Jennifer Aniston Still Has a ‘Connection’ With Brad Pitt While Doing ‘Reverse Bear Hug’ With Beau Jim Curtis, Experts Say
Jennifer Aniston hard-launched her relationship with Jim Curtis by going Instagram official to celebrate his birthday.
This follows months of speculation about their romance after photos were published of them together during a weekend getaway to Spain’s Mallorca island in July with some of Aniston’s friends. And before that,when the two were spotted at the luxury hotel Ventana Big Sur in Northern California. Now, the Friends alum isn’t keeping her feelings for her “love” under wraps anymore.
Here’s what an expert noticed about the recent snap the actress shared, plus what’s being said about her past relationships after Reese Witherspoon revealed where things stand between Aniston and her most famous ex, Brad Pitt.
Expert explains what Aniston’s ‘reverse bear hug’ with Curtis signifies
Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.”
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “What we’re seeing here is what’s known in body language psychology as a reverse bear hug. It’s a powerful gesture that communicates affection, trust, and emotional security.
“By wrapping her arms around him from behind, Jennifer is essentially saying, ‘This is my man.’ She’s showing him off with pride and affection. Her position behind him subtly gives him dominance in the frame – not in a submissive sense, but in terms of the visual and emotional dynamic between them. It’s her way of placing him in the spotlight while still maintaining a close, protective connection.”
Stanton added, “This kind of hug typically signifies deep trust and genuine intimacy …. there’s comfort and natural ease between them. If this were just playful or surface-level affection, you’d often see tension or a pull-away reaction, but here, everything about their posture says closeness and emotional alignment.
“Jennifer’s smile is key, too. It’s a true smile — her whole face is engaged, which signals authentic happiness and joy. He mirrors that same expression, reinforcing the mutual affection. Overall, this isn’t just a cute photo-op moment; it’s a glimpse into a very real emotional bond. The combination of physical closeness, genuine smiles, and comfortable body language suggests a deep connection — one that could easily indicate Jennifer Aniston has found someone she truly feels at home with.”
Relationship expert calls Aniston a ‘green flag’ partner in Hollywood
Before Curtis, Aniston was married to Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux. For years, it’s been reported that she and the latter have maintained a good relationship. But far less is known about where things stand with her first husband. That is, until Aniston’s Morning Show co-star Reese Witherspoon shared that the two are on very good terms these days.
“She’s not who people think she is–like, holding onto old things,” Witherspoon said during an interview with Dax Shepard on his Armchair Expert podcast. The host then interjected, “She’s not pining for Brad Pitt.”
To drive home her point Witherspoon talked about her castmate’s 50th birthday bash, which Pitt was invited to, saying, “At her 50th birthday–one of the biggest testaments I can say to what a wonderful person she is–people from her teenage years, people from her 20s, people who work in her home, every ex-husband, ex-boyfriend was there. She just is a high spiritual-integrity person.”
Relationship expert Joanne Pearson from British Lie Detector Test, explained that Aniston’s long-standing connections — from ex-partners to friends and co-stars — reveal a pattern of emotional intelligence that many could learn from.
“Jennifer Aniston is the perfect example of secure attachment in action,” Pearson said. “She’s able to maintain respect and affection for people even after romantic relationships have ended; that’s a sign of maturity and self-assurance, not unresolved feelings. When you can look back at relationships with kindness rather than resentment, it shows you value genuine connection over ego. That’s what healthy love looks like, and Jennifer consistently demonstrates that.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
