Jennifer Lopez reflects on love and says breakups are 'not a failure' after Ben Affleck divorce
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actress Jennifer Lopez shared a candid perspective on heartbreak during the Tuesday, June 30, episode of Kareem Rahma's internet talk show 'Subway Takes,' describing breakups as opportunities for personal growth rather than failures.
She also reflected on how breakups can lead to emotional transformation while discussing her current outlook on dating and the qualities she valued in a partner. Lopez and actor Ben Affleck officially finalized their divorce in February 2025.
Jennifer Lopez explains why breakups can be a turning point
Lopez dismissed the idea that a breakup represents failure, instead describing it as a turning point. “Breakups are not a failure,” she said, adding, “I honestly feel like it's a launchpad into your next best self."
She even suggested that people should celebrate the end of relationships rather than mourn them. She said, “We should have a party when we break up. People should say, ