songwriter.
DJ Jae Fusz – Former background dancer for Britney Spears, bringing his DJ skills to the stage.
Tonii and Miya King – Performing as both solo artists and their duo group Sunday.
Sister Ray – Known for their eclectic style and original songs.
DJ Hovani – Las Vegas-based DJ known for his infectious sets.
In addition to the main stage performances, an after-party will be held at the Chi Chi Club from 10 PM to close, featuring sets by DJ Hovani and DJ Fusz.
“We are delighted to welcome everyone to Catalina Island for this special celebration of love and diversity,” said Jim Luttjohann, CEO of Love Catalina. “Pride is not just an event; it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to inclusion and acceptance. Catalina is a wonderful destination for LGBTQ+ visitors year-round, offering a welcoming atmosphere, stunning scenery, and a variety of activities for all to enjoy. We look forward to a fantastic day of celebration, music, and unity.”
Pride is Universal at Universal Studios Hollywood
June 15, 2024 10pm – 2am
LA Pride’s iconic after-hours party is back at Universal Studios Hollywood, with a limited discounted GA ticket price of $139! Enjoy the magic of when the park closes to the public at 10pm and you get to stay until 2am for the Pride-only after-hours experience with multiple DJ’s, dance areas, cash bars, 14 Universal characters, and enhanced lighting throughout the park! Plus the retail stores, select restaurants, rides, and attractions remain open just for us!
The month-long SaMo Pride celebration returns this June with interactive activities and experiences that honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity and acceptance in Santa Monica. SaMo Pride is a citywide partnership between Santa Monica Place, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) and Santa Monica Pier, in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.
Fierce Fables: Drag Queen Pride Family-Edition
June 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At Santa Monica Pier, the community is invited to participate in the Merry-Go-Round Building. Hosted in partnership with The Crow Comedy Club, this event welcomes all family members to enjoy a drag queen and king storytelling corner, face painting and show-stopping dance numbers by Pickle Drag Queen, Pandora Boxx and Johnny Gentleman.
Pride on the Promenade
June 22, from 2 to 8 p.m.
This lively block party transforms Third Street Promenade into a colorful celebration featuring musical performances curated by OUTLOUD, giveaways, games and a retail pop-up marketplace showcasing local LGBTQ+ businesses, creating an inclusive space for all ages to come together and celebrate diversity. Plus, local service providers and community groups will be present along the Promenade, offering support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
Sounds of Santa Monica: Pride Edition
June 22, from noon to 6 p.m.
Families will groove to the beats of live musical entertainment by LGBTQ+ performers in Center Plaza under Lanterns of Love, an overhead colorful lantern installation. Vibrant overhead lights will also span from Third Street Promenade to Santa Monica Place, illuminating the festive atmosphere. Also on Saturday, the Santa Monica Place Kid Zone offers kid-friendly Pride programming and activities, creating an educational and entertaining space for children to play and learn about inclusivity and acceptance. For more information about Sounds of Santa Monica: Pride Edition, visit santamonicaplace.com.
The City of Santa Monica is dedicated to increasing visibility and understanding of the broad spectrum of gender identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. The City celebrates Pride with the month-long lighting of City Hall in rainbow colors and a series of educational, uplifting events during the month of June. Community events include the City’s Pride Proclamation on May 28; an AIDS LifeCycle Finish Line Festival on June 8; Rainbow Family Storytime at the Santa Monica Public Library on June 11; Family Pride Drag Queen Storytime with Pickle on June 14; Pride sunset swim at the Annenberg Community Beach House on June 21; and much more.
Hermosa Beach Pride
Friday, June 14 to Sunday June 16, 2024
Location: Hermosa Beach
About the Event: Girls, gays, theys, allies, ALL are welcome to join us for our 4th Annual Hermosa Beach PRIDE, June 14-16! For more information, please visit Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau’s website.
This Pride month, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath is supporting a wide range of Pride events throughout Los Angeles County’s Third Supervisorial District in solidarity, support, and love of our LGBTQ+ community.
