SHOULD a public display of affection be a yay or a nay? Kourtney Kardashian, 42, has faced criticism from her kids’ dad, Scott Disick, 38, for her romantic moves with new beau Travis Barker, 45. Body language expert Judi James says public smooching can be surprisingly revealing. She said: “Celebrity PDAs can reveal all about […]
SHOULD a public display of affection be a yay or a nay?
Kourtney Kardashian, 42, has faced criticism from her kids’ dad, Scott Disick, 38, for her romantic moves with new beau Travis Barker, 45.
Body language expert Judi James says public smooching can be surprisingly revealing.
She said: “Celebrity PDAs can reveal all about the true state of a relationship.”
Here, Judi tells Katy Docherty the right and wrong way to PDA.
GOOD: David and Victoria Beckham
Judi said: “By nuzzling Victoria’s head like this, David signals a protective and almost parental form of affection for his wife.
“It’s a bestowed kiss that is usually planted to signal long-term love and tenderness.”
BAD: Exes Mary-Kate Olsen and Olivier Sarkozy
Judi said: “There is nothing gentle about this kiss.
Olivier has placed a controlling grip around Mary-Kate’s head to clamp it in place for his kiss. She looks trapped.
GOOD: George and Amal Clooney
Judi said: “This couple should get an Oscar for PDAs, as their choreography is pitch-perfect.
“The gentle lip-kiss signals mutual affection, while the placement of Amal’s hand on George’s face suggests tenderness.”
BAD: Exes Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
Judi said: “Their ‘kiss’ looks clumsy, as if Kanye has opted for a loving lunge without warning Kim first.
“She usually prefers to adopt more elegant poses. The angle of Kim’s head suggests she’s avoiding a snog.”
GOOD: Emily Blunt and John Krasinski
Judi said: “This looks relaxed, with the casual pose suggesting the couple lap-sit quite often for fun, affection and closeness.
Their smiles are authentic-looking and their close heads signal trust and empathy.”
BAD: Exes Scott Disick and Sofia Richie
Judi said: “This looks like a lop-sided power pose.
“Sofia’s exaggerated splaying is overkill and suggests she wants to dominate her man.
“Her stare seems confrontational and she sits astride his lap here, rather than on it.”
GOOD: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Judi said: “This type of touch is used between couples to communicate silently but powerfully in public.
“It is affectionate and reassuring, suggesting long-term closeness yet also ongoing sexual attraction.”
BAD: Exes Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper
Judi said: “Irina grabs Bradley’s thigh so enthusiastically that her fingers dig in.
A gesture like this is attention-seeking – it signals to others that this man is taken.”
GOOD: Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
Judi said: “Tender and thoughtful, Jack puts his hands round his bride’s waist and performs this gentle and symbolic pressing of the lips.
“Their raised cheeks show they are both smiling as they kiss, but their closed eyes intensify the moment.”
BAD: Justin and Hailey Bieber
Judi said: “Hailey is keen to show she’s not a traditional bride with this iconic ‘bad’ wedding kiss.
“It’s probably not a kiss at all, but if both want to cherish their rebellious sides, it could be more compatible than it looks.”
GOOD: Maya Jama and Ben Simmons
Judi said: “This is perfect public pecking – a mutually performed and rather sweet ‘guppy’ kiss that is ideal for moments when a couple want to check in romantically without alienating the crowd around them.”
BAD: Exes Shane Warne and Elizabeth Hurley
Judi said: “A gentle nibble might be affectionate, but pulling the lip out between your teeth like this suggests high levels of dominance.
“Alpha male dominating a very beautiful female partner is not a good look, even when it’s just done to get a laugh.”
