Here’s Why Will Smith And Jada Pinkett-Smith Always Stand So Close Together
Here’s Why Will Smith And Jada Pinkett-Smith Always Stand So Close Together
As anyone who’s tried to make a love connection happen knows, destiny isn't always on your side. This was all too true some 20 years ago when Will Smith went to a taping of A Different World with the goal of asking out Jada Pinkett and ended up meeting a different woman, Sheree Zampino, who he then dated and married.
Eventually, a divorced Will reconnected with Jada (who, per People, actually dated Alfonso Ribeiro, a.k.a. Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Tupac Shakur before getting with Will) and sparked the relationship they have today. Of course, building their picture-perfect 21-year marriage hasn’t been easy, but the two have been candid about the work they've put both into their romantic partnership and parenting a blended family.
But is the Smith's relationship really as goal-worthy as all their pictures together make it seem? Terri Orbuch, PhD, body language expert, professor at Oakland University in Michigan, and author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great, takes a deep dive into their past and present to confirm whether this celebrity couple is really rock solid.
1) They have a close bond-literally.
"Even though they are both looking at the camera, the way their bodies are right next to each other-very close and leaning in" is very telling, says Orbuch. The little space between Jada and Will indicates these two have a close bond and strong connection.
She’s also sure to point out how genuine Will’s bright smile is and how Jada’s sexy look says: "Yeah, I’m with him."
2) Jada's in it for the long haul, no matter where Will takes her.
There’s no shortage of fun in this relationship, and Orbuch's all about that. Will’s steady hold on Jada signals how proud and sure he is to be with her. Jada’s excited expression means she’s all in, while her look ahead points to her plans for the couple’s steady progression forward.
Orbuch adds, "Where he’s taking her off to… we can only imagine," but one thing’s for sure: wherever it was, if it involved these two, it certainly wasn’t boring.
3) They're a team and want everyone to know it.
Way back in 2007, the power couple was serving serious movie premiere lewks and showing there are no hesitations when it comes to their love.
Jada and Will-besides standing closely together, which is A+ body language-are standing tall. This, Orbuch says, points to how confident they are in what they have. Though Jada stands in front of Will, their handholding is a key reminder that they’re a unit, and a super steady one at that.
4) Their romance is alive and well.
They’re there for each other. The lean of their bodies and their eye contact communicates that the Smiths listen to one another and are here for each other. "Instead of being very close," the way the usually are, Orbuch points out that this time Will stands further back from Jada so he can get a better look at her before he plants a kiss on her hand. (Um, Prince Charming much?!)
5) They're each other's first-and only-priority.
While you can’t see Jada’s face, Orbuch is positive that she cares deeply for Will because of her hand on his chest, her body’s lean toward his, and the way their gazes are locked on each other.
Then there’s Will who’s smiling and looking at Jada like there is no one else on the planet. "He is engaged and interested in her and her alone," Orbuch explains, which is enough to convince her that this love runs deep.
6) Will is a proud, proud husband.
"In this photo, it looks like Will is showing Jada off," says Orbuch, which is not surprising since Jada is beyond stunning (and dishing major #armgoals). As usual, Will is serving onlookers a giant smile while presenting Jada with a nonverbal: "Here she is everyone."
Jada, posing, smiling, and poised, is here for it, proving that these two are totally in sync and effortlessly complement each other.
7) And Jada can't enough of his goofiness.
Again, Will is taking a red-carpet opportunity to put his pride for his wife on full display. And though Will is def playing it up for the cameras, Orbuch believes his motivations are genuine. "His hands and body are stating: Can you believe this woman? She is hot and amazing," Orbuch explains.
And when it comes to Jada, Orbuch notes how she’s basking in Will’s gestures instead of being embarrassed or thrown off. She knows who she’s married to-and she’s not going anywhere.
8) They go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Here, Will and Jada are looking right at you and letting you know their love is the real deal. Will is pressed up against Jada's body, arms, and head, while she snuggles up to him. "Like two puzzle pieces, they seem to fit with each other," Orbuch says.
They don’t have to be looking at each other to communicate how filled with love and happiness they are, just their expressions and closeness are enough.
Some interesting body language here...