“This Pride, we’re committed to making sure that our LGBTQ+ community, in all of its beautiful diversity, is welcomed, supported, and celebrated throughout Los Angeles County,” said Chair Horvath. “As we honor the progress we’ve made and continue to push for equality, we must stand strong, use our voices, and make sure that our LGBTQ+ community always feels empowered. The Third District and LA County will be loud and proud in our support for all our LGBTQ+ family, during Pride month and year-round.”
The media and community are invited to join Chair Horvath for the following Pride Month events throughout the Third District.
Venice Pride | May 31st, 5 – 11 p.m. | 99 Windward Ave. | venicepride.org
West Hollywood Pride | June 1st - June 2nd | Santa Monica Blvd. | wehopride.com
Chair Horvath will attend the West Hollywood Pride Parade, which takes place on June 2nd at 12:30 p.m.
Los Angeles Pride | June 8th - June 9th | Hollywood Blvd. | lapride.org
Chair Horvath will attend the Los Angeles Pride Parade, which takes place on June 9th at 11 a.m.
Santa Monica Pride | June 22nd, 2 – 8 p.m. | Third Street Promenade | smpride.com
San Fernando Outdoor Pride Market | June 22nd, 6-10 p.m. | San Fernando Rd. | sfoutdoormarket.com
AFA WRESTLING PRESENTS “OVER THE RAINBOW” JUNE SOCAL PRIDE SHOW
LOS ANGELES, CA — Alliance For All Wrestling (AFA) will hold its largest LGBTQI+ allied professional wrestling event in Azusa at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Hall — 250 East 1st Street Azusa, CA 91702 on June 27, 2024.
The “Wizard of Oz” themed show (‘Over the Rainbow’) will be the greatest pro-wrestling Pride event in SoCal history, featuring 40+ of the hottest SoCal wrestling stars on the independent circuit.
Barbie Boi, pro-wrestler and founder of AFA, is encouraging everyone to grab their friends and family, “click their heels three times,” and head on down the yellow brick road to witness a truly magical event.
“‘Over the Rainbow’ is an event that will bring everyone together for a night of love, representation, equality and wrestling,” says Barbie Boi. “Pride Month is such a special time for people to come together and show how important love and equality is. Pro-wrestling, to me, can also bring so many different kinds of people together. This event is showcasing talent representing the community alongside our strong allies. I want everyone to come see what is at the end of our wrestling rainbow. They’re going to love it.”
Featured and confirmed talent include: Effy, Shane Haste, Wolf Zaddies (Che Cabrera & Tito Escondido), Mylo, Sandra Moone, Delilah Doom, Barbie Boi, Keita, G Sharpe, Jazmin Allure, Titus Alexander, Tyler Bateman, Ray Rosas, Maximilien Monclair, Diego Valens, Nina, Brendan Divine, Bryn Throne, Jakob Austin Young, Eli Everfly, Bryce Saturn, Moondog Murray, Hunter Gallagher, El Primohenio, Parada, Chuy Gonzalez, Joey Mayberry, Mateo Valentine, Mighty Mayra, Shelly Benson, Everly Rivera, Marina Tucker, Krusty Krew (Lucas Riley & Dom Kubrick), The Unguided (Matt Vandagriff & Damian Drake), Gypsy Mac, Dante King and Affirmative Action (Da Shade & Project Wes).
Tickets for the June 27 show are $30 for Front Row VIP and $25 for General Admission, currently available for purchase online on Eventbrite. Tickets will also be sold at the door the day of the event.
This is an all inclusive event for all ages. Bar service for alcohol purchase available, and must be 21+ with proper identification. Pride wardrobe encouraged. Merchandise table/ photo-ops with wrestlers/ talent will be held during and after the show. Parking is free next to the VFW building and street parking is also available.
CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE For more information about AFA – please follow on Instagram: @allianceforallwrestling, Twitter: @afawrestling, or contact via email: [email protected]
San Fernando Valley Pride | June 29th, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Van Nuys | sfvpride.org
March at noon at Van Nuys Blvd. and Gault St.
Important Pride Notes!
Photo courtesy of the City of West Hollywood
WeHo Pride Weekend Street and Facility Closures
WeHo Pride Weekend will Take Place fromFriday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2 in and AroundWest Hollywood Park and the City’s Rainbow District
The City of West Hollywood reminds the community and the region about WeHo Pride-related street and facility closures. Drivers and Metro riders can anticipate increased traffic and commute times; please plan to use alternate routes.
