Jennifer Lopez has never been one to shy away from sharing her personal journey, and in her latest conversation with Nikki Glaser for Interview, she opened up about the lessons she learned after her split from Ben Affleck. The couple’s marriage in July 2022 marked a reunion nearly 20 years after their initial engagement in 2004, but their second attempt at love ended in a divorce in August 2024. In her candid discussion, Lopez revealed how her world was turned upside down, leading her to discover new truths about herself, love, and personal growth.
Reflecting on her journey, Lopez explained that just when she thought she had everything figured out, her “whole f-cking world exploded.” This revelation came after the release of her ninth studio album, This Is Me…Now, and the accompanying movie musical, which she described as a personal milestone. “I did all the work and look at where I am, and then it was like my whole fucking world exploded,” she admitted. This explosion, though painful, led to a deeper understanding of herself and what she truly needs in life.
Lopez spoke about the continuous process of self-growth and how life often throws unexpected challenges her way, forcing her to reassess what she has learned. “There’s times when I thought I figured it out, and then life goes, ‘Let’s send you another thing and see if you fall for it.’” She expressed that these tests, while difficult, were crucial for her personal development. When everything falls apart, she said, you’re left to examine your own role in the situation. “You’re standing there in the rubble going, ‘How do I not ever let that happen again?’” Lopez’s insight into her own mistakes has led her to an important realization: the need to look inward, rather than placing blame on others.
The summer she spent apart from Affleck was a time for Lopez to reflect and prove to herself that she could stand strong on her own. “You have to be complete if you want something that’s more complete,” she explained. “You have to be good on your own. I thought I learned that, but I didn’t.” In facing the unfamiliar and sometimes painful emotions of loneliness, Lopez came to understand that happiness must come from within. “Being in a relationship doesn’t define me,” she said, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in oneself.
Lopez also shared her new perspective on love. She described it as something that should be secure, a partnership where both people feel safe and supported. “Somebody who truly loves you will help you heal those parts of yourself,” she explained. It’s about growing together, respecting each other’s boundaries, and helping one another become better versions of themselves. When asked about her future in love, Lopez made it clear that she’s not actively seeking a new partner. “There’s no new bar because I’m not looking for anybody,” she said. “You don’t need another person to be whole and happy.”
Despite the emotional toll of her marriage to Affleck, Lopez expressed no regrets. “That doesn’t mean it didn’t almost take me out for good. It almost did,” she confessed. “But now, on the other side of it, I think to myself, ‘That is exactly what I needed.’” Lopez acknowledged the difficult lessons she had to learn, and while it took time, she’s now stronger for it. “I finally got it,” she said. “You dropped the house on me. Don’t have to do it again.”
Now, Lopez is looking forward to what’s next in her life, embracing the freedom of being on her own and rediscovering what she is capable of when it’s just her. With over 25 years of experience in the industry and countless challenging situations behind her, Lopez is ready to see how high she can soar on her own.
Jennifer Lopez’s journey of self-discovery after her split with Ben Affleck is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of looking inward. As she moves forward, she does so with the confidence that she doesn’t need anyone to complete her—she is already whole.
