Taylor Swift Still Exists, Everyone

Let me be honest with you: As a Taylor Swift fan, I am struggling lately. My girl hasn't released any new music in what feels like forever, and has remained largely silent on social media for most of the past year. But now, thanks to her alleged new relationship, she's making headlines again. Over the weekend, Swift and Joe Alwyn were spotted having coffee together amid rumors that they're making their relationship exclusive. But that's not what's important about these new paparazzi photos. What's important is that it is confirmed that Swift lives, and she looks happy.

According to what sources close to the 1989 singer told E! News, not only have Swift and Alwyn kicked up their relationship a notch, but he's also reportedly met some of her close friends, like Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid.

In the photos (which you can see here), Swift and Alwyn are adorably enjoying some coffee on what looks to be the balcony of her Nashville condo, but obviously what really matters here is the fact that Swift herself has been spotted. In a drought like this — especially following the huge fan interaction and near-daily Tumblr posts during the 1989 era — just a photo from afar is huge.

The insider also told E! News:

"This isn't a new couple alert or a secret relationship. The only people this has been a secret to is the media because all of us — Taylor and Joe's closest friends and their families — were aware they have been together for several months and have known each other for a long time."

As sweet as these new photos are, I can't help but wonder what Swift resurfacing could mean. It doesn't seem like she's actively trying to hide this relationship, so maybe their balcony hang was intentional? In fact, Swift allowing herself to be spotted could mean another album is on the way, relationship or not. Hopefully that's the case, because as awesome as 2017 has been for music so far, I'm dying for new Swift songs.

And in all seriousness, it does seem like Swift is happy with Alwyn, and that's what's important, new music or not. The way they're looking at each other in these photos? Way too cute for words.

Besides, now that it's summer, and Swift owns a house on the beach in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. So I'm hopeful that she could return to Instagram soon — maybe even to share photos with her new man. She always loves the Fourth of July, and that's coming up soon. Maybe party photos are on the way? Your move, Swift.