Street Closures will take place, as follows:
N. San Vicente Boulevard closed from Melrose Avenue to Santa Monica Boulevard fromThursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. through Monday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
Santa Monica Blvd (Eastbound) closed from N. La Cienega Boulevard to N. Doheny Drive from Friday, May 31, at 12 p.m. (noon) through Monday, June 3, at 7 a.m.
N. Robertson Boulevard closed from Santa Monica Boulevard to Melrose Avenue fromFriday, May 31, at 12 p.m.(noon) throughMonday, June 3 at 7 a.m.
Santa Monica Boulevard (Westbound) closed from N. La Cienega Boulevard to N. Doheny Drive from Saturday, June 1, at 6 a.m. through Monday, June 3, at 7 a.m.
N. San Vicente Boulevard closed from Santa Monica Boulevard to Cynthia Street from Saturday, June 1, at 6 a.m. through Monday, June 3, at 7 a.m.
Santa Monica Boulevard closed from N. Fairfax Avenue to N. Doheny Drive (including side streets one block north and one block south of Santa Monica Boulevard) from Sunday, June 2 at 5 a.m. through Sunday, June 2, at 5 p.m. for the WeHo Pride Parade. Santa Monica Boulevard from N. La Cienega Boulevard to N. Doheny Drive will remain closed though Monday, June 3 at 7 a.m.
Facility Closures will be, as follows:
West Hollywood Park from Monday, May 27 through Wednesday, June 5 (West Hollywood Park will reopen Thursday, June 6).
Small Dog Park at West Hollywood Park from Monday, May 27 through Wednesday, June 5 (Small Dog Park will reopen Thursday, June 6).
Large Dog Park at West Hollywood Park from Wednesday, May 29 through Tuesday, June 4 (Large Dog Park will reopen Wednesday, June 5).
Five-Story Parking Structure at West Hollywood Park from Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. through Monday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
West Hollywood Library Garage at West Hollywood Park from Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. through Monday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
Plummer Park South Lot from Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. through Monday, June 3, at 12 p.m.
Robertson Lot from Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. through Monday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
The City of West Hollywood will activate its annual Pride Ride free shuttle service during #WeHoPride Weekend. The City’s free transit services, The PickUp and Cityline, will offer combined Pride Ride services that will operate over the weekend.
Pride Ride vehicles (both PickUp and Cityline vehicles marked with route/destination) will travel through West Hollywood from N. La Brea Avenue to N. Kings Road along Santa Monica Boulevard. Select Pride Ride vehicles (marked with route/destination) will also run to the Hollywood & Highland Metro Station as follows:
Friday, May 31, 2024 – West Hollywood route will run from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. From 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. service will run to-and-from the Hollywood & Highland Metro Station.
Saturday, June 1, 2024 – West Hollywood route will run from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. service will run to-and-from the Hollywood & Highland Metro Station.
Sunday, June 2, 2024 – West Hollywood route will run from 11 a.m. to midnight. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. service will run to-and-from Hollywood & Highland Metro Station to N. Fairfax Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard due to WeHo Pride Parade street closures. Following the Pride Parade, once streets have reopened, Pride Ride will run along Santa Monica Boulevard between N. La Brea Avenue and N. La Cienega Boulevard until midnight.
WeHo Pride Weekend (May 31 to June 2) will include a free WeHo Pride Street Fair representing a diverse array of LGBTQ community groups as part of visibility, expression, and celebration; the Women’s Freedom Festival; the annual Dyke March; free Friday Night at OUTLOUD; OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride music festival; the WeHo Pride Parade, and a wide range of community group programming throughout Pride month. The WeHo Pride Arts Festival (June 14 – June 16) will take place at various locations throughout West Hollywood.
Avoid the hassle that is parking in LA, and be good to the environment, by using one of LA Metro’s convenient train or bus lines. Wherever you live, LA Pride is accessible by public transportation.
