We’ve seen a number of powerhouse A-list couples rise and fall over the years.
Shriver filed for divorce in July 2011; the split wasn’t finalized until 2021.
Knowing this information casts a different light on Shriver and Schwarzenegger’s relationship.
Tense public moments that could have previously been put down to stress took on whole new meanings.
Were there signs that this marriage was doomed for failure all along?
The List spoke exclusively to body language expert, communication coach, and “A.W.E.S.O.M.E.”
She looks like it’s moving straightforwardly, while he steps to his left.
Nevertheless, he reaches out to her, seemingly aiming to align their paths.
Is this symbolic of their relationship at the time?
By 1998,Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzeneggerhad been married for over a decade and had four children together.
Was that really the case?
Expert Jess Ponce III says it’s the Arnie show.
“A larger-than-life figure, he is clearly in the driver’s seat.
Maria is slightly behind him, holding onto his arm, providing him with focus.
Though the pair are closely entwined here, Shriver seems stiff.
“However in this picture, Maria’s side remains upright and straight.
It begs the question, was Shriver prepared for how this would impact her marriage and her children?
“Hand-holding typically signifies affection and connection,” explains Jess Ponce III.
“Yet here, they lack the typical interlocked fingers or palm-to-palm connection.
Instead, he holds her hand up, seemingly handling her.
It appears odd, hinting at an element of control.”
Shriver’s curled-up hand also seems slightly resistant to her husband’s gesture.
However, rather than an affectionate show of unity, Shriver seemed on edge next to her confident husband.
Jess Ponce III explains, “Maria seems uneasy.
Her legs are crossed, her right-hand reaches out to Arnie, and her left-hand rests on her lap.
“In the end, he appears strong, while she looks uncomfortable.
The scene is awkward and tense.”
“This kiss does not imply intimacy but rather force.
To the casual observer, they may look like the epitome of fame and happiness here.
Moore also notes that Shriver’s genuine happiness doesn’t seem related to her husband at all.
It’s simply part of the job when it comes to being a political powerhouse.
Body language expert Jess Ponce III notes that Shriver looks tense and uptight.
“Her pursed lips, intense eyes, and stern expression convey frustration or animosity,” says Ponce.
“They seem to be engaging in entirely different experiences,” she admits.
“Despite both being stars in their own right, only Arnold shines in this moment.
Could this divergence be a genuine indicator of why their relationship didn’t last?
It’s true that by this phase of their marriage, a pattern is identifiable.
That’s quite a stretch for someone who has no prior experience in the field.
Usually a man with a thousand-kilowatt beam, the actor looks tired here.
According to Nicole Moore, Shriver and Schwarzenegger’s stances in this snap display an emotional separation between them.
“The couple does not appear to be moving in sync at all in this photo.”
As we know now, this could well have been the case, given their upcoming separation.
