Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Show ‘Emotional Intimacy’ Years After Divorce, Say Experts

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner might no longer be married, but their recent paintball outing has sparked fresh chatter about their undeniable connection. Body language experts say their interactions reveal a surprising level of “emotional intimacy” that’s rare among divorced couples.

Smiling and exuding positive energy, the former couple was clearly focused on being there for their children, according to an insider. “They had a bunch of good energy around them,” the source shared. “You can just tell they were mainly there for their kid.”

In one telling moment captured on video, Affleck hugged Garner while she was aiming her paintball gun. Though she didn’t return the hug, Affleck’s body language suggested comfort and a desire for closeness. Experts noted that divorced couples often maintain physical distance as a way to create emotional boundaries, but Affleck and Garner seem to break that mold entirely.

“When Ben leans in for a hug, his arms are relaxed, showing he’s comfortable and very much at ease,” body language expert Nicole Moore observed. “His posture and the way he squeezes her lightly suggest he genuinely wants to be close to her.” But notably, Garner’s response, or lack thereof, hinted at a different dynamic—one where her focus remained forward, on the task at hand.

Another body language expert, Blanca Cobb, pointed out how their jacket sleeves were touching, a subtle but telling signal of closeness. “Jennifer looks up at Ben, giving him attention momentarily, before redirecting her gaze forward,” Cobb explained. Meanwhile, Affleck appeared unwilling to break their physical connection, positioning himself closely behind her with his hand resting above her hip.

Yet not everyone agrees on the meaning behind Garner’s actions. Dr. John Huber, a clinical forensic psychologist, interpreted her posture as stiff and unresponsive, suggesting she might not feel the same level of emotional connection as Affleck does. “She remains focused on her aim, while Ben’s movements mirror someone in pursuit of deeper closeness,” Huber remarked. However, he added, “This doesn’t mean she’s not attracted to him—it just means, not now and possibly not ever.”

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, who were married in 2005 and announced their separation in 2015, finalized their divorce three years later, following a period of marriage counseling and Affleck’s trips to rehab. Throughout it all, they’ve maintained a strong commitment to co-parenting their children and, evidently, a connection that even experts can’t ignore.

Since the divorce, Affleck rekindled his romance with Jennifer Lopez, marrying her in 2022 before their relationship ended in 2025. Meanwhile, Garner has been in a relationship with John Miller, chairman of CaliGroup, and the couple has reportedly been going strong since 2023.

Despite all the twists and turns in their personal lives, Affleck’s body language, according to Moore, reveals lingering feelings for Garner. “It’s clear that he deeply values the connection he has with her, even if it’s no longer romantic,” Moore noted. Garner, on the other hand, seems comfortable but not as emotionally invested. “She stays close to him, but her actions suggest she’s maintaining a bit of distance.”

Whatever the true nature of their bond, one thing is clear: Affleck and Garner’s ability to co-parent while maintaining such visible warmth is a rare feat in Hollywood. Whether or not that “emotional intimacy” ever evolves into something more remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a dynamic that continues to fascinate fans and experts alike.