As Pride celebrations continue, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (Metro), is supporting all the activities. As the official transit partner of LA Pride, we’re conducting station “take overs” on Saturday, June 8 – our Chinatown station that services the concert in the park will be renamed “LA Pride Nation Station” and the station pylon will be wrapped in Pride colors. For your residents headed to the park, getting there is easy, all they have to do is take the A Line to Chinatown Station – one quick stop from L.A. Union Station. Pay Metro fare of $3.50 for a round trip on a TAP card, which cost $2 and are available for purchase at TAP vending machines at all Metro rail and busway stations. Metro has many Park & Ride lots servicing the county – parking is just $3.00 per day, payable onsite.
For the LA Pride parade and block party on Sunday, June 9 stations servicing both the Pride Parade and Block Party will be renamed and wrapped in Pride colors – Hollywood/Highland will be renamed Hollywood/Pride-land and Hollywood/Vine will be renamed Hollywood/Pride. And for those residents headed to both, they just have to take the B/D Line to Hollywood/Highland for the Parade and Hollywood/Vine for the Block Party.
Pay Metro fare of $3.50 for a round trip on a TAP car, which cost $2 and are available for purchase at TAP vending machines at all Metro rail and busway stations. Metro has many Park & Ride lots servicing the county – parking is just $3.00 per day, payable onsite.
Earlier this month, Metro also launched its “Ride with Pride” campaign. You may have already seen them, but our buses and trains are beautifully adorned with vibrant Pride themed designs, showcasing its support for the LGBTQIA+ community and enhancing the festive atmosphere for riders all month long.
Photo courtesy of LA Metro
LA Metro is the proud Official Transit Partner of LA Pride. Look for future announcements about Pride TAP cards, new LA Pride wrapped buses and trains for 2024, station takeovers, parties, and more!
PBS SoCal Celebrates Pride Month With Disco, George Takei and More
Select content slated to air during Pride Month is listedas follows (*schedule subject to change):
L.A.: A QUEER HISTORY – Sat., June 1 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Thurs., June 20 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
The 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York has been widely regarded as the beginning of the Gay Civil Rights Movement, but the true heart of the movement, and what we know as “Gay Culture” was born in Los Angeles. This film sheds light on historical figures who are largely unacknowledged, creating a newfound dialogue about LGBTQ history but also a better understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
AMERICAN MASTERS: Ballerina Boys – Sat., June 1 at 11:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
The story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a company of men who dance on pointe as ballerinas.
DISCO: SOUNDTRACK OF A REVOLUTION “Rock the Boat” – Tues., June 4 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., June 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal as well as Sat., June 8 at 5:30 p.m. and Wed, June 19 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
The opening episode of the series looks at the roots of disco – how it emerged from a basic desire for inclusion, visibility, and freedom among persecuted Black, gay and minority ethnic communities of New York City. It tells the remarkable story of how a global phenomenon began in the loft apartments and basement bars of New York City, where a new generation of DJs and musicians, like David Mancuso, Nicky Siano, Francis Grasso and Earl Young (The Trammps), pioneered a distinct sound and a new way of spinning records.
DISCO: SOUNDTRACK OF A REVOLUTION “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” – Tues., June 4 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., June 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal as well as Sat., June 8 at 6:30 p.m. and Wed, June 26 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Set against the backdrop of Black power and sexual liberation, the second episode takes viewers to the high watermark of disco in the mid ’70s. It was the birth of the “disco diva” from Gloria Gaynor and Candi Staton to Donna Summer and Thelma Houston. However, mainstream success by The Bee Gees’ soundtrack album “Saturday Night Fever,” The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You,” Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and Studio 54 took disco further and further from its roots of inclusivity and freedom, as straight, white men started to embrace and repackage the sound.
DISCO: SOUNDTRACK OF A REVOLUTION “Stayin’ Alive” – Tues., June 4 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., July 2 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal as well as Sat., June 8 at 8 p.m. and Wed, July 3 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
The final episode documents the wellspring of resentment from white, straight, male-dominated, rock-loving middle Americans, as they targeted disco for its hedonism, femininity and queerness. A vocal “Disco Sucks” movement began to gain momentum, culminating in the “Disco Demolition Derby” at Comiskey Park Stadium in Chicago, where organizers destroyed thousands of disco records in front of a baying audience of baseball fans. In addition, the hedonism and sexual liberation embodied by disco found itself stopped in its tracks by the AIDS crisis. Pushed out of the mainstream, the pioneers of disco retreated and regrouped.
