Associate Teaching Professor Nari Jeter was recently featured in national media outlets offering insight into everything from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement to the everyday challenges of commitment.
Associate Teaching Professor Nari Jeter, licensed marriage and family therapist and co-host of The Coupled Podcast, continues to be a sought-after expert voice on relationships. Recently, she was featured in three national outlets offering insight into everything from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement to the everyday challenges of commitment.
In a feature story for USA TODAY, Jeter weighed in on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, which sparked widespread conversation about how long couples should date before taking the next step. She emphasized that every relationship is unique, noting that the timing of an engagement should depend more on intention and fit than on a prescribed timeline.
Jeter also shared her perspective with Newsweek in a piece examining the dynamics between Swift and Kelce following their appearance on the New Heights podcast. Building on commentary from fellow therapist Esther Perel, Jeter explained the concept of compersion—the joy one feels in celebrating a partner’s success—and how it reflects a healthy and secure partnership.
Finally, in SELF, Jeter addressed a more universal topic: why some people struggle with commitment in relationships. She discussed how fears of losing independence, past traumas, or trust issues can complicate the path toward a long-term partnership, and highlighted ways couples can navigate these challenges with honesty and self-reflection.
Jeter also offered her expertise in Newsweek, weighing in on a viral Reddit story about a woman whose influencer sister-in-law ignored requests not to film during her birthday dinner. Jeter explained that boundary issues are often at the root of family conflicts and emphasized the importance of setting clear expectations and following through on them. She noted that respecting boundaries is a sign of emotional and psychological health and that even a simple acknowledgment of someone’s request can prevent unnecessary conflict.
In another Newsweek feature on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, Jeter addressed the stereotype that women are “antsy” when it comes to marriage. She explained that wanting commitment after two years together is not only reasonable but healthy, especially for couples who have already shown strong public support for one another. Jeter emphasized that timelines matter less than the strength and intentionality of the relationship, noting that “the calendar doesn’t matter—it’s the quality of connection.”
In a Fox News Digital article, Jeter commented on a viral story about in-laws tagging along on every vacation. She explained the issue comes down to different expectations and encouraged couples to set clear plans—like designating some trips for just the two of them and others for family.
Jeter’s work as an associate teaching professor includes strengthening interpersonal and family relationships through encouraging self-awareness, improving communication skills and increasing understanding of family and contextual influences. She also disseminates the research, intervention and clinical activities of the Department of Human Development and Family Science through university and community public speaking engagements. Whether breaking down the psychology behind celebrity headlines or offering guidance for everyday relationships, Jeter’s expertise demonstrates the wide impact of faculty at Anne's College.
