Jennifer Lopez Gushes About Her "Second Chance" With Ben Affleck
It's been 20 years since Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were first a couple, and their renewed love has been the talk of the town recently. In an exclusive interview with People, J-Lo opens up about what it's like to get back together with Ben and how it's been a huge source of joy in her life.
Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez hasn't always had the best luck with love. Her 10-year marriage with Marc Anthony ended in 2014, as did her engagement to Alex Rodriguez in April 2021. So when Jennifer was spotted cuddling with Ben Affleck in May 2021, the world couldn't look away.
Jennifer and Ben Are Happier Than Ever
Jennifer and Ben first dated from 2002 to 2004, and despite the gossip and judgment over their second go-around, Jen is happy to report that they're doing great. Better than ever, in fact.
"It's beautiful the way it feels very different than it was years ago...There's more of an appreciation and a celebration for it, which is nice," Jennifer said. "When you find somebody and you really, really love them and you get a second chance at that? That is a really rare, precious, beautiful thing, and we don't take it for granted."
Although Jennifer acknowledges that her life is no fairy tale, she told People, "I've never been better...It's a beautiful love story that we got a second chance." Things are going well outside of her relationship too. Her 13-year-old twins are doing wonderful, and she has a fulfilling family life. She also has a new romcom with Owen Wilson coming out on February 11, Marry Me.
It wasn't easy for Jen and Ben to go public with their relationship. Jennifer admitted that they "had a little bit of fear." But ultimately, she didn't care what others thought. "We both were like, 'Wow, we're so happy and we don't want any of that to come into play again.' We're older now, we're smarter, we have more experience, we're at different places in our lives, we have kids now, and we have to be very conscious of those things," she shared. "We're so protective because it is such a beautiful time for all of us."
Jennifer Loves the Man That Ben Has Become
"I'm so proud of him, I'm so proud of the man he's become that I've watched from afar," Jennifer said. "I feel like he's at a place in his life where – just like how I feel about myself – it's been a journey of learning yourself and figuring yourself out, getting to a place where you feel really good on your own and who you are so you can be in a happy, healthy relationship."
Ben sought help for his alcohol addiction during the years they were separated, and Jennifer gushes that now "he is so everything I always knew he was and wanted to be."
They're looking forward to a future "full of love and happiness" that includes both of their respective children.
Love in the Spotlight Is Not Easy
It's easy to judge other people for the choices they make in their love life – this is amplified by a thousand when it comes to celebrities in the public eye. While Bennifer 2.0 may not make sense to everyone watching, J-Lo has appeared positively radiant this past year. She has simultaneously remained vulnerable and impervious to the harsh criticism of her renewed relationship, and it's hard to find fault with a woman who seems to be deeply in love. And come on, you have to admit they're cuter than ever.