The Real Truth About Sign Duo's Breakup 

PLEASE don't disappear for another year! Love you guys so much!!!!

Unfortunately it's true that couples here on RU-vid do seem to split up, but it's very important to place priority on yourselves and each other over RU-vid. It seems like you're both doing that! We'll always be here when you post again, however long it takes for another video. Take care of yourselves, and each other (and Java!) in the meantime! ♥

You cannot scare us like that 😭

I remember watching you, desperately wanting to learn ASL. well, by the time you two came back, I have finally started learning through college to hopefully make it a career. You guys were one of the first influences I had with this decision

Glad to know y'all are still going strong throughout what the world throws at y'all and I will keep on hopeing that nothing breaks your spirits:D 😊

My Deaf grandparents have been together over 60 years now. They were high school sweethearts. When asked for marriage advice they’d always say, “Don’t go to bed angry.” Meaning discuss anything bothering you and put a pin in it if you need to talk about it tomorrow. Best wishes! ❤️

A few years ago y'all inspired me to relearn some signs and make sure I could introduce myself, not thinking I would need to use it much. 8 Months ago, I had a beautiful baby girl and she was born deaf. Thank you both for all your inspiration and as we are in our ASL journey with our daughter it makes me so happy to see your content again.

Hello! I'm from the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. I love your videos! My daughter and I have been learning ASL together, we started when she was a baby. She's now two, and we've mastered around 30 signs. Your videos have been an inspiration for me. I'm excited to see you both back on RU-vid. Looking forward to more videos and seeing more of Java too!

Started watching you guys 3 years ago when I started taking ASL classes. I just finished all my testing and am now a licensed interpreter in my state ❤️

My husband walked by while I was watching your video, and he asked what are you smiling at. Ha ha, I am a CODA, so I watch y'all without sound. I must have had an amazing smile on my face for him to ask. You both bring soo much joy in your video's. I hope your lives continues to be just as lovely and amazing as you both are. Congratulations 🎉 🙌🏻

that’s crazy i can’t believe after telling your proposal video people really thought you guys broke up 😂. Anyway i really like your videos! I’m from Australia so I’ve been learning Auslan for a couple of years. It’s really cool to find the similarities with ASL and see that there are multiple sign languages just like how there are multiple languages to speak!

Ahh youtube never showed me these videos when they came out! Just the most recent one! Im going to have to fix that because Sign Duo is my favourite authentic channel. AND YOURE ENGAGED I LOVE IT

I love you guys so much!!! I learn a lot from you-about love, commitment, perseverance, ASL. Please don't wait another year to post. I was worried about you guys! And I also missed Java (what a cutie girl!!). Could you talk about how people get their sign names, please? Love you guys!

Hello! I just wanted to thank you two so much for your channel. It has been an excellent resource and source of joy for me. Even with the classes and other online dictionaries or recorded classes, I find that it's much easier (at least for me) to really train that ability to recognize and use signs watching how you two communicate in just simple everyday life. It's harder to really get that in class or to practice at home since no one else really knows much ASL, so thank you! I've been following you two since my freshmen year of high school after my teacher recommended you to us, and I'm so happy you two are finally back! Congratulations on the proposal!

Never clicked on a video so fast. I knew you guys weren't broken up because of the last video. Nice to see Ellen again. Hope you guys have an amazing holiday! Till the next video!

I think people thought that because usually channels that achieve as many subs as yours don't just disappear. Yet, there could be a million reasons for that and you guys are by no means obligated to explain yourselves. Glad to see you guys are out there still living your best life!💜🤟

As a fellow Deafie, I missed you guys. Glad to know you’re doing well.

literally love watching your videos and this has always been a comfort channel to me! happy holidays and im glad to see you're both doing well! :)

So, I'm an old guy. in my early 50's. Military and rock music have taken their toll. I've wanted to learn ASL for years, as a matter of just... respect? But now the time is here for me to learn out of necessity, and I have watched a couple of your videos. You are an amazing couple, especially sticking together the way you have, and I'd like to see more. Thank you!

So nice to see you both back on again. Was wondering for quite some time what happened. But as you explained, it's RU-vid and not all channels stick around or post all the time. But again glad to see you both back and happy still together and engaged. Nothing wrong with keeping it simple Ryan for the proposal as some proposals go, people trying to make it something big and special can be stressful. Congrats to you both!

