How We Keep Our Relationship Fresh After 8 Years Together

[@ceuti]

As soon as I heard you guys mention the time you guys broke up in the live stream yesterday being in the new video I knew you guys were responding to my question 🥰 Thank you so much! I really think the topic of relationships are so important to talk about because they're not something that is ever really taught, but learned through experience and sometimes it's refreshing to hear from a different point of view. Also it makes me smile so much watching you two and just being able to see and feel how much you guys love and appreciate each other. Appreciation is definitely a characteristic that can easily be overlooked and forgotten about but is super important to being happy and content. Also I think a second channel would be great, that way not everything always has to be about sign language all the time, but just be careful of burnout! A lot of KZbinrs start to feel overworked when they feel like they have to manage too much in a short amount of time but I'm sure Ellen has some great ideas, whether it will just be a vlog channel or something else! Hope you guys have a great weekend 💜

[@SignDuoChannel]

Alexandra Defreitas Hi! Thanks for the great question! We’re really happy you think so. That’s so true. Don’t want to burn out. It’d be really exciting to make a new channel. Thanks so much for your support! 💕☺️🤟

[@ceuti]

@JustSomeone Here in the past

[@luxconcept]

Randomit for 1 week in high school

[@miriamrobarts]

I agree that a lot of people don't really get taught about relationships, & how to make them work. Or even the fact that they do take work, and that's normal. I've learned a lot about relationships from seeing other people's interactions (both good & bad examples), my own experiences, learning about different personality types, the book "The Five Love Languages", & going to church. There are a lot of things that correlate between different kinds of relationships, whether it's family, romantic, friends, coworkers, etc. It's so true -- appreciation is important in any relationship & really helps people be happy!

[@camgraca]

This is what I want in my next relationship. Something honest and real. Working together as a team but still being respectful of each other as individuals. Constantly helping and doing nice things for one another but not taking anything for granted. Prioritizing having fun and growing together. Minimizing distractions and petty arguments. Above all else loving each other unconditionally and not giving up on one another.

[@jessica8739]

Team work makes the dream work

[@thejelloprogram]

It's so sad that we don't see more people treating each other this way.

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thanks so much for the kind comment Cameron! True it is all about team work!

[@rachel.O-O]

Ellen should totally start her own channel if she wants to and has time to

[@SignDuoChannel]

rachel thank you!

[@emms8]

Sign Duo You totally should if you would like to Ellen, truly 😘

[@sky-wq7th]

So should Ryan. Maybe he can try teaching Asl or really just do his own thing. We would luv to watch.☺

[@bluemoon2935]

imagine finding love like this 😭

[@alexdiana24]

I can't even begin to imagine🤧😂

[@tmww8868]

“No. I don’t want to move!” Cut to them driving again. Lol.

[@vivianleenet]

I love that Ryan mentioned talking to each other about your goals. That has been one of the biggest things that made my current relationship stay fresh even though we've also been together almost 8 years (!!) There's something amazing about sharing your dreams and working towards them together. It's clear that your love for each other is going to support both of you to do great things!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Vivian Lee that’s so great to know! Talking about a goals is something that I value so much. Thank you! ☺️

[@JohnCunningham1999]

@@SignDuoChannel so how did ur mom and dad react to once they found out Ryan was deaf?

[@RaeWakefield]

5:55 cracked me up 😂 "no no I don't wanna move!" *next frame* *driving to new spot*

[@thejelloprogram]

It's so sad that we don't see more people treating each other like this.

[@kimseymour5250]

When Ryan was talking about doing little things for one another it reminded me of advice my dad gave me before my wedding day. My dad said it must always be about supporting each other and always thinking if one another even so much as one day one if you brings the other a drink, or offers to cook dinner and the next day you switch roles and the other cooks dinner. Or if either has a bad day you let the other one vent to you. It’s about considering each other and never letting that slide. I have been with my husband ten years now and my parents have been together for 39 so much be good advice :)

[@SignDuoChannel]

That's right! It's all about mutual respect and kindness :)

[@kimseymour5250]

Sign Duo definitely! Thank you for doing these videos guys :)

[@tinaazua]

Who needs school when i can learn in the comments😂 lol jkjk. Thank you for sharing ur relationship advice i find it very interesting actually(: have a nice day/night lol

[@kimseymour5250]

Christina Ibarra that’s awesome! Hope you have a nice day too :)

[@montyslush]

"i dont want to move!" *instant cut to him driving*

[@rogerdunn5491]

This is one of those little things that makes a relationship good. He knew the sun was bothering her, she didn't want to burden him with having to drive to a differnt spot again, but he was more than willing to do so, so she wouldn't be bothered by the sun.

