Angela Basset’s Body Language With Courtney B. Vance Is Goals
Angela Basset’s Body Language With Courtney B. Vance Is Goals
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance could have sparked an on-campus romance while they were students at the Yale School of Drama, but it wasn't meant to be. Courtney had a girlfriend at the time, and he's since admitted he doesn't really remember Angela from school all that much.
She made more of a lasting impression 14 years later. “Our paths crossed here in Los Angeles," Angela told People. "And I was single, he was single. And I had such an appreciation for him over those years—of his consistency, how he treated other people, of what a supporter he is, what a connector of people and ideas he is, how passionate he is.”
So, they gave it a shot in 1994. But their relationship didn't immediately morph into the stable, loving, and decades-long relationship fans admire these days. In fact, neither of them was terribly impressed after their first date. During an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show Angela straight-up said the date wasn't "memorable" and that she wasn't going to give the Tony-winner "a second thought," while Courtney agreed it "wasn't good."
Somehow, they gave it another try and it stuck. Now, after 13 years of marriage, the Hollywood couple is raising twins, still dominating our screens, and maintaining their status as goals (an honor they earned even before goals was a thing).
Though it took a few tries at the start, it's probably safe to assume Angela and Courtney are in it for the long haul (they wrote a book about it after all). But to be extra sure, body language expert Karen Donaldson took at a look at the couple's every move over the years just in case.
1) Their intimacy game's been strong from the start.
"It’s all about the hug," says Donaldson. "Angela is in Courtney’s love circle as he gives her a from-behind hug." Donaldson says these hugs are reserved for lovers. It's a way for the hugger to show how much they cherish their partner, and in most cases, how protective they are. Plus, since his hands are resting on her stomach—a move Angela doesn't resist, Donaldson points out—she can tell they're totally at ease with one another because they have an intimate relationship.
2) Having fun together is a priority.
This moment makes clear to Donaldson that Angela and Courtney make room for fun in their relationship. "Courtney leans into Angela with a calmness and his chest is parallel to and almost pressing against Angela’s back," she adds, because he wants to be close to her. And though Angela probably didn't see this photobomb coming, Donaldson notices that her body language isn't tense which signals comfort with Courtney's playful side. Angela gets his humor and she gets him.
3) They're confident about their relationship.
At first glance, it might seem like Angela isn't feeling the cheek kiss, but Donaldson says it's quite the opposite. "Her upper body posture is stoic as is her face," Donaldson points out, but this body language means Angela knows she's the rightful and only recipient of that kind of affection from Courtney. Donaldson describes it as the "yes, he's mine," effect.
4) They're connected in more ways than one.
"This image is a public showcase of their powerful union," says Donaldson, and the positive body language confirms this. There's no gap between their bodies, which means they're totally bonded, their feet are pointed toward each other which proves they've got each other on the brain (despite the hoard of cameras they're posing for), and their poses are near mirror images which communicates how in sync they are.
5) Being close to Angela is a big deal for Courtney.
"Courtney is aiming to reduce the space between [him and Angela] to increase closeness," Donaldson points out. His hand is on her hip and he's leaning in to be closer to her. He shows he cares with physical closeness.
6) Angela's proud to have Courtney as a partner.
"A hand placed on a partner's torso or chest hints at feelings of ownership, love or pride," says Donaldson, and Angela's putting her love for Courtney and pride in their relationship on full display here. The hand on his chest is backed up by her genuine smile, her body's angle toward Courtney, and the lack of space between their bodies.
An expert analyzes their moves from the '90s until now.