The Lovers and Six of Wands

A choice and public recognition. The Lovers is not primarily a romance card in the older tradition, it is a card about deciding what you value; the Six of Wands is the rider being cheered. Together they are read as a decision that turned out well and was seen to.

Associated with a relationship that has been chosen openly. Read as commitment made visible.

A decision vindicated in public. Frequently read where somebody backed a direction and was proved right.

The applause in the Six is for the choice in the Lovers, not for the person. That distinction tends to matter later.