My now husband and I had a very similar experience, he proposed to me at his house with his mothers ring, we were engaged for 3 years, and just got married a few weeks ago at the courthouse. In my opinion, it doesn't matter how extravagant, what matters is the intention. Love you guys, thanks for sharing your story! It's great to see you again!

They didn’t break up so glad to hear that 💗

Thanks for checking in! Glad y’all are doing well. Be kind to each other and never be afraid to ask for help.

There is something so sweet and vulnerable in your videos- it just makes me happy to watch them. Thank you

I’ve been married 15 years, together for 20-people make weddings and proposals way too complicated. It really just doesn’t need to be that convoluted!

It seems like Ryan is the extrovert of the two of you. It's not always easy to open your life to the public, but your videos have done so much good. Like a good book, you just don't want it to end. So, if you can update us every so often that would be awesome. ❤

Thank you so much for the update! Ellen, I noticed that you talked (in voice) about the past, present and future. When signing, how do you determine tenses when signing...like..."I was happy" vs. "I am happy" vs. "I will be happy (when Java snuggles up with us)"? Is there a difference in signing or is it based on context?

I enjoy watching your videos, and how well you handle being deaf. I too am deaf, I lost my hearing at age 55. Now, I am 71 and have a cochlear Implant. I have had it for around 8 years, and I love it. I can now hear very well, even on the phone! You are still young and have a full life ahead of you. One day, I hope you will consider one and will be able to afford it. May God bless both of you!

It has been great to see you back! Maybe you can give wedding planning updates from time to time, so we can see you more often. Blessings!

Estoy muy feliz por ambos, son unas personas maravillosas y una pareja muy linda, lo único malo es que los extrañamos muchísimo y queremos verlos con más frecuencia, gracias por compartir pedacitos de su vida con todos nosotros. Les mando mucho amor desde Ciudad de México 🇲🇽🫶💜⭐

I feel it like there is so much honesty in both sides. And there is always a social pressure or the pressure of other people's expectations, that it is so easy to lose your way. And that proposal story was such a touching and kind and humble reminder of the integrity and "you do you" way of thinking, wow. Thank you for that, this is really an important message.

I love the way you look at each other, it's so sweet! I'm glad you're back to posting, and congrats on the engagement

THANK GOD i was scared based on the video caption 😭😭 so glad you’re together still!!

I enjoy watching you two together. I just love the chemistry that you have and would miss it if you left RU-vid. (I write this as a hearing person that is very interested in deaf culture).

Almost a million subscribers!! ❤😊 happy for you

im really happy to see you guys!! congratulations on your engagement! I remember binge watching ALL of your videos in 2020 when I was sick with covid. you made my days better! really thankful for this channel!

not something you need to respond to, but ive been following you two for a while and its been great having the chance to experience the world through your eyes. i mean this in the most genuine way: i find signing very interesting and cool and you guys make me want to learn more sign! the most sign ive seen is in virtual reality (VR), where its a little harder to sign with how VR controllers are set up, but the deaf/mute community there have adapted and created their own modified version of ASL, and even host classes in VR to teach others who are either deaf/mute who dont know how to sign in VR or people who are hearing that want to communicate with their friends in a easier way. i didnt mean to plug this community here in the comments, but its Helping Hands within VRChat if you're curious. ANYWAYS congratz on the engagement!! i'm so happy for you guys! i hope Java is well. please give her kisses for me

It's so refreshing to see people on RU-vid be true to themselves and just put videos out when they are ready to do so and not when the rest of the world wants them to. To me, this makes the content feel so much more authentic. I always love your videos and will always love your videos no matter how long it takes for you to put them out.

Yes please don’t disappear, I don’t want you guys to disappear ever. I love watch your videos. you guys are the definition of how a relationship should be. Love you guys!💓

If Ellen and Ryan were to part ways, I would support that. They've spent over a decade together and Ryan still exhibits uncertainty, pushback, and hesitation surrounding their union. Ellen has expressed her wants and hasn't been given that, but instead other things have been given: moved in together, a dog, a ring with no date. After the engagement, they expressed they'd talk about the wedding, and they disappeared. Something is amiss. I support Sign Duo together or separately--whatever makes each of them happy.