[@Ca_1021]

Love this! I think a huge thing is to avoid just becoming "roommates" and really making time for the small things even when life is busy just to show someone you care for them.

[@SignDuoChannel]

Totally agree! We got stuck in that a bit 😅 but we were able to realize early on and got out of that situation. ❤️

[@imissmybed3469]

“I’m never entitled to the things you do for me” And that’s how these small acts stay as special gestures and not a duty.

[@kaitlyngilchrist8852]

You two are so mature. I love seeing a person reflect on where they may have gone wrong in the past. There are too many people with egos that don’t allow for that kind of growth. I’ve been so happy to witness your success on KZbin and in your relationship. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds for you ❤️

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you for the kind comment! We really appreciate your support :D

[@nicolewang830]

I wanted to know because I just started my new relationship with my new boyfriend and he's in the marines, stationed far away from Oregon the majority of the year. So thank you thank you thank you!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Of course, It's our pleasure!

[@riansunthbocus6549]

Hi Sign Duo, :) I hope you are well! I'm not quite sure why I am about to write this, but I hope it doesn't come off as cringy however, sorry if it does... I am disabled too and 21 years old. I cannot walk because of a vaccine damage, but got the chance to train to walk again. You've been together for so long and it makes me happy watching you together! Around me, as far as I understand, I often get the expectation from others that I'll never get married... I know I'm young, but still, for more than a year, sometimes when thinking about it, it hurts to imagine that, if I do like someone, that that person would have to give up on so many things and be restricted from various things, just because she would be with me, so I just tried to cut things short, once I noticed that girls might like me back to prevent a relationship they'd end up finding hard, odd or embarrassing, but at the same time, I don't know what I want and what I should want and I'm so confused. Does it really feel as hard, as I got to hear and read, in Ellen's view and did you think the same, as I am thinking, before you two got together, Ryan? How did you overcome it? Sorry that the text is so long, but I kinda hope you see this :D all the best for you two! Please stay positive :)

[@jonahadi9092]

His face when he’s encouraging her to start her own channel is priceless.

[@FluoGray]

My new [weird daily routine sign] is watching one of your videos during breakfast and it’s always super refreshing. The interaction and the genuineness really make a viewer feel part of the Sign fam 🤟🏼 this video just speaks the truth. I’ve been in a relationship for 5 years and my partner and I have been living together for 4 of those 5 years. This video is not some “oh if it’s meant to be, you will love each other forever 🖤🖤🖤” bullshit! A successful relationship is an ACTIVE relationship! Do something to improve yourself and make your partner’s life better! Work on yourself and the way you perceive your relationship! I loved that aspects you mentioned. Also, to Ellen: I’d subscribe to your own channel 🖤

[@ShawnHumphrey]

I use this channel to refresh my lapsed ASL skills- it's an extra bonus that you're regionally local, as I moved to SoCal a year ago and sign can vary a little from place to place. You both have such great things to say and you're clearly a young couple who have worked on your relationship over the years! Very cool for you both. Ellen, start your own channel if you want, if you have the time and if you haven't already!

[@stephensonalec1]

It is so interesting to me that the very things that you talk about in a relationship are the very things that make your videos so valuable and fresh...take care of the little things, never take anything for granted, set goals AND have fun! You guys are awesome! I learn something every time I watch!!

[@stitchemerson6204]

I have a question that i hope makes sense: what are the ways that y’all maintain your independence & the part of your identity that exists outside of your relationship? Was it difficult to sort of establish a relationship that includes two whole, complementary individuals? especially since you’ve been together for so long & got together when you were so young!

