“WHY ARE MILEY AND LIAM OVER??!!” read a text from my friend on Saturday night, the first to notify me that Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth had split after eight months of marriage (and 10 years of rollercoaster dating). “V upset,” she continued.
Like many millennials’ convos this past weekend (or at least, I can only imagine), our chat quickly turned into a full-on sobfest over the end of Liley, a romance that our 14-year-old selves shipped HARD after the two actors met on the set of The Last Song in 2009.
I know, I know. Over the years, Liam and Miley have broken up numerous times, including that time they called off their engagement because they needed time to grow independently of each other. But things had been looking pretty solid for the married couple. In fact, WH just talked to a body language expert who said there was a ton of love between the couple…but I guess that isn’t always enough. (Tear.)
Two-thirds of the way through 2019 and Miley and Liam have officially joined the growing list of the year’s celeb breakups, including Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid, Anna Camp and Skylar Astin, and Adele and Simon Konecki (sad, sad, SAD). But major difference here: These stars didn’t jet off on a luxe Italian vacation the way Miley has (have you SEEN her Insta?!)—or if they did, they didn’t spam social with a flood of hot AF photos of themselves.
Of course, Miley could just be posturing for the ‘gram. I can’t really blame her if so, tbh—sometimes a little distance with a side of feeling yourself does the heart good, at least for a little while.
But her captions about life being a climb (if you know, you know) are hinting at the serious reflecting she seems to be doing while abroad. And if you ask Jane Greer, PhD, a body language expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship—who took a look at Miley’s post-breakup body language—she’s already healing…
1. Miley’s ready for whatever’s next.
Miley’s not holding anything back this time around, says Greer. Her wide-open stance—arms stretched out, leg turned outward, and head tilted up—means she’s going to embrace whatever comes her way.
This isn’t to say she was closed off while she was with Liam, but this body language shows she’s making an effort not to close herself off from new experiences. She’ll continue being her “truest self,” Greer says. As Miley does best.
2. She’s embracing where she is right now.
Before even getting into Miley’s body language here, Greer’s attention went to her choice of backdrop.
The fact that she’s halfway up the stairs means “she’s in the midst of it,” says Greer (“it” being her healing process). “She’s in the middle of making big changes, reaching for new heights, and embracing a new place in her life,” she continues. Even the position of Miley’s body, halfway turned, points to this period of transition.
3. She’s “really leaning into” single life.
“Miley’s getting comfortable in her new seat in life as a single woman,” says Greer, and she’s “really leaning into it.”
As tough has this separation must be (I mean, Liam said so himself), she has accepted her new reality and is making it work for her. The way she’s leaning back and looking down at the camera from her “throne” shows she’s in control of what happens next.
4. The future’s unknown and she’s okay with that.
After you take a moment to imagine that you’re the one soaking up the sun backed by a pool backed by the ocean backed by the mountains, I’ll get started. Ready?
About this ridic pic: Greer says Miley’s “feeling good in her own skin.” During a time when many might worry about the future, Miley’s body language—namely, her popped leg and turned-up chin—shows how confident she’s feeling in this moment. While any future plans involving Liam are off the table, for right now, she’s at peace with herself.
5. Miley’s not rushing things.
Miley’s opening up her body toward the camera, meaning she’s “reconciling herself to the process of growth,” says Greer. “She knows she’s going to face challenges and hurdles in her journey, and she trusts that she’ll be able to overcome them,” she continues.
If you take a look at Miley’s caption under this photo, you’ll know Greer’s analysis holds up. Miley writes about trusting the evolutionary process that comes with all of life’s changes. More specifically: While it might not happen as soon as you’d like or when you expect it to, embracing growth is what’s most important.
It doesn’t seem like Miley is on the verge of a major image transformation this time around (honestly, thank G)—but I have a feeling her next album is going to be pretty real. At least there’s that to look forward to!
This article originally appeared on Women’s Health US.
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