There was much discussion about the state of their marriage when former President Donald and Melania Trump packed up their bags and prepared to move out of the White House.
Their time as President and First Lady was filled with awkward moments, missed kisses and unwanted hand-holding attempts. There were even many reports that the Slovenian model was “counting every minute until he is out of office and she can divorce”, however publicly she released messages of support for her husband.
It has been noted that after analysing the couple’s behaviour for The Mirror, body language expert Bruce Durham believes that while Melania was a vital support to Trump at the beginning of his presidency, his “lack of empathy, care or even consideration” may be the reason this has changed.
He explains: “We have all been there and done it. Had a raging argument with our loved ones then as soon as that doorbell rings, we open it up and greet the visitor as if we are the most in love couple to ever grace the earth! In a split second we go from a more raw authentic form of ourselves into what we believe is more of a socially acceptable presentation of how a couple should be. You know exactly what I am talking about! But what about when you are the most powerful man on the planet? And, more interestingly, how does this impact his loved one in the case, Melania Trump?
“Instead of a scalding eye when no one is looking, what clues can we take from a body language analysis perspective when two people are very guarded because the entire world is watching. Well the beautiful thing about body language is that it is autonomous. It is an automatic reaction that we have no control of. In a heartbeat, a glance, a move, a body reaction can give us a veritable banquet of feelings to observe and discuss. There have been many questions surrounding the state of Donald and Melania’s marriage. And now that Donald is the outgoing President, is she looking for the exit and are the dynamics changing now that the need for the ‘Imposter Syndrome’ to be present is reducing as each day goes by..?
“So, lets have a look here from a body language perspective to see what Melania is thinking and feeling in regards to her emotional connection to Donald Trump. Interestingly, from an emotional perspective during the Presidents inaugural first dance, it’s Donald who looks uncomfortable here. Now, we all have a relative who ‘dances like a grandad’ way before his time (I put myself in that bracket) but Donald is truly uncomfortable in this situation. In psychology we talk about Individualised Zone of Optimum Function – when you are in ‘the zone’ or have hit your sweet spot of performance.
“In this dance, we see a glimpse into the fundamental lack of emotional connectivity surrounding Donald. Yes, he is great with numbers but as often with people like this, they can often struggle with the human connection. Melania to her credit, is trying to guide Donald into having a simple dance. She is much calmer in this situation. While Donald is talking, she is the one who is putting up with it as she knows that talking is his way of fumbling through something that he does not enjoy or connect with.