[@SignDuoChannel]

It wasn’t difficult :) now we tend to do mostly everything together which isn’t a bad thing because we don’t get sick of eachother. Of course we still have errands to do individually and it isn’t bad. We both understand we both have stuff to do:)

[@andylieu9661]

I liked how you both kinda made a sign for "routine" at the end. Shows that signing can be diverse between different people.

[@GabiBorja]

Andy Lieu omg same

[@SignDuoChannel]

Yep! All that matters is that it’s established between the two! Others might not understand but I would respectfully ask their method of signing that word.

[@His415Queen87]

Excellent video. Little different things make a huge difference. Not doing the same thing over and over because that can get boring real fast

[@marieclaire6734]

Yayyy my favourite relationship counsellors!! Hahaha even though I’m the most single person out here LOL still love watching you guys and I do get to learn a lot :)

[@SignDuoChannel]

😂 were not certified counselors tho keep that in mind ❤️ this is just our personal experience

[@MissJeneChaos]

I have been profoundly deaf since I was 3, I fit more into the hearing world then deaf, basically due to my speech and help of hearing aid, but I decided to take ASL in college because I did know it from ppl in the deaf community. My husband learned ASL 8 years ago just to help clarify if I miss anything. So glad I found this duo ❤️.

[@sherrialice]

I'm a mom of a wonderful, grounded young adult and it makes me so proud to see other young people "get it". As you noted it's very easy to have a distorted view of what life should be thanks to social media. You two hit the nail on the head. Every point you made is dead on. My husband and I have been married 28 years and we've made it this far because we are realistic, appreciate all the little things and keep communication going even when some talks are difficult. After 28 years we still enjoy being with each other and doing things together. Anyway, I just felt compelled to say I'm proud of you and impressed by your mature approach to life and your relationship. Love your videos. I learn so much. And yes Ellen do your own channel too. Take care! Sherri

[@DeLaColaPerez]

lol I swear every positive thing that is talked about in couples therapy is either talked about or exemplified with Sign Duo! As a therapist myself, I love yall!

[@kyliebenson378]

Both of you taught me so much about communicating, deaf culture and keeping a healthy relationship in general, I appreciate you both so much!💞 I would love to see Elen’s own yt channel cause she’s so talented, vulnerable, kind and genuine person! Her editing is extremely good

[@SignDuoChannel]

I'm glad our videos help! Yes! Her editing is really really good!

[@SteeltownFro]

Why is the zoom in on Ryan's face at the end of the sign off my favorite part?!?? Like it gets me every time!

[@galgreen3749]

Ryan and Ellen are so patient so calm. Your videos are very laxed and soothing love you ❤️

[@un-qo2sq]

I really admire your guys’ relationship!

[@SignDuoChannel]

thank you :)

[@gordonsmith9153]

OMG YOU GUYS ARE WISE BEYOND YOUR YEARS!!!! love you guys!

[@monicarowe1212]

Ellen’s face is glowing! Is it just Moisturizer? & make a KZbin channel girl!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Yes it is :)

[@mickiecamp6855]

I thought maybe it’s because you’re pregnant!!! Haha sorrrry!

[@monicarowe1212]

I just wasn’t sure if I should ask for a skincare routine or a makeup tutorial 😂❤️

[@giahudson772]

Mickie Camp girl that makes no sense. But I wish she was😩

[@alexdiana24]

@@giahudson772 maybe if your pregnant your skin has more moisture i have no idea about that but just a guess

[@allisonalayza1029]

Even though I’m not currently in a relationship, these videos (like the one on communication it was excellent!) provide such great insight and advice. I now know what to look for and what is needed for a healthy and lasting relationship. much love ❤️

[@SignDuoChannel]

Glad to help out! much love back to ya

[@aj__love5919]

It would be awesome for Ellen to have her own KZbin channel!! I would totally support it maybe you could give us who have never learned sign language more in depth information to how to learn this language and communicate

[@RollinWithErica]

I’m an ASL English Interpreting Major. I just started. I love Bill vicars but finding your channel has really helped me and I only found two videos so far. I am an hour away from my school so this is so helpful!

