Body language can reveal many truths about relationships — but only if you know how to read it. In Celebrity Couples: Decoded, an expert interprets A-listers’ interactions to shed light on their IRL dynamic.
Chrissy Teigen, 32, and John Legend, 39, began dating in 2007, tied the knot in 2013, had their daughter Luna in 2016, and have a son on the way. Through it all, their lively tweets have showcased their persistently playful chemistry:
yes @johnlegend I buy and leave all the phone chargers all around the house just so you can unplug them all and take them to work with you. all of them! I love that you love chargers! they're all for you! I just love you that's why I buy them. because you love them!
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 8, 2018
These outrageous allegations are simply false. I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign https://t.co/czvvEyT39u
— John Legend (@johnlegend) February 8, 2018
I'm buying this pic.twitter.com/f0Vyv0R2rl
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 8, 2018
While fun to follow online, the couple’s actual interactions are even more adorable. Here’s what their body language has said about their relationship over the years, according to North Carolina-based body-language expert Blanca Cobb.
1. Chrissy Leans Out

Grammy Awards, February 2008
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“Normally, you pull away from things you don’t like,” Cobb says of Chrissy’s positioning. “But that’s not the situation here.” In the photo, which was taken relatively early in their relationship, Cobb suggests the duo may be trying to figure out how to present themselves in public. “He’s leaning toward her, and she’s trying to temper the PDA, but they’re still leaning to the same side — which suggests they’re in sync,” she says, noting the way John’s fingers just brush his then-girlfriend’s hip. “It’s like he’s claiming her in a cute, loving way.”
2. Chrissy Gets All Up in John’s Lap

American Music Awards, November 2010
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Here, Chrissy doesn’t appear to be shy about planting both hands on John’s left knee. “It’s a polite way of saying, ‘He’s mine,’ ” Cobb says. Although Chrissy is the one initiating physical contact, with her handbag placed on her left side rather than between her and her then-boyfriend, the way John leans toward her suggests he’s into the affection. “You lean toward people you like and want to be around,” Cobb says.
3. Chrissy Holds on to John

Emmy Party, September 2012
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“She’s like, ‘You’re mine! You’re not going anywhere,'” Cobb says of the way Chrissy clutches John’s jacket. “You grab when you’re nervous or unsure and need stability and grounding.” Although Chrissy is the one hanging on here, “their facial expressions are almost exactly the same, an indication they’re emotionally connected and in sync.”
4. Chrissy Swaps Her Seat for John’s Lap

Billboard Music Awards, May 2015
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“Couples who are in love and passionate about each other like to touch each other,” Cobb says, noting the way John appears to be using his right hand to caress Chrissy’s thigh suggestively. Even more apparent: The way he touches her butt with his left hand. “The tush touching could be for stability, but here it seems flirtatious. He could have put his left hand on the empty seat, but you touch things you like. He’s obviously loves her body.”
Despite Chrissy’s rather serious expression, the way she reaches out to her husband with both hands suggests she welcomes his affection and, in response, uses her arms to maintain their connection, according to Cobb. “There’s emotion, there’s tenderness, and there’s no tension in their fingers or expressions. It’s love,” she says.
5. Chrissy and John Walk Hand-in-Hand

Sports Illustrated Festival, August 2016
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The way the couple holds hands with full palms and forearms touching suggests they’re maximizing physical closeness to stay connected to each other, according to Cobb. “They’re both leading with their right foot, and the length of their gait is similar, which says they’re connected and in sync,” she says. “This happens automatically when you’re into each other — the body takes over.”
6. John Puts His Hand in Chrissy’s Lap

Grammy Awards, February 2017
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“Draping his hand across her thigh shows John is trying to get closer to Chrissy through touch,” Cobb says, noting the way Chrissy’s hands are wrapped around John’s arm, solidifying their connection while asserting he’s her man. She even spreads her fingers to cover an even larger portion of his arm. “It’s like saying, ‘I want more of your love,’ ” Cobb says.
8. Chrissy and John Navigate the Red Carpet

Academy Awards, February 2017
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As John and Chrissy walk, John holds onto Chrissy with his hand on top — a sign he may have a more dominant role in their relationship, according to Blanca. “It doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” she says. “It’s just one way to make your partner feel secure and safe.”
Although Chrissy leads with her right leg and John leads with his left, which typically signifies a couple is out of sync, Cobb doesn’t think much of it. “Sometimes a picture is just a picture,” Cobb says.
8. Chrissy Hooks Her Leg Under John’s

Los Angeles Lakers Game, November 2017
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Even though John has his eyes glued to the game as Chrissy is looking through her purse, the subtle way she’s slipped her crossed leg behind John’s left heel suggests they’re still thinking of each other. “Invading each other’s space signifies a strong connection, and sharing secret signs like this when you’re busy doing separate things is a great sign of a healthy relationship,” Cobb says.
9. John Holds Onto Chrissy With Both Hands

Grammy Awards, January 2018
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“You touch what’s important to you, and he has his whole world in his hands,” Cobb says of the way John rests his hand on Chrissy and her baby belly.
The Bottom Line
“They’re crazy about each other!” Cobb says.
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H/T Cosmo US