I am two things: a participant in sad girl autumn and an iced coffee bisexual. And, in being those two things, I am a lover of two things: Phoebe Bridgers’ album, Punisher, and the extremely hot and emotionally unavailable Connell Waldron from Normal People, played by Paul Mescal.
So, you can only imagine the kind of insufferable I was when I learned that Bridgers and Mescal are might be engaged. Her Campus reached out to Bridgers and Mescal’s teams for confirmation but didn’t hear back by the time of publication.
If you’re a fan of either Bridgers or Mescal, you’d know that this relationship is nothing new. However, their love story is just so adorable, I can’t help but think about it constantly. And with their reported engagement (via an exclusive interview with Mescal at The Guardian), what better time than now to take a walk down memory lane for the full history of Gen Zs favorite couple?
May 12, 2020: Bridgers & Mescal Share A Twitter Exchange.
In the middle of the pandemic, I know I became absolutely obsessed with the television show, Normal People after reading the book. Bridgers also took the time to binge the series and tweeted, “finished Normal People and now I’m sad and horny oh wait”.
Mescal, who starred in the show, tweeted back, “I’m officially dead.” with Bridgers replying, “nooo don’t die you’re so talented aha”. Who doesn’t love the classic Twitter flirt?
May 21, 2020: Bridgers & Mescal Meet For An IG Live.
The two were linked once again after hosting an Instagram live together, virtually, for Wonderland magazine. The two were obviously nervous and were blushing and gushing about each other the whole time. Ugh, get a room. (JK, literally don’t.)
June 12, 2020: Bridgers Has A Crush.
I guess sparks flew during the Twitter exchange and IG Live! In an interview with NME, Bridgers shared her excitement when Mescal followed her on Instagram, and even called him “the cute boy” from Normal People. I mean, she’s not wrong.
July 23, 2020: Bridgers & Mescal Are Spotted IN Ireland Together.
While rumors began to surface that Bridgers headed to Ireland for a meet-up with Mescal, there still was no confirmation of the couple’s plans to meet IRL. In lieu of photo receipts, the Lemon Leaf Cafe in Ireland shared that Bridgers and Mescal stopped by for breakfast. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been keeping an eye on Lemon Leaf Cafe ever since, in case they decide to spill more tea on celeb couples.
Nov. 18, 2020: Mescal Shares That He’s Cuffed.
In a Nov. 2020 interview with GQ, Mescal shares that he’s dating someone who is “a lifesaver”. While he doesn’t mention Bridgers by name, the Lemon Leaf Cafe already unofficially reported that they were dating. My #1 gossip Twitter.
Dec. 1, 2020: Mescal Stars In The “Savior Complex” Music Video.
Alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mescal appeared in the music video for Bridgers’ best song (IMO), “Savior Complex”. The music video is incredibly artistic and full of meaning… and Mescal in a suit. Say less.
Nov. 6, 2021: Bridgers & Mescal Are Red Carpet Official.
The moment we all were waiting for. In Nov. 2021, Bridgers and Mescal hit the red carpet for the LACMA Art + Film Gala looking as cute as ever. Obsessed.
Bridgers also made a nod to Mescal later that night, tweeting, “paul thinks thousand island is called hundred years sauce”. Guess that’s the dressing that LACMA uses on their event salads. Noted.
Dec. 11, 2021: It’s Instagram Official.
Bridgers took to IG to post her hard-launch of the rumored relationship. BRB, melting all over again.
Feb. 14, 2021: Bridgers Shares A Sweet Valentine’s Post For Mescal.
Since the hard launch, Bridgers and Mescal continued to keep their relationship private. However, on Valentine’s Day 2021, Bridgers shared an adorable photo of herself and Mescal. I’m swooning, TBH.
May 2, 2022: Bridgers & Mescal Attend The Met Gala Together.
For their second red carpet appearance, Bridgers and Mescal appeared at the Met Gala in 2022. And let me tell you, they looked good.
June 24, 2022: Bridgers Reveals That Her Song “Sidelines” Is About Mescal.
In an interview with The Guardian, Bridgers revealed that her song “Sidelines” was partially about her relationship with Mescal.
“Writing about my relationship with only good sh*t, because that’s all I feel, is hard,” she said. “But it makes it easy when you’re actually having those feelings.” Awe.