DEAR IKE: LOST LETTERS TO A TEEN IDOL – Sat., June 8 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
The story of a teenager’s all-consuming childhood quest to contact his boyhood idol, Ike Eisenmann, and ask him to star in an animated science-fiction epic that he was forever developing in an overstuffed three-ring binder.
UNIDAD: GAY & LESBIAN LATINOS UNIDOS – Sat., June 15 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos was founded in 1981, only a few years before HIV/AIDS began to ravage LGBTQ communities. GLLU was the Los Angeles area’s first major Queer Latin@ organization, and the film chronicles events at a pivotal time in the history of LGBTQ equality, women’s rights and civil rights movements that shaped the destinies of GLLU’s communities.
TO BE TAKEI – Wed., June 19 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Thurs., June 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
This award-winning documentary features Star Trek legend, marriage equality advocate and spokesperson for racial justice; superstar George Takei.
ARTBOUND: LGBTQ Nightlife – Wed., June 19 at 9 p.m. and Sun., June 23 at 4 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
In this episode of ARTBOUND, see how a roving LGBTQ night club event in Los Angeles called “Mustache Mondays” became a creative incubator for today’s leading edge contemporary artists. This film examines the history of these spaces and how they shaped the Queer cultural fabric unique to Southern California.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Stonewall Uprising” – Thurs., June 20 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., June 22 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
When police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City on June 28, 1969, the street erupted into violent protests that lasted for the next six days.
LOST LA: Coded Geographies – Sat., June 22 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
This episode of LOST LA explores two underground guidebooks, The Negro Travelers’ Green Book and The Address Book, that reveal the hidden geographies many Angelenos had to navigate, exposing Los Angeles as a place of coded segregation and resistance.
OUTRAGE OF DANNY SOTOMAYOR: American Stories – Sun., June 23 at 5 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Danny Sotomayor was a man on a mission to address injustice. The fiery, openly gay AIDS activist, political cartoonist and organizer took to the streets of Chicago, using civil disobedience to wage war on city officials who marginalized the LGBTQ+ community and turned a blind eye to the AIDS crisis – all while fighting a losing battle with the disease himself.
CLIVE DAVIS: The Soundtrack of Our Lives – Sat., June 29 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
A look at the life and work of record executive and producer Clive Davis, whose five-decade career has launched many superstars, including Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith.
JUSTLY WED: Scenes from the Marriage Equality Movement – Sun., June 30 at 5 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
An exploration of the experience and legacy of the 2004 gay marriages in San Francisco.
Online dating may be partially to blame for an increase in income inequality in the US in recent decades, according to a research paper.
Since the emergence of dating apps that allow people to look for a partner based on criteria including education, Americans have increasingly been marrying someone more like themselves. That accounts for about half of the rise in income inequality among households between 1980 and 2020, researchers from the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and St. Louis and Haverford College found.
Using data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey from 2008 to 2021, when online dating quickly became prevalent, the economists found that women became slightly more selective when choosing partners based on age, while men became slightly more selective based on education.
But when the researchers compared that with data on married couples from 1960 and 1980, they found that people in the recent period increasingly went for partners with the same wage and education levels. And while many people married someone of the same ethnicity, people became less and less selective on race over time.
Who people marry has a major impact on household income. The research shows that the two main contributors to inequality through the selection of a future spouse are education and skills. They are followed, to a much lesser extent, by income and age, while race plays a relatively inconsequential role, co-author Paulina Restrepo-Echavarría, an economic policy advisor at the St. Louis Fed, said in a blog post describing the paper.
Overall, the predominance of online apps to find a future partner has led to a 3-percentage-point increase in the Gini coefficient — a widely used measure of income inequality, the research shows.
“We find that the increase in income inequality over the past half a century is explained to a large extent by sorting on vertical characteristics, such as income and skill, and their interaction with education,” the economists wrote in their paper.
LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dave Grohl says he recently fathered a daughter outside his 21-year marriage to Jordyn Blum, with whom he has three older daughters.
“I’ve recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her,” the Foo Fighters front man and former Nirvana drummer said Tuesday in an Instagram post. “I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. We’re grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together.”
Grohl, 55, did not share any other details about the baby or her mother, and his representatives declined any comment beyond the posting.
