The reason why Kanye West stands behind Kim Kardashian in photos

The pose says a lot about the dynamic of their relationship

Sabrina Barr
Wednesday 21 March 2018 18:29 GMT
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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West attend the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West attend the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City

Celebrities receive a lot of scrutiny when they grace the red carpet, especially when they arrive as a pair.

As one of the most famous couples on the planet, it should come as no surprise that many people take an interest into the lives of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

The way in which they stand alongside one another at high-profile events says a lot about the dynamic of their relationship, as revealed by body language experts to The Independent.

It’s been previously noted that Kanye often stands behind his wife Kim when being photographed.

This not only reveals a great deal about the way in which they connect with one another, but also about his own personality.

In a photograph taken at the Met Ball in 2016, Kim is evidently the main focus of the married pair as she positions herself in front of her husband.

“You would think a power couple of this magnitude would choose to share the limelight and stand side by side as with other Hollywood royalty, but no,” says Darren Stanton, body language expert and "human lie detector".

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West attend the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City

“Kanye has chosen to significantly shield his body behind Kim’s.

“He makes himself appear smaller and more subservient as he is being careful not to steal any of the attention.

“Kanye is using Kim as a proactive barrier, allowing him to sink into his surroundings and take the emphasis off himself.”

Kanye West makes thoughtful video for Kim Kardashian's birthday

While this implies that Kanye is quite shy in character, it also emphasises the confidence exhibited by Kim as the one out of the pair who prefers the limelight.

“If the woman is far forward with her full body from the feet up facing the camera, she is showing that she wants to be seen as number one,” says body language expert Patti Wood.

“In this photo, it’s all about Kim and how good she feels in the dress.

“Also notice that she is using strong alpha cues - the jutted out hip, the large elbow on the hip and the left foot out and forward to show her superior power.”

A man may subconsciously decide to stand behind his female partner as a sign of protection.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West attend the 2015 CFDA Fashion Awards

However, Stanton explains that this pose also denotes the way in which Kanye and Kim’s personalities balance each other out in their relationship.

“I think this picture says that Kanye has no ego in the dynamic with Kim,” says Stanton.

“He’s happy for her to receive most or all of the attention."

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