[@JennaRue1434]

Ellen...start your own KZbin channel! ❤ Thank you for making this video! My husband and I have been together for almost 18 years and I can tell you we have been through A LOT! One of our biggest strengths as a couple is we are truly best friends and we make each other laugh. We try not to take each other for granted and y'all are so right when you say it's about the little things. Just remembering to say "thank you" for doing the dishes or taking out the trash can make all the difference. Also, never let a day go by without a hug and a kiss and saying "I love you"! And never go to bed angry. ❤ (when Java barked towards the end of the video, all my dogs started barking, lol🤣 I kept telling them "calm down, it's the famous KZbin doggie Java!"❤🐾)

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thanks so much Jenny! 18 years is a long time! Yep, never take things for granted. LOL oops! Sorry about Java 😂

[@veryorange]

Ellen, i had a lot of anxieties as well... going to class, i just cant go but u want to but i cant... these were my feelings. I had a hard time dealing w it all by myself, i got into watching vlog seeing people doing things outside and talk about what they care which feels like an invitation to not be afraid of people, vloggers i watch usually have the same personality as me... like not hyping up or adrenaline exciting in videos, they r usually exhausting to watch for me. I think we would vibe alot Ellen, i bet there are many others as well, start your channel! Love your work!

[@gordonsmith9153]

OMG guys i am a hearing person who has always been interested in sigh language ,but wish i could communicate in sigh. you guys are an inspiration to all hearing and deaf!!!! god bless and keep up the good work!

[@sweetgirlarii]

I’m so late on seeing this but I feel that she should make her own channel and teach us ASL . Not every video but like maybe like every certain day of the week she teaches us something new or in the end of every video she would teach us a new word ❤️ .

[@kirstenthong5643]

i love how you were talking about small gestures keeping the relationship fresh, and ryan pulled down the sunshield for himself and ellen! thank you both for being so real and genuine and embodying what you say in your everyday lives :)

[@SignDuoChannel]

hahaha i didn't even notice i did that! :D

[@suzylana1996]

I just discovered ur channel about a few weeks ago and I LOVE watching your videos. I don’t have anyone in my life that is in the deaf community but ur story really interests me and I learned so much from your channel. Thankyou😁

[@SignDuoChannel]

you're so welcome Suzy!

[@LeNoir2411]

small things are important! the things that people tend to overlooked.. i have this kind of relationship but not couples of course 😂 it's my best friend.. we've been friends for almost 10years ,we did 'break up' at some point due to many reasons.. but we keep finding a way to mend our relationship somehow just because of small things we did together.. sometimes she'd buy me foods that i mentioned weeks/months ago just to see my excited reaction ,that makes her happy and if we fight i'd make drawing/painting crafts of cards to give to her.. it doesn't matter who's at fault.. i will apologize first that helps a lot i think thanks to my not so big ego xD anything ,anything that seems small will surely becomes a 'big' thing when you do it together.. honesty is number one for us,like truly honest,just like how this couple explains stuff to each other.. talk(communicate not yelling shouting) and simple gestures does a lot.. but both side need to make that efforts otherwise it's not gonna be 'easier'.. any relationship is hard as it is so don't make it even harder

[@alyahamzah1952]

I just celebrated my 18th yr anniversary a week ago. We got married really young while we were in med school. Went through so many important milestones together. I would say that what keeps the relationship going would be patience, respect, apppreciating each other and staying off social media. The world is such a beautiful exciting place that I want to explore but Id like to always have him w me to explore it with.

[@maddiemediina]

I love your channel! One of the realest couples out there & I love how open you two are about things!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Of course! It’s worth it to be open when we get so much positive feedback and we hear that it helps people!

[@rae-g8c]

From ur videos I learned: morning, coffee, tea, comunication, I love you, ... and things you guys always repeat. I’m really in love with sign language, it’s so interesting and you guys are funny and cute too. I’ve even decided to take private lessons of LIS, because i speak Italian so it would make more sense.