Grohl married Blum, a former model turned film and television producer, in 2003. They have three daughters together, including 18-year-old singer Violet Grohl, along with a 15-year-old and 10-year-old.
He was previously married to photographer Jennifer Leigh Youngblood, from 1994 until 1997, and has acknowledged that infidelity helped lead to their divorce.
Raising your level of differentiation requires action and behavior change. There is no more “business as usual”—all the strategies and habits such as posturing, denial, defensiveness, and critical arguments cease to exist. Partners have clearer boundaries, express themselves with regulated clarity, and stand up for what they believe without attack or criticism of their partner.
Moving in with your partner is a new and exciting chapter to embark on together. But just like the honeymoon phase of any relationship will eventually fade, so, too, can the excitement of living with each other—and that’s when “roommate syndrome” can occur.
Star of Sherwood David Morrissey is dating a woman half his age following his split from ex-wife novelist Esther Freud.
The actor married Esther, who is the sister of fashion designer Bella Freud and daughter of painter Lucian Freud, in 2006. They started a family, welcoming a daughter Anna, and two sons Albie and Gene.
In 2020, David and Esther split. However, reports suggest he has since moved on with a much younger woman.
David is reportedly dating a woman 29 years younger than him (Credit: Cover Images)
Sherwood star David Morrissey is dating woman four years older than his eldest son
In photos obtained by the MailOnline, David, 60, was captured on a night out with his girlfriend Larah Simpson, 31, in London on earlier this year. She is four years older than his eldest son, Albie.
Dressing smartly for the occasion, David wore a long wool coat with grey trousers and lace-up leather shoes.
Larah, on the other hand, donned an all-black ensemble, teaming a crop top with a tiered black midi skirt. She wrapped herself up in a leather jacket and silver heels.
As they were seen wandering the streets of London, the couple held hands.
Esther Freud and David ‘making sure their children come first’
At the time of Esther and David’s split, a friend stated it was a “great shame, but they just couldn’t make it work any longer”.
However, “they are making sure that the interests of their three children come first”.
Esther previously revealed to the MailOnline that it was her father who impacted the split with David.
“My father was a very powerful person, and I learned so much about relationships from him,” she said.
“What was most important to him was work. So in my relationships with men, I never felt I had the right to be more important than work,” Esther continued. “That affected me and really ran my marriage. I could never say: ‘I need you.’”
LOS ANGELES — After a relationship that spanned two decades, two engagements, two weddings and headlines too numerous to count, Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck.
The filing Tuesday in Los Angeles brought to an apparent end a celebrity coupling — or at least the second installment of it — that dazzled from the very heights of the pop culture firmament and emblazoned countless tabloid covers. The pair became known, even before such power-couple portmanteaus were ubiquitous, as “Bennifer.”
Court records showed Lopez filed the petition Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. The news was first reported by the TMZ website. TMZ reported further that Lopez listed the date of separation as April 26, 2024. It added that she did not mention any prenuptial agreement.
After meeting, falling in love and getting engaged in the early 2000s — and starring together in 2003’s infamous “Gigli” and 2004’s “Jersey Girl” — the couple parted ways, blaming in part the pressure of the public eye.
“Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient,” wrote Lopez, announcing their first, quickie Las Vegas wedding that July, and signing off as Jennifer Lynn Affleck.
“Stick around long enough and maybe you’ll find the best moment of your life in a drive through in Las Vegas at 12:30 in the morning in the tunnel of love drive through with your kids and the one you’ll spend forever with,” she wrote in her newsletter.
The couple had flown to Las Vegas, lined up with their license with four other couples and were wed just after midnight at A Little White Wedding Chapel, where Lopez said a Bluetooth speaker played their brief march down the aisle. She called it the best night of the couple’s lives.
A month later, they had a much grander wedding at Affleck’s house in Georgia, in front of friends and family.
Both of them had been previously married. Affleck, 52, married Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three children, in 2005. They divorced in 2018.
All along, it had been Lopez who was more vocal in describing her and Affleck’s journey. When asked earlier this year whether she was harder on herself because her relationships had been so high-profile, Lopez agreed.
