Selena Gomez demonstrated her affection for her boyfriend, Benny Blanco, with an intimate and touching Instagram post in honor of his 36th birthday. Public displays of tenderness might be commonplace in celebrity relationships, but Gomez took it up a notch with a photograph that captured her planting a loving kiss on Benny’s cheek. It’s not every day we get to see this kind of personal moment, but when we do, it certainly sets the internet abuzz.

Accompanying the image was a caption that left no doubt about her feelings. The significance of the moment was heightened by her decision to use the phrase “I love you,” a public validation of their relationship that fans often speculate about but rarely witness being confirmed. The tenderness of the post speaks volumes, highlighting a genuinely sweet spot in their relationship. And while we might not know all the ways they celebrated, it’s clear that Benny’s birthday was wrapped up in love. If birthday wishes were like candles on a cake, Selena’s post was the spark igniting a collective “aww” across her followers’ hearts.