Tom Brady may have retired from football, but apparently, he’s still recruiting from the same modeling agency.
First Gisele Bündchen. Then links to Irina Shayk. Now, according to Page Six, he’s reportedly seeing Candice Swanepoel. Some people have a type. Tom’s comes with a runway.
But while his taste might be consistent, he reportedly isn’t rushing into another serious commitment. And that raises a question the rest of us can actually relate to: does every great date need to become a long-term contract?
Tom Brady spent years making decisions with enormous men running straight at him. You can understand why he might enjoy taking his time over dinner.
According to Page Six, Brady and supermodel Candice Swanepoel have reportedly been seeing each other for several months. But sources say he’s enjoying her company without rushing into another serious commitment, with his children and career remaining priorities.
Naturally, the rest of us have already arrived with questions, predictions, and imaginary wedding invitations.
Maybe we could let them finish their appetizers first.
Does Every Date Need an Endgame?
Somewhere along the way, “I’m having a good time with this person” stopped being a sufficient answer.
Now everyone wants to know where it’s going. Are you exclusive? Have you met the family? Will you be spending the holidays together? You’ve had three dinners, and your friends are conducting a merger review.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a relationship. But there’s also nothing wrong with enjoying the early part: the flirting, the anticipation, the excuse to wear something that hasn’t been on your couch for three consecutive evenings.
Not every connection needs a destination before it gets a second date.
Casual Doesn’t Have to Mean Careless
Here’s an interesting detail: a separate PEOPLE report says Swanepoel has been impressed by Brady’s attentiveness and the effort he puts into their time together. The outlet’s source also describes shared interests in fitness and family.
That’s a useful dating lesson, regardless of where this particular romance goes.
You can keep things relaxed and still make an actual plan. You can avoid rushing into labels and still reply to a text. You can want something casual and still treat the other person like someone you’re happy to see.
“Let’s keep it casual” shouldn’t translate to “I’ll contact you whenever my other plans fall through.”
The bar doesn’t need to be a private yacht. Picking a place and showing up on time is a pretty respectable start.
Leave the Scoreboard Out of It
Dating after a breakup can come with an especially annoying audience. Everyone wants to know who moved on first, who upgraded, and who’s secretly miserable.
Exhausting. Also, nobody gets a trophy for being the first person to post a couple’s selfie.
Your next connection belongs to you. Enjoy it at a pace that works for both people, be honest about what you want, and leave the running commentary to the group chat.
What do you think? Can you enjoy dating without knowing exactly where it’s headed, or do you prefer to establish the game plan early?
You don’t need a championship ring to make your next move. Find someone worth clearing your evening for on OBC.