[@SignDuoChannel]

That's awesome! Great job :D

[@LunaHelsinkiBlack]

You guys have such a healthy and wholesome relationship it’s really goals.

[@kimytlapala7047]

Honestly love this channel! You guys are the perfect demonstration on how the deaf and hearing community should be! I always thought signing was so important and this channel ( and my ASL class) has given such a huge appreciation for the deaf community! Thank you for all that you do guys!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@SignDuoChannel]

[@nzcyclone]

As far as relationships go, The way your both approaching it is awesome!. To me as long as you have communication, trust, honesty and commitment. Then nothing cannot be resolved or sorted. But, you loose any of those and then that is when things start to fall down especially communication. As to Ellen starting her own channel. Go for it!! As Ryans passion is cars then he could have one solely on that if wished too. The only one stopping you from achieving your goals is yourself a barrier or a hurdle is only a hurdle if you wish it to be. If you want to achieve something then do not think of a hurdle as an obstacle. Instead think of it as a check. Something to bring back to reality and not just dreams. Live your lives with no regrets if you do not create your own channel Ellen then later that will become a regret. Much better to have tried and it not work out ( although I know it will you have passion and commitment to make it work) than to never have tried and always then wonder "What If?" Thank you for another wonderful video :) thank you for all your time and effort it is greatly appreciated :)

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thanks for the support Greg! It helps a lot.

[@ikuistaja]

it was great to see how you gave your whole attention to another when they’re speaking. it makes viewers feel there is a lot of respect given to each other. thank you for sharing your relationship💕

[@SignDuoChannel]

Of course we both respect eachother and everyone of our viewers ❤️ and we are glad to share!

[@marianamartins1490]

5:56 “I don’t want to move”... few seconds... 🤣❤️

[@flatasskimkardash2121]

y’all are so inspirational :) and could we PLEASE also go over ellen’s skincare routine bc even though the lighting kept changing, her skin was straight GLOWING

[@casy6203]

I think the main thing is you both are very mature and have alot of self awareness and so you guys are invested in each other for the right reasons...

[@SignDuoChannel]

Glad you think so 😁

[@jadesimmers67]

The way he looks at her😭

[@kingy002]

Ryan is a good catch. After a only a couple of videos I can see he is a fine young man!

[@dnd1007]

I absolutely love this video. My husband and I have been married for 13 years and I feel like it's fresh every day! And it's because of exactly the things you guys mentioned.

[@SignDuoChannel]

so awesome to hear that from you 😁thank you

[@maggiewilliams9253]

You guys are so cute together...and inspiring one day I hope to learn how to do sign language one day. Just thank you for being you

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you for the kind comment Maggie :D

[@thejelloprogram]

Hi I'm 27 and I am losing my hearing. any advice on what I can expect or any? Ive tried emailing you, but not sure if it ever went through. I am scared. I have been trying you out and not talking to see what I might can expect from my town...and OH BOY! I am truly terrified. How do you deal with people who are mean, or judgemental? Any tips, advice, or anything would be whole heatedly appreciated. also have been learning ASL for months the now. you both have helped so much! thank you for everything you do! Also..has Ellen also signed so quickly and with one hand? For ASL or any sign language...can it be one handed?

[@Crouton-]

Its not really my place to say but if theres anyone who's disrespectful its best to just ignore it because theres so many more who would be kind and accomidating. I hope things work out for you cause I would also be scared if I started losing my hearing.

[@thejelloprogram]

@@Crouton- thank you so much. That really means alot

[@kaitlyngilchrist8852]

I’ve taken one sign language class and watched a lot of asl KZbin so I’m not exactly qualified, but I can say that once you get to a point of fluency, asl can be one handed. Even if the sign is two handed, you can usually figure it out by context.

[@thejelloprogram]

@@kaitlyngilchrist8852 Thank you! How long have you been signing, if I may ask?

[@learnasl1644]

Maya I am hearing but I would love to connect with you and practice ASL. I am teaching my 6 kids so I spend most days practicing. I am passionate about communicating with my hands. It has been my passion for the last 13 years. You are not alone Maya don't ever forget that! what you must be going through but I would like to hear more about your story and your desire to learn sign.

