"That's Flirting With Me"— Kristen Bell Reveals How Dax Shepard Wins Her Heart by Complimenting Others

Published 10/26/2026, 10:49 PM EDT

via Imago

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have one of the most natural and endearing chemistries in Hollywood, a couple whose banter and mutual admiration have made them fan favorites for over a decade. Married for 13 years, they have built a relationship on honesty, humor, and a willingness to discuss the gloriously messy realities of long-term love.

Now, Bell has revealed that one of Shepard's most effective romantic gestures involves paying attention to complete strangers. A restaurant server receives a compliment, Bell gets butterflies, and Cupid apparently wonders whether he should start moonlighting in hospitality.

Kristen Bell reveals the unexpected way Dax Shepard flirts with her

On the latest episode of Dax's Armchair Expert podcast, while talking about their relationship, Kristen Bell explained why her husband's habit of complimenting strangers feels like a gesture of love toward her.

"But that's flirting with me because he just needs someone else feel good cause he's gonna have 0 interaction with this girl for the rest of his life," Bell said, framing Shepard's kindness as a reflection of the values she admires in him.

via Imago

She went on to explain that the chances of Shepard ever having another conversation with the person he complimented are so microscopic that the gesture is purely about making someone feel good in the moment, with no ulterior motive. For Bell, witnessing that selfless instinct is what makes it feel like a private form of affection.

Bell gave a concrete example, describing how at dinner Shepard will tell a waiter or waitress they have incredible eyelashes or gorgeous eyes, without even needing to look up and wink at her—she just knows he's being the best version of himself. It's a small habit, but one that speaks volumes about the kind of partner he is, and why their chemistry has endured.

Netflix Star Kristen Bell Opens Up on “Compromises” With Dax Shepard Following Controversial Post

And Bell has another beloved character preparing to discover the wonderfully awkward complications of love.

Frozen 3 brings Anna, Elsa, and Olaf back for another adventure

Arendelle is officially reopening its frosty gates, and Disney has already started building excitement for Frozen 3. On February 2, Josh Gad shared an Instagram photograph alongside directors Jennifer Lee and Trent Correy and producer Christina Chen, celebrating his return as Olaf. 

Credits: Walt Disney Animation Studios

Kristen Bell returns as Anna, Idina Menzel reprises Elsa, and Jonathan Groff voices Kristoff. Disney has scheduled the animated sequel for November 24, 2027. The studio offered another exciting glimpse during August's D23 showcase, unveiling new animation featuring a mysterious villainess whose powers rival Elsa's.

Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are returning to provide the music. Between Shepard's unexpected compliments and Olaf's budding romantic ambitions, Bell seems surrounded by some delightfully unconventional love languages.

Kristen Bell Gushes About Her Bond With Robert Downey Jr. And How It Changed Her View of Fame

What do you think about Shepard's unusual way of flirting with Bell? Let us know in the comments.

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Pratham Gurung

802 articles

If films shape personalities, Pratham was practically raised in a dark theater, pulling off twenty-four-hour movie marathons and falling into hour-long YouTube video essays at 3 a.m., his fascination with cinema never really having an off switch.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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