Not fair scaring before going to bed 😂😂 your every video makes my heart peaceful. You're so natural and harmonious which is a rare thing nowadays and I'm genuinely happy to see that both of you are doing great! Every video is a blessing, thank you for that

It's so nice to see you two again. You guys are such an adorable couple. My question is would you ever do videos teaching sign? I have deaf customers and I would love to say more than hello, how are you and thank you lol. Have a beautiful Christmas/ and or whatever you celebrate. ❤

Love you guys! I started watching a k-drama called Twinkling Watermelon and it’s this amazing story that highlights a boy with deaf parents and brother, and I think it’s so amazing seeing representation of the importance of sign language, and helping people use their voice through gestures and I thought of you guys how much you’ve taught me about that as well and it makes me want to learn and teach others sign language :) anyways I really recommend that series, it’s so amazingly fun to watch :) excited to see more of your videos!

best christmas gift ever posting this video :D Ideas: ANYTHING! Life update, Java update, Renovate with me stuff (or like whatever projects you guys are doing), Decorate, Cook/bake with me, General storytime video, Documenting adventures or excursions - I would personally watch anything, life related or random :) I know youtube and sharing yourselves with the world can be tough so never feel pressured to share anything you don't feel comfortable with or more often than you feel like. I am learning ASL as well, so on an educational level, having charismatic and engaging people like yourselves do videos in ASL about anything under the sun is beneficial in your viewers language development - no pressure to be fancy. Thank you guys for the update - so exciting to see you on my feed!! Glad you guys are doing well. Happy holidays!

It is a beautiful way how the relationship is based on trust, communication, support and etc. That is how the relationship should be. No fight among two people, just talk it out and take a break to think things through. This is what I do with my husband on a daily basis. We have been together for 21 years. Both of your energies are very calming to watch signing and hearing stories. I truly enjoyed all of your videos. ( Hopefully more to come)

I am by no means a long-term viewer (only discovered you guys about a month ago), but it's exciting to see a channel that's been gone for a while come back like this! Your videos are a constant inspiration for me to keep learning sign language, so thank you!

I’m just glad to see that y’all seem happy and healthy ♥️ it’s always a pleasure to see your videos, but you’re not obligated to make them. Enjoy your time together 😁

Just knowing you guys are healthy and okay makes me happy. You guys are a beautiful and amazing. Ryan and Ellen you guys are gonna have a beautiful life forever and weddings. When it happens.

Happy Anniversary! I love that you both don't let YT and comments take over your personal lives.

I am impressed. You are trying to explain people how deaf people drive, how they feel, how they doing simple tasks… even they assuming you are fake you keep trying. I gave up already is not worth it anymore, that’s why I am impressed because you didn’t. I am tired of explaining so simple things. Everyone have arguments “my right is better than yours” “my truth is better” etc. kind of forgetting what is important. We blame each other, hurt each other and what effects later. Empty hearts, devil is proud

Thank you for posting on RU-vid. I am recognizing more and more signs. I have the closed caption on and slow the video down a bit. You two are amazing. Thank you for sharing if your language with us all.

Love you guys! 2 years ago I first discovered this channel, and it encouraged me to learn sign language.

I just discovered your channel about two weeks ago. I just want to say that I love watching your videos! They brighten my day up a little. And I've learned a lot about deafness, and have even picked up a few sign language words along the way too, haha. Glad you guys are doing well!

I hope this channel increases videos for positive impact with other young couples situations, daily challenges, friendships. I have been watching channel for over 4 years Thank you

I missed your videos and can’t wait to watch more! Please please please don’t disappear for another year 😅😅 Question for Ryan, when you are talking with Ellen, do you tend to lip read or look at her signing? Why do you do what you do, is it easier that way?