[@lockheart619]

When you guys were discussing the sign for routine, I assumed you both knew all the asl words. This encourages me to know that when learning asl, you never actually stop learning (as with any language you never stop learning words). I'm hoping to gain confidence in signing with this knowledgeable!

[@shaniaburns3040]

The connection here is beautiful. Love you guys so much!❤️

[@acelyne]

I'm learning more signs just watching you two!!! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@jenniferespinoza4558]

Good advice!!! I’ve been married for five and a half years and you made me reflect on things.

[@vietemi]

I recently subscribed to your channel and have grown to love your relationship. I have gone back to your old videos from a year ago because I am so intrigued that I want to watch more. I honestly don't know any sign language. I did learn a bit when I was younger, but unfortunately, I forgot it. I appreciate the closed captioning, Ellen. I know it's a pain sometimes. Anyways, like Ryan said, I think you should definitely make a channel. It could talk about your experience with learning ASL or what college life was like, etc. If you want, you can always post videos on this channel as a start, since there are so many people who love you on here as well! Good luck on your new journey and congratulations on graduating college!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thanks Emi! You come off as so genuine and nice. Thanks for the encouragement. I definitely want to make a video about my experience in college. Best wishes! ☺️🤟

[@msalexandratube]

i love you guys so much!!! my favorite couple 💓💓

[@SignDuoChannel]

alex merrick thank you! 🤟

[@nataliek5219]

Yasss she should so start her own channel!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Natalie K Thanks!

[@emms8]

Everything you guys said is so so true. Couldn't agree more. Thank you for your honesty ❤️❤️❤️

[@SignDuoChannel]

[@alexmcevity4511]

I’m Profoundly Deaf from birth & my first language is BSL & SSE but I also know ASL & ISL. It’s fascinating to know/ learn a variety of sign languages. Do you two ever want to explore different languages/ cultures/ identities of other Deaf people? Keep it up with your channel, it’s an excellent exposure to raise awareness for us Deafties!

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodwa598]

You both are so cute and I love how well you guys work together to build each other up! So many relationships fail because they don't want to admit they are wrong or just use basic communication. You both are incredibly wise to know how to do that. My question for this episode is how do you both feel about movies or adaptations that have deaf people in it? (i.e. A Quiet Place, etc..) Do you think they are actually realistic? :)

[@ceuti]

No idea how they feel about it but in my opinion it's usually pretty sad because people who get hired on for entertainment, especially if the role includes a blind/deaf/disabled...etc person, they usually hire a sighted/hearing/able bodied person just because they're 'easier' to direct. Even if they do hire someone who has the abilities of the character, *usually* the character's lines and actions are written by someone who has no idea what that person's struggles are like. It's pretty recent that casting white actors in coloured actor's roles has become inappropriate, but hopefully it's not too much longer until the same can be said about other communities. Often these communities are subject to lots of stereotypes in entertainment as well and can be even more damaging than they seem.

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodwa598]

@@ceuti I agree. Although, I feel like I'm starting to see more and more movies and tv-shows using actual deaf/blind/disabled actors instead of finding people to portray them. Maybe that's just where I'm at region wise but it's starting to be more noticeable.

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you for the kind comment 🤟 that’s a great question! Recently we have noticed that tv shows/movies have been casting more deaf talent which is incredible. However the talent hired are only upper privileged deaf/hard of hearing. It would be nice to see disadvantaged deaf have roles.

[@SJ-ki5je]

Why are their no captions on this video? Your relationship is perfect. 🥺🥺🥺 It's built on honesty, trust and respect which is what everyone desires. I love how supportive and nurturing you both are. This video gives me hope that true love exists ❤

[@rogerdunn5491]

???mine played captions!!!

[@Nullzero98]

I hope this isn't a silly question. But when you sleep, do you dream in sign language? Do you ever "talk" in your sleep? Sometimes my kid will say something when sleeping, but does this happen with sign as well? Thanks!

[@SignDuoChannel]

I dream in sign language and sometimes I dream talking too

[@MissJeneChaos]

I dreamt in close captioning once. weirdest ever.

