Move over, low-key boyfriends. In 2026, a new breed of publicly devoted partner is taking centre stage. Dubbed the "hype partner," this trend sees high-profile men unabashedly celebrating their significant others, offering a refreshing antidote to modern dating's often cynical and non-committal landscape.
From Plasma to Poetry: The Public Declarations
The shift became unmistakably clear in December 2025. Bryan Johnson, the billionaire better known for his extreme anti-ageing regimen than for romance, posted a 20-slide Instagram thread declaring his love for girlfriend Kate Tolo. He described the 30-year-old as his missing "puzzle piece" and "luminescent" art, a stark contrast to his previously perceived "incel-y" persona. This grand, vulnerable gesture marked a significant public relations rehabilitation, captivating audiences with its earnestness.
He is far from alone. Travis Kelce has long been open about his admiration for fiancée Taylor Swift, famously recounting his failed attempt to give her a bracelet with his number. In August 2025, on his podcast, he told Swift he was "captivated" and described her work ethic as "remarkable."
More recently, at the Critics’ Choice Awards, actor Timothée Chalamet dedicated part of his best actor acceptance speech to his partner of three years, Kylie Jenner, thanking her for their foundation and stating, "I love you, I couldn’t do this without you." He had also previously referenced her billionaire status in a viral rap verse.
The Psychology of the Public Prop-Up
This wave of smitten men feels like a direct counterpoint to a recent viral essay declaring boyfriends "uncool." While some women have moved away from overt online gushing, for a certain set of men, publicly proclaiming your partner as your "queen" has become a surprising status symbol. It signals a man secure in his own masculinity and achievements, while also showcasing the high-calibre partner he has won.
Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett, who often traffics in alpha, entrepreneurial energy, recently called his fiancée Melanie "an angel that fell from the sky" and admitted she is "what I’m aspiring to be." Similarly, Selling Sunset's Jason Oppenheim rhapsodised about girlfriend Jessica Vargas on Instagram, calling her "a ray of sunshine from the heavens."
Even veterans are joining in. While presenting his wife of nearly 30 years, Sarah Jessica Parker, with an award at the 2026 Golden Eve ceremony, actor Matthew Broderick praised her as "a force to be reckoned with" and expressed being "thrilled and proud" to be her husband.
An Antidote to Heterofatalism?
In an era often characterised by heterofatalism—where heterosexual relationships are blighted by apathy, avoidance, and low-effort communication—the sight of men tripping over themselves to "big up" their partners is genuinely resonant. It provides a sense of joy and hopefulness.
It might be tempting to dismiss this as cloying sentimentality. Yet, against a backdrop of ambiguous "situationships," the unapologetic commitment and admiration displayed by these hype partners stands out. They represent, to use wonderfully evocative British slang, men being "absolute melts"—and proudly so. As we move through 2026, this trend suggests a cultural shift where the Utterly Besotted Boyfriend (UBB) is finally having his moment in the sun.
