Jennifer Garner has been spending a lot of time with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, especially after his breakup with Jennifer Lopez in 2024.
The two were recently spotted enjoying a family outing in Los Angeles, where they were seen sharing a tender moment while taking their kids, Fin, 16, and Sam, 13, paintballing.
Their oldest child, Violet, 19, is currently away at Yale. But despite this renewed closeness, Garner has made it clear that she’s not looking to rekindle their romantic relationship.
Garner Opens Up About Trust Issues with Ben Affleck
In a recent conversation, sources close to the actress revealed that Garner is “deathly afraid of falling back in love” with Ben.
Her hesitations stem from the unresolved trust issues she still holds after Ben’s highly publicized affair with the couple’s nanny, Christine Ouzounian, which deeply impacted their marriage.
Even though they share three children together, Jennifer fears the emotional fallout of revisiting a relationship that caused her so much pain in the past.
A close source shared, “She loves Ben but is worried that he will crush her all over again.
She doesn’t want to go through another heartbreak, especially with their kids witnessing it.”
The actress is also cautious about the potential drama that could come from reuniting with Ben, as she doesn’t want to expose her children to more conflict between their parents.
The Emotional Strain of Their Marriage and Divorce
Jennifer has been open in the past about how emotionally challenging her marriage and subsequent divorce from Ben were.
In a 2016 interview with Vanity Fair, she discussed the toll their split took on her heart, explaining that the end of their 10-year marriage was something she hadn’t imagined.
Despite the heartbreak, Jennifer was always candid about her commitment to their family, stating that her primary concern was their three children’s well-being.
She also shared that she still has deep admiration for Ben, describing him as “the love of my life” and admitting that she would not change the past, despite the pain it caused. “When his sun shines on you, you feel it.
But when the sun is shining elsewhere, it’s cold,” she said, reflecting on Ben’s complex personality.
Garner and Affleck’s Co-Parenting Relationship After Their Divorce
Although Jennifer and Ben are no longer romantically involved, their commitment to co-parenting their three children remains strong.
Despite the turmoil of their past relationship, both have made it clear that their focus is on providing a stable and loving environment for Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.
Jennifer has even spoken about how they have managed to maintain a friendly relationship, especially when it comes to their kids’ happiness.
“I lost the dream of dancing with my husband at my daughter’s wedding, but you should see their faces when he walks through the door,” she said.
“When you see your kids love someone so purely, you’re going to be friends with that person.”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s Divorce Details and Their Future
Meanwhile, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s divorce was finalized earlier this year, after a tumultuous marriage.
The couple, who rekindled their romance in 2021 and married in 2022, officially separated in April 2024.
The legal proceedings, which included the division of their $61 million mansion, were concluded in February 2025.
Jennifer Lopez returned to her maiden name and both parties kept what they had individually earned during their marriage.
Despite their separation, both Ben and Jennifer Lopez are reportedly committed to maintaining a good relationship for the sake of their families.
Sources close to the pair say that they are still in touch and continue to communicate, particularly when it comes to matters involving their children.
Moving On and Finding Peace with the Past
As Jennifer moves forward with her life, she is focused on healing and creating the best possible future for her children.
While she doesn’t rule out the possibility of finding love again, her priority is her kids and ensuring they grow up in a stable environment.
For now, it seems that the possibility of getting back together with Ben is off the table, as Jennifer continues to guard her heart from potential heartbreak.