On August 25, 2025, Blake Lively celebrated her birthday, but Ryan Reynolds did not continue his usual custom of posting a quirky tribute to mark the occasion. Known for his humorous and affectionate birthday posts dedicated to Lively over the years, Reynolds’ absence on social media has broken a long-standing tradition. This departure comes amid increased attention surrounding Lively’s recent legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.
While Reynolds stayed silent on his platforms, Lively shared moments on her Instagram stories, showing the birthday greetings she received from family, friends, and colleagues. This contrasted with Reynolds’ previous yearly public celebrations, which often included lighthearted jokes and affectionate jabs exchanged between the couple.
Tradition of Playful Birthday Posts from Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds has become well-known for his unique approach to commemorating Lively’s birthday publicly. In 2017, for example, he posted a photo on Instagram where Lively was nearly cropped out, sparking a playful response from Lively featuring a picture of actor Ryan Gosling on Reynolds’ own birthday. This humorous exchange became characteristic of their celebrated social media interactions.
In 2019, Reynolds shared a carousel of candid images showing Lively in unguarded moments—blinking or making funny faces. Four years later, his birthday tribute took a more heartfelt tone, accompanied by affectionate photos highlighting his admiration for her.
The only thing irrevocably mine in the world is the love and appreciation and awe I feel for this person,
Reynolds expressed during the 2023 birthday post.
Witnessing her life is something I couldn’t take for granted if I tried. And believe me, I try. Happy Birthday, @blakelively. You hung the damn moon.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
Lively’s Expectations and the Couple’s Public Interactions
Lively once humorously nudged Reynolds to go the extra mile for her birthday after he produced a music video as a gift for his Wrexham A.F.C. co-owner Rob McElhenney’s birthday in 2023. She teased him on Instagram, remarking how much effort he put into the project and how she looked forward to what he might create for her own celebration.
That’s a lot of effort you put into this, can’t wait for August 25th.
—Blake Lively, Actress
Despite the playful nature of their exchanges, the lack of a birthday post from Reynolds this year marks a noticeable shift in their public dynamic. With Lively’s ongoing legal conflict with Justin Baldoni, this development draws added intrigue to their personal lives.
This break in tradition could signal a change in how the couple approaches their public presence or reflect current complexities in their private matters. As fans observe these subtle shifts, future birthday celebrations may reveal whether Reynolds will return to his customary social media tributes.