[@flixs1353]

He's deaf his voice box isn't the problem although he can't really talk because of it he can at the same time

[@ILuvvKayy]

J Janceski 😂I bet it was.

[@eballard146]

I just found your channel the other day and have been binge watching all your vlogs since! My daughter, Vada, who is now 4 and thriving in school was born profoundly deaf and ASL is our backbone. She had CI surgery in April of 2017 but has been refusing to wear them for about the past year (which is making me question my decision all together) but her vocabulary bank is very impressive for her age considering I didn’t know anything but the alphabet going in. I’m currently looking for a school in Texas where I can take actual courses and hopefully become an interpreter one day. If you guys have any advice at all for me whether it’s ASL or deaf culture related I’d gladly take it. 😊 I’m still learning daily and I want y’all to know your channel is helping me learn a lot, too! I’d also love to hear how Ryan was as a little kid & see if there are any childhood similarities. My Vada is quite the character and has such a beautiful personality. She cracks everyone up. 😂

[@lionhearteq]

You shhhhhooouuullllddd, Ellen! ☺️

[@SermonsSubtitled]

One thing I always ask myself about couples who are already 5+ years together and portray to be super-happy, whether on socialmedia or in real life, is "What holds them back from REAL commitment FOR LIFE a.k.a. marriage? Don't they trust each other enough? Or do they secretly hold out in hopes to find someone better?"

[@iskravelez9939]

I mean marriage doesn't count as REAL commitment anymore, you can always end up divorcing your partner so marriage doesn't assure you that you will be together forever. And, marriage is not for everyone or maybe they have a lot of projects and goals that want to accomplish before marrying, they could not be in that point of their life yet. AND THATS OKAY

[@nayelyvazquez7884]

I think you should definitely start your own channel!!! Love you guys ❤️ much love from Chicago

[@SignDuoChannel]

much love from California!

[@pixxie102]

these are things that are important to all relationships , dating a few months or married for years!

[@kyratorres4346]

Thank you I needed these especially the staying grounded and having no expectations! Love you both! New subscriber here😊

[@danycn9987]

hey :) quick tip, tennis balls can "shed" some of the coating and it can be bad for Java's stomach

[@merylseward3921]

Since Ryan tends to be in the clips at the beginning of a lot of videos I assume Ellen films all of them - you really have a gift for filming! I love your food shop clips and things like that. Would be very curious to see what you'd do with a channel of your own!

[@galgreen3749]

I love Ryan’s sign duo Out ❤️

[@charlotteleroux4690]

You guys are awesome. Just stumbled upon your channel randomly and so glad I did. Your videos are super interesting and thought-provoking. I couldn't agree more with a downside to Instagram being that it gives young people a weird idea of what life should be like. Also relate to a lot else that you guys mentioned. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and making videos :)

[@lesliet.538]

I recently found your channel and I found that in pretty much every video I’m smiling. Y’all are super cute and I hope to have a relationship similar to you guys!

[@zacharyclemens6313]

Hey guys, im a newer viewer. I just started to watch your videos because it ended up in my recommended videos. I actually think you guys are great! On to my question, as an ASL student, how do you guys interact with other hearing people that can sign as well?

[@SignDuoChannel]

Glad you like our videos Zachary! We interact normally, usually ellen will SIMCOM and i would sign a tad slower so students can understand :)

[@dinnerwithapsychopath8936]

beautiful video ,beautiful relationship y’all two share- lots learned from this_ thank you.

[@GabiBorja]

Start your own channel! Would love to watch you. I love you guys ! I’m glad he brought that up!!! Just know I’ll be the first to subscribe!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you for the support

[@Gohmal]

11:16 Ryan's reaction lmao, i love it

[@elliefried9579]

I love this channel so much. I am in ASL 2 in high school and I'm picking up a lot of new signs from you guys.

