Are The Tom Hiddleston & Taylor Swift Pics Real?

I know what you’re thinking: Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift may be dating, which means the world is once again a happy and magical place. But before you think those pictures of Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston mean that they are dating for sure (in response to the photos, Bustle reached out to both Swift and Hiddleston's reps — Swift's rep has yet to respond, while Hiddleston's rep had no comment), I think it’s important to consider the jobs of the people in the pictures in the first place. Because, maybe — just maybe — those pictures of Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift aren’t necessarily what you think they are. Or, at least, there are plenty of reasons why it might be safer to take them with a grain of salt. Because if you’re wondering whether the Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift pictures are real, there are some pretty convincing reasons why they may not be.

I mean, I totally get the desire to take these pictures at face value. It’s Swift and Hiddleston, for pete’s sake. They could individually break the Internet with any announcement, let alone a joint announcement that they are dating. But for two people who are notoriously private about their love lives, it seems unlikely to me that these pictures actually mean they're dating. Especially since Swift just recently broke up with her boyfriend of over a year, Calvin Harris. Perhaps Swift and Hiddleston were working on a project, like, say, music video?

Also, think about it: It took months for the world to find out about Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris. The couple remained mum for quite a while before going public with their relationship. Why would Swift be so public about a new relationship just days after ending her last one? That doesn’t seem in line with her character.

It also doesn’t seem in line with Tom Hiddleston’s character either. The actor, even more so than Swift, is incredibly private about his love life. In fact, if you try to find a list of Hiddleston’s past girlfriends, all you will find are lists of mostly rumored relationship. This guy is shy about sharing his love life with the world.

Sorry, folks. I know this was exciting news, but I think we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that these pictures are for something else entirely — a music video, maybe, or a photoshoot. Those things would make a lot more sense than these two being so open so soon about a new relationship.