Stayyyyyyyy please! 🙏🏼 lol it's awesome to see you post again

You guys warm my heart. You have no obligation to us, your lives are yours & yours alone - it brings so much joy that you allow us a window into a healthy relationship, so I think that is what people miss. You are both such lovely people that of course it would be sad if you weren’t together, but that’s because it would shatter the HOPE that those of us out there without someone to share our adventures, sick days, friendship groups & dog walks et al, still holding on to the possibility of finding a love that isn’t fraught or cause us pain. I have never really being single for long, I had 5 significant partners (a couple were verbally ab*sive or controlling), & the 6th was physically, mentally & SA. So I have been single since the February that Covid hit - the one saving grace, it gave me an escape route. I have spent a lot of time healing, but sadly now have had a surgery go wrong & I have no idea how hard my life is going to get. I am already losing my work, selling my home & desperately hoping that is goes quickly so that I have enough money to have a camper van built for my two frenchies are I to travel every 3 months & hopefully have enough money to be survivable if I can’t find much work on the move. I would love to have someone to share the other half of my life with, but I don’t need someone if it’s not right. I feel like I have had too many arguments for one lifetime. Stupidly I have even considered a GO FUND ME to help me sue the hospital for NEGLIGENCE as they knowingly gave me morphine injected into my spine right before they put me under. I AM HIGHLY ALLERGIC & I had a gran male seizure in post op. Now my kidneys are leaching protein, I haven’t been able to walk the dogs for 18 months. I miss being me! I was kinda great 😂. So however much I would love a partner, I am not a victim & I do not want to begin a relationship until I discover the evolved version of myself. Just hoping I can actually afford the camper, it’s my only hope of a home that’s mine, after buying my first home at 21, then I have lived in my late 1800’s English cottage for 20 years - am going to miss this place 😢, but praying someone falls in love with it like I did 🖤🪽

Honestly you all make me want to learn sign language -we get so many patients that we can’t communicate with at the hospital and have to use a tablet with interpreters (very long list of languages). I feel it s a disservice to these patients to not have people on staff that can speak with them in person. You are an inspiring couple

I would love to see wedding planning videos. Cake/food testing, dress/suit try on, etc. Whatever you are comfortable sharing. Thank you for letting us peek into your lives❤

Love how all the house decorating is coming along & remember just like proposals weddings don’t need to be elaborate either just a justice of the peace & a few people who love you. Kudos for not exploiting this you tube thing like some couples.

During the break from RU-vid, what did you guys do to keep busy??? For example, did y’all learn any new skills or try something for the first time ??? Please don’t disappear again!!!

I have no ideas but honestly you guys could post anything and I’ll watch. My comfort channel ❤

Lol you should've posted this video before the one with the engagement 😅 I got worried for a second , so glad to see you together you are so precious, please don't leave us again 😢🙏🥺 You are such a lively couple 🌟⭐️ 💫

I'm happy that you're still a couple, you're both so kind and sweet and you deserve all the joy. Congratulations!

Glad to see you guys again and still together! You guys are so good at being together so stay together! Looking forward to seeing new videos from the two of you together!

Please don't leave for a year. I started learning ASL because of you guys. I don't know anyone deaf and I never have but I thought it would be nice to know it so I can communicate with someone if the situation arises. Now I'm teaching my 8 year old niece for the same reason.

SO GLAD you are still together and posting new videos. You are an inspiration to hearing and deaf people. Many happy years together!!!!❤

I don't usually leave comments. Please drop another video soon. So happy to see you and Java!

I for whatever reason just kinda started learning ASL and plan to learn at least enough to communicate some basic things. I'm currently traveling for a longer time and your channel is just kinda fun to watch. You two seem really sweet and I guess the better I get the less I'll have to watch the subtitles :)

Please keep doing the videos! I'm watching other videos but they are more, formal ASL. I lewrn more of the regular or casual asl, for lack of better terms, from you guys and i LOVE IT!

You can really tell how well you understand and respect each other, you have such good communication

Awww, u guys are so 😍 💕 I also loved hearing Java boinging the spring in the corner. She's like,hellooooo down here, don't forget about me 😂

Hey, 1st time viewer here. I had to turn on the closed captioning to "hear". I have always loved ASL. I wanted to learn it so bad, but no affordable classes around here. ❤

I got my driver’s license in the summer. After watching your drive thru videos at McDonald’s, I decided to go to the one that’s closest to me. One McDonalds gestured the total to me after I had pointed to my hearing aids (I’m HOH). another McDonald’s I went to didn’t follow what I had typed on my phone or gestured. Thank you guys for making me feel like I’m not alone.

I wonder what ever happened to the Sign duo intro I actually loved it! The intro was the most fitting for this channel! Is the intro coming back for 2024 or no?

