
Body language can reveal many truths about relationships — but only if you know how to read it. In Cosmopolitan's Celebrity Couples: Decoded, an expert interprets A-listers' interactions to shed light on their IRL dynamic.
Blake Lively, 30, and Ryan Reynolds, 41, met on the set of Green Lantern in early 2010. By October 2011, they were dating, and they married in September 2012. Two years later, they welcomed their first daughter, James, who was followed by Ines, born in September 2016, and a third daughter in 2019 whose name has not yet been revealed. Here's what North Carolina-based body-language expert Blanca Cobb makes of the duo's interactions:
1. Ryan Holds Blake's Elbow
Spike TV Scream Awards, September 2010
Above, Blake reaches out to Ryan, and he reinforces her touch by brushing his fingers along her elbow. "It's a visual way of saying, 'I'm into you, I want to be more connected to you,' " Cobb says.
2. Blake Holds Ryan's Forearm
Cannes Film Festival, May 2014
Here, Ryan holds out his elbow to support Blake physically — and emotionally, according to Cobb, who notes the way Blake rests her left hand on Ryan's forearm. "Her relaxed fingers are spread to cover more surface area, and show no tension, stress, or anxiety. That's what you want to see in a relationship," she says, adding relaxed, comfortable-looking interactions signal a strong connection.
3. Ryan Cups Blake's Butt
Met Costume Institute Gala, May 2014
Ryan's facial expression makes it look like he can't get enough of her, says Cobb. "His right hand on her tush is flirtatious — it tells the world, 'Back off, she's mine' and makes it clear he loves Blake's body." Blake, meanwhile, appears to be using her right hand either to adjust her dress or to get some skin-to-skin contact with Ryan. "She has a genuine smile, so you can tell it's not bothering her," Cobb says.
4. Blake Holds Ryan's Arm and Hand
Foundation for AIDS Research Gala, May 2014
Here, Blake holds Ryan's hand and arm in what Cobb refers to as the "double clutch." "She's pulling his arm into her body for comfort, support, and closeness — you can tell she's really into her husband," Cobb says, noting the way their attention appears to be diverted. "It's OK to pay attention to different things. You can still be in tune with each other."
5. Ryan and Blake Walk in Synchronized Step
White House State Dinner, March 2016
Holding your partner by the arm is much less intimate than hand-holding — but Ryan's gesture still offers support and stability, according to Cobb, who thinks the angle of Ryan's arm looks uncomfortable. "He's willing to make himself a little awkward for her benefit, and that's sweet," Cobb says. She also notes the way both Ryan and Blake lead with their left legs — a sign a couple is in sync emotionally. Even more telling, though, are their facial expressions. "There's happiness in their faces," she says.
6. Ryan and Blake Share a Kiss
Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony, December 2016
If you ask Cobb, a kiss isn't just a kiss – and this one is no exception. "They're almost mirror images of each other, which signals an emotional connection," she says of the angle at which their heads tilt, the similar parting of their lips, and the placement of their free hands. "People's bodies subconsciously reflect how they feel, and this couple's kiss says their love is hot!"
7. Ryan Holds Blake Around the Waist
Golden Globe Awards, January 2017
Notice the way Ryan wraps his hand around Blake's side. "It's like he's hooking her and sending a silent message that says, 'You're mine, we're together,' " Cobb says. Although they're looking in different directions, the couple's close proximity maintains their connection, says Cobb, who doesn't make much of Blake's arm positioning. "It looks like she's trying to place her hand on her hip but has no room because Ryan's hand is there," Cobb says.
8. Ryan Holds the Back of Blake's Chair
Time 100 Gala, April 2017
When a guy places his arm on the back of your chair, he simply could be craving an arm rest — but Cobb thinks Ryan's gesture means something more. "He's staking his claim," she says. Although this can make some people uncomfortable, Blake looks pretty pleased with the situation — another testament to the couple's bond.
9. Blake Grabs at Ryan's Sleeve
Met Costume Institute Gala, May 2017
Here, Ryan reaches for Blake's waist as she gently encircles his extended forearm — there doesn't appear to be tension in the fingers, which possibly would indicate stress or anxiety. "When you clutch someone, it could be about desire for that person or passion," Cobb says. The duo's matching smiles — a sign they're emotionally in sync — are also notable: "It's a candid shot, which is the best reflection of what's really going on behind closed doors," Cobb says.
10. Blake and Ryan Place Their Arms Around Each Other
Met Costume Institute Gala, May 2017
"Spreading the fingers is a method to take up more space and touch your partner more," Cobb says of the way Blake plants her hand on Ryan's back. "And he's not just putting his hand on her back, but curving his fingers around her waist to get closer by reeling her in."
The Bottom Line:
"I think they have a really great relationship, enjoy each other's company, and want to let the world know," Cobb says.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Elizabeth Narins is a Brooklyn, NY-based writer and a former senior editor at Cosmopolitan.com, where she wrote about fitness, health, and more. Follow her at @ejnarins.
-
The 15 Best Comedy Movies on Hulu
For when you just need a good laugh.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
The Spring 2022 Handbag Trends to Get Excited About
The humble bucket bag is back.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Hottest New Beauty Trend Is Ice Cold
These ingenious cryotherapy-inspired finds are worth bearing the chill.
By Rachel Jacoby Zoldan
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly's Love Will "Be Around for a Long Time," Body Language Expert Predicts
They've been through a lot.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein