Rihanna and Drake’s
body language prove they have mutual feelings for each other, expert says: ‘He
is just absolutely smitten’
Sure Drake could have kissed Rihanna better, but there's
no denying they've found love.
The rapper's awkward smooch with the "Kiss It Better" singer at
Sunday night’s VMAs left some fans confused about their relationship status
after he declared his love for her. But their mutual feelings for each other are in plain view —
according to a body language expert.
"He is just
absolutely smitten. He's like a little boy," said Patti Wood, an Atlanta-based
specialist who has authored multiple books on the subject.
Wood said Drake's
infatuation with the 28-year-old star was evident not only in the way he swayed
back and forth during the speech — a clear sign of light nervousness — but also
in how he delivered it.
"It was so
adorable. He had really practiced that speech," Wood said. "It wasn't
just words to him. He had a vocal emphasis on certain words, he knew when to
pause, so what he was saying was meaningful to him."
"There was
vocal variation that showed he's putting his emotions and his meaning it,"
she continued, adding that Drake also kept his eyes on RiRi throughout to prove
he meant business. "He really felt what he was saying."
The most shocking
moment of Drake's four minute speech came near the end, when he professed,
"She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22 years old."
And Rihanna subconsciously reciprocated those feelings,
Wood notes.
"Her
shoulders rise, and she laughs, and there's a big smile on her face as he says
it," she said. "That's a very nice welcoming of it, kind of the joy
of it."
Rihanna served up
several particularly telling signs that indicated she was swooning after
Drake's speech, as she looked back at him multiple times and raised up her
chest after he handed her the award and faded into the background.
"That's
happiness," Wood said of Rihanna's body movements. "That up motion of
her chest and the look back is happiness. That affirms … (her prior behavior)
was nervousness and anxiousness. She accepted what he said."
Drake and Rihanna have been linked together for months,
but neither had commented on the swirling speculation before the rapper's
apparent admission of love on Sunday.
Hours after the award show, he shared an Instagram selfie
of him kissing Rihanna on the head, once again celebrating the pop star for
taking home the Video Vanguard honors.
So forget about the awkward kiss, maybe Rihanna just
didn't want to ruin her makeup. Or perhaps she hates a P.D.A.
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
