Ben Affleck has one rule for next partner but he's not looking until divorce from Jennifer Lopez is final
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Affleck is reportedly ready to dip his toes back into the dating pool following his recent split from Jennifer Lopez.
However, the 'Deep Water' star has established a crucial guideline for potential romantic interests. He intends to only date individuals who are sober or in recovery.
Ben Affleck ready to date again, but with one condition
Following his highly publicized split from Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck is preparing to date again but with one non-negotiable thing in mind. The actor, 52, has reportedly decided that any future partner must be sober or in recovery, according to an exclusive source from Daily Mail. This comes after his recent separation from Lopez, 55, with whom he rekindled a relationship in 2021 and eventually married, only to file for divorce this past August.
"Ben has not given up on relationships and finally feels ready to move forward and start dating again. He is not going to jump into anything serious until the divorce is finalized but that does not mean he cannot date," an insider told Daily Mail exclusively.
Insiders close to Affleck reveal that the split helped him realize the importance of maintaining his sobriety and staying on a path that prioritizes his well-being. “He only wants to date someone who is sober or in recovery. 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," a source shared.
After moving out of the $68 million home he shared with Lopez into a Brentwood bachelor pad, sources feared the intense pressure might affect his recovery. Lopez even turned to Affleck’s ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, who has remained supportive throughout his journey, for guidance on navigating the situation.
Affleck, who has faced public struggles with addiction over the years, appears to be setting this standard as he focuses on a healthier chapter.
A subtle jab at Jennifer Lopez?
The emphasis on sobriety seems to reflect Ben Affleck's past struggles with addiction, particularly during his marriage to Jennifer Lopez, which insiders described as overwhelming.
Reports indicated that Affleck felt tempted by the glamorous lifestyle associated with Lopez, raising fears about jeopardizing his recovery. An insider previously shared that the pressures of the marriage led Affleck to worry about slipping back into old habits, making his current dating preference a pointed comment on his experience with Lopez.
The dynamic was further complicated when Lopez launched her own line of cocktails, DeLola, in 2023.
Ben Affleck's dating plans after divorce from Jennifer Lopez ignite social media debate
After the announcement that Ben Affleck, recently separated from Jennifer Lopez, is looking to date again but only with a sober partner, online reactions came swiftly, with many weighing in on the timing and criteria of his new relationship plans.
Some commenters encouraged Affleck to take time for himself before jumping back into the dating pool. "Why doesn’t he just remain single for a bit? He’s only very recently got sober, often when people get sober they think love or a relationship will heal them but then you just end up with the issues and relationship stress on top of them which can cause a relapse," one user asked.
Another agreed, suggesting, "I’ve read many times do not date anyone who is recently divorced. Should be no less than a year of being alone for healing, self reflection and adjusting before even Starting to look again. He has jumped from woman to woman to woman. Looking for happiness in others is always fleeting . Hope he tries establishing a strong relationship with God first."
While some questioned the timing, others applauded Affleck’s choice to prioritize sobriety in his dating life. “I think it's sensible of him to want that in a future partner. he obviously does not want to go on the slippery slope again so having a partner who doesn't drink will be right for him. I will say that if hes thinking of someone in recovery, that it's not someone early in their recovery. it needs to be someone at a similar stage or further along in their recovery," stated one user.
“Finally ready to start dating”, they filed for divorce in August and it’s October. Guessing this is all PR and there’s already a woman around," a user said.
"Is the divorce finalized? Ben needs to be alone for a while. Rebounds never work in the long run," another user wrote, while one user added, “If Ben wants to date a woman in recovery, he might want to make sure first that she's working a serious program and has a decent amount of sober time."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