“Oh yeah. 100%. It’s made me doubt myself and really feel bad about myself at times. Made me feel like I wanted to quit at times. But at the end of the day, I feel like you kind of have to do this thing where you learn how to navigate it,” she told The Associated Press. “You take the things that could be constructive about that and use it, and the rest you kind of just throw away as kind of like haterations or, you know, other things like that and just be like, ‘Whatever. I know who I am, I know what I want to do.’ ”
Affleck himself expressed admiration for her self-possession, telling the AP last year that he agreed with the idea that Hollywood was unsure how to capitalize on her wide-ranging talent.
“I think she’s in her prime,” Affleck said then. “She’s doing extraordinary work in large measure because she’s taking that step to take responsibility for what she’s doing rather than say, ‘This is what I’m being offered.’ ”
Lopez is starring in the upcoming “Unstoppable,” under Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity banner.
In May, she starred in the Netflix movie “Atlas.” At the end of the month, she suddenly canceled her 2024 North American tour, saying she was “heartsick and devastated” to be letting fans down but the move was necessary. “Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends,” organizers said in a statement.
The tour was to be her first in five years, in support of her first solo album in a decade, “This Is Me… Now” and its companion film. a fictionalized look at her long love life, and a documentary.
“When I was a girl they’d ask me what I’d be. A woman in love is what I grew up wantin’ to be,” Lopez sang on the title track.
The album, she said, was inspired by her rekindled relationship with Affleck. But the film was more “about your journey as a person, it’s about one person’s journey and what it takes to get from heartbreak back to love. Or a hopeless romantic’s journey in their search for love.” In the movie, she played a character called The Artist who, similarly, had decided as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up: “in love.”
But the road was rocky. In an early scene, The Artist is on the back of a motorcycle, riding across a beach, with a hunky man, face shielded. Then the motorcycle crashes.
“Not all love stories have a happy ending,” she says.
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This story corrects the ages of Affleck and Lopez.
WLWT. A SWEET, SWEET STORY. HARRISON COUPLE CELEBRATING A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THEIR MARRIAGE THAT VERY FEW PEOPLE REACH AND THEY GOT TO DO IT WITH EVERYONE THAT THEY LOVE AS WELL. HOW ABOUT THAT? WLWT NEWS FIVE’S ADAM BURNISTON WAS AT THEIR BIG CELEBRATION, AND HE’S GOT THEIR BEAUTIFUL STORY. HI THERE. YEAH, IT WAS GREAT TO BE THERE TO CELEBRATE WITH THEM. WITH MORE THAN 90 YEARS OF LIFE, JOHNNY AND ANN CALLAHAN ARE CELEBRATING 77 YEARS OF MARRIAGE TODAY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY THERE IN HARRISON. HE STILL HAS THAT SPARK BEFORE MEETING EACH OTHER. JOHNNY CALLAHAN JOINED HIS BROTHERS TO SERVE DURING WORLD WAR TWO. JOHNNY WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FEW CONSTRUCTION BATTALIONS FORMED DURING THE WAR, WHEN HIS DEPLOYMENT WAS ENDED, HE HAD WRITTEN HOME ABOUT WANTING TO FIND A PARTNER, BUT HIS FAMILY HAD ALREADY FOUND HIM A MATCH AND HE SAID, I’VE GOT HER ALREADY PICKED OUT. THAT LITTLE REDHEADED GIRL AND WAS THAT LITTLE REDHEADED GIRL AND WHILE IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, RIGHT AWAY SHE GAVE JOHNNY A CHANCE. I FIRST SAW HIM. I THOUGHT, NOW. BUT THEN, YOU KNOW THE LONGER WE MET, WE FIRST DATE WAS TO A BALL GAME. THEIR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER GREW QUICKLY, GETTING MARRIED IN 1946 AND SAYS IT WASN’T ONLY HIS LOOKS THAT WON HER OVER, BUT THE FACT THAT HE WAS A GENTLEMAN. HE WAS VERY CONSIDERATE. AND IF I DIDN’T WANT TO DO SOMETHING THAT MAYBE SUGGESTED HE WENT ALONG WITH IT, YOU. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. WELL, THANK YOU. NOW, 77 YEARS LATER, THEY’RE CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. WE THANK YOU, LORD, FOR YOUR GOODNESS TO US AND TO JOHNNY AND ANNE AND AND OFFERS THIS ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES. WHEN ASKED HOW THEY MADE IT SO LONG IN MARRIAGE. YOU LEARNED TO KNOW IT’S ENOUGH YOU SHUT UP. NO, THAT’S GIVE AND TAKE. YOU SHUT UP AND GIVE AND TAKE. HOW AMAZING IS THAT? DURING THEIR LIFE, JOHNNY WAS A TEACHER AND A BASKETBALL COACH AT HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL, AND THEY’RE BOTH LEADERS WITHIN THEIR NAZARENE CHURCH. AND ALSO TOLD ME THEY’RE BOTH BLESSED TO HAVE FIVE CHILDREN, TEN GRANDCHILDREN, AND 13 GREAT
