Taylor Swift isn't letting her recent split from long-term boyfriend Joe Alwyn get her down. The 33-year-old singer was spotted in New York City, leaving Via Carota after having dinner with producer Jack Antonoff and his fiancée Margaret Qualley on April 10. Taylor appeared unfazed by the breakup, happily interacting with excited fans who snapped photos. “Taylor adores her fans,” Star reported, citing an insider.

Not far from the dinner location is Cornelia Street, where Swift once lived and celebrated her love for the British actor in a song of the same name from her 2019 album, Lover. However, sources now say that it was Swift who decided to end the relationship with the 32-year-old Conversations With Friends star. “They’d talked about marriage,” says an insider. “But life beyond the altar didn’t appeal. Taylor didn’t want to be tied down, and it felt like settling.”

Swifties React

Fans were quick to react to the breakup news, analyzing lyrics, song choices, and even costumes from Taylor's Eras Tour for insights into what may have gone wrong. The insider confirms that Taylor is very aware of her fans' online discussions and has already hinted at the split during her performances. Fans speculated about the reasons behind the split, contrasting the couple's low-key relationship with Swift's high-profile past relationships with celebrities like Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles. Taylor and Joe even co-wrote songs, including "Sweet Nothing." One fan expressed their disappointment, saying, "They just looked right for each other. I thought it was gonna be endgame."

Diverging Paths

According to the source, the couple's differing expectations led to the breakup. The pair had enjoyed a quiet life together during the pandemic, but as the world began to open up again, the dynamics of their relationship changed. "They were in this cocoon, and it was nice and quiet," adds the insider. "When the world opened up, the dynamics changed, and they were pulled apart."

While Taylor embarked on her first tour in five years, Joe's career didn't experience the same growth. "He's a talented actor," says the insider. "But he felt eclipsed by Taylor's career and larger-than-life persona."

Moving Forward with Music

Currently, Taylor is focusing on her performances and connecting with her fans. "She feels a connection with the audience," says the insider. "It's been very healing." Joe can expect to be the subject of a few songs in the future, as the insider reveals, "She's already scribbling down lyrics."