While Jennifer Lopez is keeping fans guessing about her relationship status with Kevin Costner, J. Lo’s ex, Ben Affleck, is making some post-divorce dating moves of his own. Though there doesn’t appear to be a specific person who’s captured Affleck’s heart, he does have some dealbreakers — and insiders say that one of his exes is a “perfect example” of the type of person he actually wants to date. Any guesses who that might be? (Hint: they’ve been spending a lot of time together, and Lopez reportedly felt threatened throughout the “nightmare” marriage). Spoiler alert — it’s Jennifer Garner.
Let’s backtrack for a moment. Affleck and Lopez’s divorce was finalized on January 6 and signed off by February 20, with their settlement relatively drama-free—profits from their $60 million estate will be split, and personal belongings kept. But insiders say Lopez’s cocktail line, Delola, stirred early trouble in their marriage. Fans and Affleck’s inner circle questioned why she’d launch an alcohol brand while married to a recovering alcoholic, with one source previously calling it “the beginning of the end” of their relationship.
Now, Lopez is reclaiming her old name and moving on, but Affleck is focusing on what he needs in a future partner. “Ben isn’t rushing into any serious relationship at this stage of his life,” a source shared with InTouch Weekly, “but he hasn’t ruled out dating. His new friends, since getting sober, include a lot of AA and Al-Anon members.” Translation? Any future love interest must understand what it takes to be with someone in recovery. “Ben doesn’t want to date a woman with no clue about addiction,” the source added.
That’s exactly why Garner, his co-parent and longtime confidante, serves as the gold standard. “She understands him better than anyone,” the insider shared, noting that Garner’s experience with Affleck’s struggles makes her unique. “He’s met some very accomplished women through the 12-step program… but as far as I know, no one he’s serious about yet.”
This isn’t the first time people close to Affleck suggested he wants someone who understands the sober life. “He only wants to date someone who is sober or in recovery,” a source claimed last October. “These past two years have been tough for Ben and as he begins to heal, one thing is very clear: his recovery comes before anything. He is not going to put his sobriety in jeopardy.”
Whether or not love strikes its match anytime soon, one thing’s for sure — Affleck’s next move will absolutely be more intentional.
Before you go, click here to learn more about celebrities who’ve opened up about dating after divorce.