[@SignDuoChannel]

That's awesome Ellie! Glad our videos Help :D

[@mickiecamp6855]

This is AWESOME that you guys are setting goals and etc to keep the relationship fresh. But come on Ryan aren’t you ready to be engaged?! Y’all seem perfect for each other and it would be soooooo exciting to see you guys get married and then have kids! Whatcha waiting for????? Hee hee Love y’all so much!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Why is it on me? lol

[@juliajoseph1740]

You guys have such an inspirational relationship ❤ I hope my future partner and I's relationship can be as grounded yet free as yours - honestly I have learned so much from you guys about so many things!! Also, I find it so helpful when you add in anecdotees and little stories when you're explaining - it helps to bring a picture into mind you know? Because sometimes just explaining can be confusing, so applying what you said with examples was super helpful! Love you gys and your videos!! 😊😄

[@nnaiomiii6074]

I absolutely love these videos, I think you guys are my favourite to watch. Thanks for educating us!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Of course ❤️ that means a lot! Thank you

[@vivianfoley3551]

im so happy you guys came out with a new video today!!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

We’re happy too!

[@aj__love5919]

Awwww you both gave great healthy relationship tips regardless of whether or not you are involved in this kind of relationship it’s still a good thing to note for the future 😊 and also Ryan was so done with the sun 😂 Java was in a whole other mood😎

[@SignDuoChannel]

AJ __Love hahaha thanks! I’m happy you think so ☺️🤟

[@hophuong2803]

Thank you so much. Your videos really calm me down a lot. Those are excellent and has helped me a lot. Love you, guys ♥️

[@cyrenepierre7324]

Java is too cute. The camera loves her.

[@SignDuoChannel]

we agree😂

[@FluoGray]

I already left a comment but i wanted to add that the small gesture i do for my partner is doing his taxes. Not even kidding. Bureaucracy is one of my hobbies and i thought it was worth sharing lmao

[@gracepapay3733]

First, love your guys videos, do you interpret for Ryan when you guys are in public

[@The_A_Cast]

Grace Papay I, myself am in a deaf/hearing relationship, and when it comes to important things such as a doctors visit or something official, my fiancé always prefers another interpreter and I respect his decision on that. But as far as going out to eat, shopping, etc I always interpret for him. Thats just us, idk how SignDuo does it

[@SignDuoChannel]

this is exactly what we do! haha

[@mhunt298]

This was really good advice, thanks for sharing!

[@linzie2199]

You two are just too cute together!

[@bonkchoy4521]

I only know the asl alphabet but watching your videos make me inspired to learn more

[@hopelich]

This was great advice..seems like you guys have been around the block or two

[@SignDuoChannel]

Yep! 8 years together!

[@melissawesterlund4478]

Doing favours for each others is a big part of a healthy relationship, you're right! Especially doing the things the other person doesn't like doing themself. I hate dealing with computer problems, so my husband does that for me. He hates writing important letters/mails, so I do that gladly. It's a form of team building I guess. We met when we were 20, have been together for over 10 years and married for almost three.

[@SignDuoChannel]

That's a great way to do it Melissa. Reinforce each other! Team building is so much better than going at it alone. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!

[@melissawesterlund4478]

@@SignDuoChannel watching your video yesterday made me think of this very important way of showing appreciation and affection, so I drove to the city to collect my husband's birthday present instead of having it delivered on Tuesday. This way he got it on his actual birthday. Thank you for this reminder! Wish you both eternal happiness. Greetings from northern Sweden

[@SignDuoChannel]

That’s awesome! I’m sure your husband would appreciate that!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Hey that’s an awesome video guys! Just to let you know there are 2 things in the relationship are be creative and help each other or watch each other back. I hope you get it what I mean the last one. 🤟🏻🤟🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@evyschlak6731]

You are great all imported things you said in this video I think communicating is key And every couple is different My boyfriend and I We have like a ritual the one how gets earlier home than the other takes the dog and Pick up the other at work with the dog and on the road back we talk about work stress and so on so we don't bring our stress home because when you talk about that you feel better and talk how you feel at work or after work Because I noticed a lot of my friends have the problem they come home from work and they are stressed out and let out the fustration out on the partner and I think that's really rude thing because the other person don't even do anything That's what I noticed her in Germany often happend and the most common reason how fights started