The former couple reunited on February 27 for their son Samuel’s 13th birthday at a Los Angeles paintball park, sparking speculation among fans that their bond goes beyond co-parenting.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were all smiles, sharing laughter and warm conversations during a recent outing. Now, body language experts are shedding light on the intimate moments they shared and what they reveal about their connection.
According to body language experts, the exes’ interactions suggest an enduring emotional closeness despite their divorce. Sources who witnessed the outing agree with body language experts. They revealed that Garner and Affleck seemed relaxed in each other’s company and were “having a good time.”
The insiders witnessed no bad energy between them as they were smiling the whole time. “You can just tell they were mainly there for their kid,” an insider noted.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner at the 16th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Still, at one point, as seen in a clip shared online, Affleck wrapped his arms around Garner while she aimed her paintball gun. However, when she didn’t return the embrace, he eventually dropped his arms and focused on the game instead.
Body language expert Nicole Moore analyzed this interaction and noted that divorced co-parents often maintain physical distance, yet Affleck and Garner leaned toward each other. Moore noted that this behavior indicated a level of emotional connection.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California on March 2, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
“When Ben turns to hug Jennifer, he reaches his arms around her with completely relaxed arms, indicating he’s very comfortable touching her in this way, and he squeezes her in slightly as if he really wants to be as close as possible to her,” added Moore.
Even as their children participated in the game, Affleck’s body language showed he was fully engaged with Garner. According to Moore, “It’s almost as if Ben’s body is indicating that he really just wants to put his full focus on Jennifer, and he can’t get enough of her.”

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck spotted in Los Angeles, California on June 2, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In the video shared online, Ben Affleck and Garner’s jacket sleeves also lightly brush against each other. This is a subtle gesture that body language expert Blanca Cobb interprets as a sign of their enduring closeness.
Cobb explained that Garner briefly looked up at Affleck, acknowledging him before shifting her focus forward. However, Affleck remained in place, appearing reluctant to break their physical connection.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck spotted in Los Angeles, California on February 27, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Cobb also observed that Affleck closed the distance between them, stepping toward Garner while placing his left hand just above her hip. Despite standing slightly behind her, his stance, feet spread wide, projected confidence.

Ben Affleck spotted walking the streets, in Los Angeles, California, on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
However, some experts had a different interpretation of Garner’s body language. Clinical forensic psychologist Dr John Huber noted that her actions in the video suggested she was not displaying romantic interest in her ex-husband at that event.
Huber expounded, “As Jennifer takes aim with the paintball gun, Ben steps into Jennifer, wrapping his arms around her, but only gets a stiff rigid posture in response from Jennifer. At this point, his feet are pointed right in the direction of Jennifer, but she continues to be focused on the distance away from Ben.”

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner candidly photographed in Los Angeles, California, on November 30, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The clinical forensic psychologist analyzed Affleck’s reaction, noting that he quickly shifted his focus, drumming his arms as he leaned away and aimed his paintball gun.
Despite the movement, his feet remained pointed toward Garner, signaling lingering attention. Huber explained that these actions are often seen in someone drawn to another person and actively seeking their attention.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner spotted in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
However, he clarified that Jennifer Garner’s actions do not necessarily mean she is uninterested in Affleck. Still, her body language suggested no reciprocal attraction at that moment and possibly never.
Aside from body experts, fans also noticed a shift in Affleck’s demeanor at the celebration of his son’s 13th birthday.

A fan comments on Ben Affleck’s shift in demeanor while with his ex wife Jennifer Garner, from a post dated March 4, 2025 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
Affleck, Garner, and Samuel, alongside the teenager’s friends, had full paintball camo gear, guns and helmets at the ready for the fun birthday party. The exes were seen smiling and laughing together as they celebrated their son’s milestone.
The “Love, Simon” actress kept it casual in baggy denim overalls paired with a navy long-sleeve top, her sleek brunette hair pulled back into a ponytail. Meanwhile, the “Gone Girl” star opted for a laid-back look with blue jeans and a green button-down shirt layered under a matching jacket. He completed his outfit with brown lace-up boots.
The two joined in on the action, suiting up in protective gear as they dodged and fired rounds of paint-filled bullets, at one point taking cover together behind a structure. Affleck, in particular, appeared at ease, leaning in to chat with his ex-wife as they tended to their son and his friends.
Photos from the event captured Affleck, who is often seen looking serious, grinning and enjoying the moment. His change in demeanor had fans talking.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 15, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
One fan observed, “He always looks lighter & happier & glowing from inside when he’s around her ❤️.” Another netizen echoed the sentiment, “This is the first time he actually looks happy.” Many were thrilled to see him in good spirits, with someone exclaiming, “He’s finally smiling!!!” Another admirer simply called them a “Beautiful couple 😍.”

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner spotted out in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone was convinced this was a purely joyful moment, as some wondered how Garner’s boyfriend, John Miller, would feel. One person expressed skepticism, “That doesn’t seem like co-parenting poor Miller all the humiliations he has to endure.[sic]”

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Affleck and Garner, who married in 2005, have maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship since finalizing their divorce in 2018. Following their split, Affleck rekindled his early 2000s romance with Jennifer Lopez.
The couple went public with their reunion and tied the knot in July 2022. However, their marriage came to an end when Lopez filed for divorce on their second anniversary.
In contrast, after finalizing her divorce from Affleck, Garner was ready to move forward with her personal life. A source said she had waited patiently while Affleck completed his rehab treatment, knowing that their separation needed to be officially settled before she could truly move on.

Jennifer Garner on April 24, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
“Jen doesn’t want to be single for the rest of her life, so she is open to dating. She has been on dates, but it seems she isn’t serious about a guy. As always, she is mostly focused on her kids and her job,” the insider divulged.
Now, Garner seems to have found a serious connection with Miller. Their romance developed steadily, and despite Affleck’s high-profile relationships post-divorce, Garner focused on building a stable and fulfilling personal life with Miller.
Even when headlines surrounding her ex-husband’s split from Lopez popped up, a source shared that the actress remained focused on her own life as “She’s happy with John.”
Garner’s relationship with the CEO of Cali Burger has been a delightful blend of on-and-off moments, marked by their evident enjoyment of each other’s company.
In 2023, they were sighted walking hand in hand during a weekend lunch date in Santa Monica, a heartwarming testament to their connection.
Fans took to social media to express their joy and support. The admiration was palpable, with comments like, “Good for her [for] finding happiness again” and“What a beautiful-looking couple,” echoing the sentiments of those who cherish this genuine connection.
This rare public appearance in Santa Monica marked a significant moment, as the couple has deliberately kept their years-long romance out of the limelight. Garner looked effortlessly stylish in a gray top paired with a black skirt, tights, and matching loafers. Her accessories added an elegant touch to her radiant smile.

John Miller as seen in a video dated January 26, 2018 | Source: YouTube/@InteractiveNEC
Miller sported a laid-back yet dashing look with a blue plaid button-up shirt, jeans, and brown boots. Together, they exuded a sense of genuine connection and happiness.
Their subtle but tender public display of affection was a heartwarming moment, leaving fans genuinely pleased for Garner, with one fan commenting, “He looks like a nice fellow.”
Interestingly, Miller shares a similar experience with Garner, as he is also a divorcee. He was previously married to violinist Caroline Campbell, but their marriage ended in 2014 after nine years. The pair shares two children.
Now, despite being in the public eye, Garner and Miller are exceptionally private about their relationship. They have never spoken publicly about their romance and have chosen to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight.