Rylee Arnold, a professional dancer renowned for her appearances on “Dancing with the Stars,” has shared insights into her long-distance relationship with boyfriend Walker Lyons, a football player at Brigham Young University (BYU). The couple officially announced their relationship on Instagram in October 2024, and Arnold recently discussed the dynamics of their connection during an interview with “PEOPLE.”
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The 21-year-old dancer expressed her belief that maintaining a long-distance relationship can actually reinforce the emotional bond between couples. “Honestly for us, we just FaceTime every single night. We keep each other updated,” she stated. The couple’s routine, which revolves around nightly video calls, has allowed them to navigate the challenges posed by distance while remaining intimately connected.
Arnold noted that, despite the inherent difficulties of being apart, the experience can lead to significant personal growth and relationship enrichment. “It makes your emotional connection so much deeper,” she reflected. Both Arnold and Lyons have the space to concentrate on their respective commitments, with Arnold dedicated to her role on “Dancing with the Stars” and Lyons focusing on his football career.
The couple first crossed paths due to an intriguing suggestion from an Uber driver who believed they would be a good match. “A really nice lady who was driving my Uber encouraged me to look up her nephew on Instagram,” Arnold recalled. Although initially hesitant, she remarked, “I looked him up, and I was like, ‘Okay, he’s cute.’” This chance encounter set the stage for their budding relationship.
While the couple’s recent Instagram post announcing their long-distance dating status indicated excitement for their personal journeys, Arnold acknowledged the bittersweet nature of their situation. “You can still love each other and support each other. When we see each other, it’s just that much better, so I think it’s awesome, but it is really hard at the same time,” she admitted. Staying positive and motivating each other seems to be the underlying theme in their narrative.
Arnold’s commitment to her relationship with Lyons is clear, as she frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media. An Instagram caption from July 29 revealed her gratitude for their time apart and the hopes she holds for the future: “I’m so very grateful for him and for what these next few months look like for us both.”
As they experience their long-distance phase, Arnold’s focus remains on both her professional ambitions and nurturing her connection with Lyons. This balance is crucial, especially as she competes alongside social media influencer Connor Wood in the current season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
The couple’s relationship further highlights the modern reality of dating, where technology provides avenues for connection even when physical distance exists. Arnold’s experience reflects a growing sentiment among young people today, who often embrace the challenges of long-distance dating in order to maintain meaningful relationships.
In the end, Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons’ story serves as a testament to the power of communication and commitment. By navigating the complexities of their relationship with an optimistic outlook, they demonstrate that love can thrive even when partners are miles apart. As they both embark on their respective journeys, fans can only await updates on their evolving relationship.