‘Honey, that’s cheating’: Internet reacts to Kristen Bell’s explanation of Dax Shepard’s flirting

Bell explained that Shepard compliments strangers and that she interprets the gestures as flirting with her

Kristen Bell has sparked a debate online after revealing how her husband, Dax Shepard, flirts with her by complimenting other people, with some internet users questioning whether the unusual approach counts as flirting at all.

The actress discussed the couple’s relationship during an October 26 episode of Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, which featured her Nobody Wants This co-stars Adam Brody, Justine Lupe and Timothy Simons.

Bell explained that Shepard sometimes compliments people they encounter, including restaurant staff, and that she interprets the gestures as a way of expressing affection towards her.

“There’s a couple things Dax does where he doesn’t have to look up and wink at me, but I know that he’s just being the best boy,” Bell said.

She recalled Shepard complimenting a restaurant server by telling them they had “incredible eyelashes” and “gorgeous eyes”.

When podcast co-host Monica Padman suggested Shepard was flirting with the server, Bell disagreed, explaining that she viewed the interaction as a way of flirting with her instead.

“But that’s flirting with me, because he just made someone else feel good,” Bell said.

The actress added that Shepard was unlikely to have any further interaction with the person, describing the chance of him having another conversation with the server as “so microscopic”.

Bell said she interpreted her husband’s behaviour as affectionate because she saw him actively smiling at people and giving them compliments.

However, her explanation prompted mixed reactions online, with some users questioning the couple’s interpretation of flirting.

One commenter wrote, “Honey that’s cheating,” while another shared a GIF of Adele to express confusion over the couple’s relationship dynamic.

Others questioned whether the gesture could genuinely be considered flirting with a partner, with one user asking, “And this is considered flirting with your wife?”

Some commenters also expressed frustration at repeatedly encountering details about the couple’s marriage, while another joked, “Whatever that means. Let me stay out of straight people’s business.”

Bell and Shepard married in October 2013 and share two daughters, Lincoln and Delta. The couple have frequently spoken openly about their relationship, sharing personal anecdotes and unconventional conversations that have become a familiar part of their public image.

Bell’s latest comments have once again prompted online discussion about the couple’s dynamic, with reactions ranging from amusement to disbelief over her interpretation of Shepard’s compliments.