How do you know when it's real love?
Not for your own relationship. (That's a question for another column.) But as an outsider looking at a couple, is it possible to recognize real love just by how they interact?
To some, it was evident in the way Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce let out a joyful groan as he pulled Taylor Swift into a tight hug and kiss after his team won the AFC Championship over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, clinching the had reached the Super Bowl.
It was clear to others that the couple was head over heels in love after the pop star was seen in another clip excitedly stretching his bright red lips from ear to ear in a packed crowd while congratulating his friend. Amateur lip readers shared transcripts of the couple's largely inaudible conversation. “I love yous” were reportedly exchanged.
For Venus Cuffs, a nightlife producer and former dominatrix, the couple's love is undeniable.
“I think it's a real relationship, even if people think it started as some kind of PR relationship,” Ms. Cuffs said on Wednesday. “I think they have real feelings for each other.”
The reason for her confidence? “You can tell by the body language,” Ms. Cuffs said. “The way they look at each other, their eye contact, the way he touches her back — just little gestures like that.”
Using different camera angles and different video compilations, fans analyzed the couple's body language and many of them admitted to watching them repeatedly – some out of admiration, others out of skepticism. Aside from the political conspiracy theories coming from the Make America Great Again camp, there are others who are simply unconvinced by the couple's public displays of affection.
Maybe this expertise comes from our near-constant exposure to ultra-famous influencers, or maybe it's a result of our one-sided, imaginary friendships with podcast hosts. But many on social media seem perfectly qualified to determine whether a celebrity couple is truly in love. Users analyze the placement of their hands and the width of their smiles to prove that what we perceive as real is actually real. Maybe this way fans can give themselves permission to enjoy it? Obviously, there's no way to know what's going on in a relationship without being there, but nothing is stopping the internet from speculating about it.
To be fair, there is something extremely satisfying about correctly identifying the authenticity of a relationship or predicting the end of a relationship, especially at a time when high-profile divorces are on the rise. While it's unusual for people to question the authenticity of a PDA between two strangers on the subway, it's less surprising when fans decide to indulge in such speculation when it comes to the rich and famous.
Another couple that has spawned entire cottage industries of armchair body language experts: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. Americans have long been obsessed with determining the emotions behind Mr. Affleck's face when he is with his superstar wife at work events, where he has occasionally been photographed grimacing or generally looking miserable. Are you happy? Many are convinced in one way or another just by their behavior.
And when Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet stole kisses during a commercial break at this year's Golden Globe Awards, many fans were delighted by the couple's public displays of affection; others weren't convinced by Mr. Chalamet's Cheshire Cat grin or Ms. Jenner's wistful look.
“Wrong,” one user commented under a video clip showing their kiss. “As much as I would like to believe, her body language shows otherwise. No attraction. An act.”
Conversely, a couple who didn't have the “expression of love” made headlines: former President Donald J. Trump and Melania Trump, after the first lady slapped his hand away more than once when he tried to hold hers.
In November, Ms. Swift was also captured on video kissing Mr. Kelce after their Eras Tour show in Buenos Aires. Wearing a shimmering blue bodysuit, Ms. Swift and Mr. Kelce spun in circles as they kissed. For Ms. Cuffs, the nightlife impresario, confirming that the couple are in love could also be a way for fans to show their loyalty and protectiveness.
“She floats around him like a little girl,” she said. “And I think Swifties have focused a lot on his facial expressions because it's natural for fans to want to make sure this guy isn't taking advantage of them and look for a nod to her name.”
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