It's good to see that you're both doing well and that everything is just as strong as it's always been. It seems like there is a lot of pressure on both people to do things extravagantly and with a lot of pomp and circumstance. There seems to be a lot of focus on the day itself and not about what's actually being proposed. I love that both of you considered each others' feelings in the process and made each other comfortable to do it when it was right and not "just because". Praying that you have many happy years together and that you continue to grow deeper in your love for one another!

Yes, please don't disappear for another year 😢. So glad you are still together ❤! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🤟🎄🎉

Love seeing both of your smiling faces and your life adventures! Thank you for todays video - we've missed ya. 😊

I was wondering where you were at but now you are here! Glad you all look just fine! Welcome back!

Oh my goodness So happy to see both of your faces! And of course that ADORABLE 🐶! Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2024! 🎉❤

Keep those videos coming. Glad you are not driven to be something you are NOT. My husband proposed over the telephone and we are about to celebrate 45 years married.

Few days ago I saw that you put proposal video on youtube, didn't have time to watch it... Now I've just opened youtube and saw "did we breakup"? And I was like "Oh no! It can't be." I am really glad that you two are still together and still happy. And I am super excited that you put here two videos in two weeks. After your question I've been thinking about my "ideal" proposal. I am in relationship for 14,5 years now... I always wanted to have something special. But I am also introvert, so I don't need to have it somewhere in public. I hate when people are watching me. I think I want to have it special in our way. For example on some place which was important for us, or with our favourite song... Something connected to us. So wish me luck. :) Merry Christmas from Czech republic. ❤

Omg, has Java gotten bigger? Glad to see all of you looking so well. Enjoy your holiday and have a happy new year ❤😄

So happy to see you both back!! Congrats on your engagement and making the proposal special in your own way, as it's your relationship! I hope you received nothing but positive comments and support from others. Your videos really give me another lens into the Deaf and HoH community and give me a fun way to keep up with my ASL with your vlogs. My goal is to become fluent in ASL so I can provide therapy to Deaf and HoH families without an interpreter.

Hey! I'm so glad you showed up on my feed :) Your other recent video didn't, so I will be going to check it out soon. I was wondering if everything was okay, also, and I'm glad you are all doing well!

I am in a waiting room at a dr visit and was like "i wanna watch you tube but don't have headphones and don't want other people to hear and be bothered. Then your channel popped up with captions and very little talking anyway. PERFECT!!!!❤❤❤

Y’all have no idea how happy this makes me all year I checked if there were new videos, and I was always crossing my fingers 😅🤞🏼 amazing news though to hear you are well and engaged! Excited for your next video!!! (But take all the time you need)😊

huwaaaah, I missed you guuuys! thank you for taking the time to yourself. Taking a step back is important, especially for life-changing moments like this. I didn't know you guys got engaged already! Congratulations! Imma go watch the proposal now.

Welcome back! I miss u guys, I am new to your channel. I started to follow your guys 7 months ago. I been since early childhood I was born hard of hearing and aphasia due premature birth. This how I learned sign language all my life. I went The Boston School for the Deaf from elementary through high school. I graduated in 1989.

I'm so glad to see you back and know you are still strong together. I have to admit, though, I am curious about why you didn't post for so long.

I'm glad to see that you guys are posting again!

So happy to see you are back and are together! Welcome back.

The viewing audience loves BOTH of you! Do more videos together!!!! ❤❤❤

I missed you guys!! Don't disappear again! So happy for you both!!😃

I missed you guys and Java has grown so much. I'm so glad to hear that you're doing well. And I hope to see you all again very soon. Even just logs of your life. In time out with Java, you don't have to answer questions all the time.❤

I really enjoy you channel, there is something very comforting about you two.

What a genuine and beautiful couples..

Love seeing you back on the channel. I wear your sign duo sweatshirt and my daughter loves to follow me around and practice the ASL alphabet behind my back 😊

I am so happy to see you both back! I have been learning sign through the Lingvano app and I love it. I am a dental hygienist and have deaf patients that I want to communicate with better. I just wish there was more dental terms on the app! But I think by their next appointment I should be able to have a conversation 😊

I don't think I've seen any solo videos of y'all - so I think that's probably why people freaked out 😂 but I'm sure we'd all love to see solo videos more in case either one of y'all don't feel up to filming ♥️ I can't really think of unique questions but I am curious about what it's like working as a professional in the deaf community - or how a deaf person navigates getting a job + career help? Love yawl 💖💖💖