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First impressions “aren’t everything” in Taylor Swift’s eyes. The Grammy winner once explained what she considers much “more valuable” in a relationship than giving a “charming” first impression. Plus, how she is at first impressions, according to a friend of her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. And how Jason Kelce’s “worst first impression” won her over. 

Taylor Swift thinks a person’s ‘layers’ are ‘more valuable’ than first impressions

In a 2019 Elle magazine article titled, 30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30, Swift, now 34, shared why first impressions aren’t all that important to her. “First impressions actually aren’t everything,” she wrote, noting she favors getting “to know someone.” 

“It’s impressive when someone can charm people instantly and own the room,” she continued. “But what I know now to be more valuable about a person is not their charming routine upon meeting them (I call it a “solid first 15”), but the layers of a person you discover in time.” 

“Are they honest, self-aware, and slyly funny at the moments you least expect it? Do they show up for you when you need them? Do they still love you after they’ve seen you broken? Or after they’ve walked in on you having a full conversation with your cats as if they’re people? These are things a first impression could never convey.” 

Swift gives a good first impression, according to a friend of Travis Kelce’s

Taylor Swift, who once said first impressions 'aren't everything' in relationships, with boyfriend Travis Kelce
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce | Al Bello/Getty Images

Despite not holding much stock in first impressions Swift is good at it, an NFL player-turned WWE wrestler friend of Kelce’s told Us Weekly. Baron Corbin, who has remained friends with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, recalled the “Down Bad” singer’s friendly greeting. 

“He’s just a friend. So you don’t think, ‘Hey, is Taylor going to be there?’ You don’t want to ask or anything like that. [She’s] obviously one of the biggest stars on the planet. And when you meet her, you’re like, ‘Oh she’s so nice, so down to earth.’” 

“If you lived under a rock and had no idea who Taylor Swift was,” he added, “you would just think she’s an awesome person.” 

She ‘absolutely loved’ Jason Kelce’s shirtless first impression

Taylor Swift, who doesn't think first imperssions are 'everything' in relationships, with her boyfriend Travis Kelce's mother, Donna, and brother, Jason
Jason Kelce, Donna Kelce, and Taylor Swift | Harry How/Getty Images

Despite being warned by his wife, Kylie Kelce, to be on his “best behavior,” retired Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce was unabashedly himself when he met his younger brother’s girlfriend.

Jason took his shirt off in a moment of celebration at a Chiefs game before mingling with fans. The Kelce family matriarch, Donna Kelce, wasn’t surprised. She told People at the time she knew, despite her daughter-in-law’s instructions to “make a good impression” on Swift, “that wasn’t going to happen.” 

“Jason’s his own man, as Travis is, and once they’re determined to do something, there’s no stopping,” she said. “[Your] best first impression is the worst impression ever,” Kelce later told Jason on their “New Heights” podcast. Ultimately, it all worked out because “Tay said she absolutely loved you.”

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