Ohio couple celebrating 77 years of marriage
Updated: 11:37 PM EDT Aug 18, 2024
A couple in Harrison, Ohio, celebrated a major milestone in their marriage on Friday: Johnny and Ann Calihan have been married for 77 years and have a great love story.Growing up in Arkansas, Johnny and Ann hadn’t known about each other for years. At 16 years old and with a document from his dad, who served in World War I, Johnny joined his brothers to serve in different branches of the Army during World War II. Johnny was deployed with one of the first few Construction Battalions that were tasked with building camps, bases, bridges, airfields, and much more during the war across Europe.It wasn’t until Johnny was completing his deployment and on his way home that he heard about his now-wife, Ann. While coming home, Johnny had written to his family that he wanted to look for his match. In reply, he learned that his family had already picked out “that little redheaded girl” for him.Ann was that redheaded girl. She said it wasn’t love at first sight, but she still gave him a chance. “I first saw him and thought, nah, but then, you know, the longer we met, we first went on a date to a ball game,” Ann Calihan said.From that first date to a basketball game at Ann’s high school, Johnny and Ann’s love for each other quickly grew. A year later, in 1946, the couple got married, moved to Kentucky to care for Johnny’s family, and eventually ended up in Harrison, Ohio.Living in Harrison, Johnny was a teacher and basketball coach for several years, earning multiple coaching awards throughout the years. Johnny and Ann have also been leaders in their local Nazarene Church.Now, 77 years later, Johnny, who is 97, and Ann, who is 94, are celebrating this major milestone with friends and family.When asked how they’ve made their marriage this long, Ann had this advice:”You learned to know it’s enough. You shut up. You give and take,” Ann said.Ann says they’re blessed to have family and friends by their side. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren who take care of them and visit often.
HARRISON, Ohio —
A couple in Harrison, Ohio, celebrated a major milestone in their marriage on Friday: Johnny and Ann Calihan have been married for 77 years and have a great love story.
Growing up in Arkansas, Johnny and Ann hadn’t known about each other for years. At 16 years old and with a document from his dad, who served in World War I, Johnny joined his brothers to serve in different branches of the Army during World War II. Johnny was deployed with one of the first few Construction Battalions that were tasked with building camps, bases, bridges, airfields, and much more during the war across Europe.
It wasn’t until Johnny was completing his deployment and on his way home that he heard about his now-wife, Ann. While coming home, Johnny had written to his family that he wanted to look for his match. In reply, he learned that his family had already picked out “that little redheaded girl” for him.
Ann was that redheaded girl. She said it wasn’t love at first sight, but she still gave him a chance.
“I first saw him and thought, nah, but then, you know, the longer we met, we first went on a date to a ball game,” Ann Calihan said.
From that first date to a basketball game at Ann’s high school, Johnny and Ann’s love for each other quickly grew. A year later, in 1946, the couple got married, moved to Kentucky to care for Johnny’s family, and eventually ended up in Harrison, Ohio.
Living in Harrison, Johnny was a teacher and basketball coach for several years, earning multiple coaching awards throughout the years. Johnny and Ann have also been leaders in their local Nazarene Church.
Now, 77 years later, Johnny, who is 97, and Ann, who is 94, are celebrating this major milestone with friends and family.
When asked how they’ve made their marriage this long, Ann had this advice:
“You learned to know it’s enough. You shut up. You give and take,” Ann said.
Ann says they’re blessed to have family and friends by their side. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren who take care of them and visit often.
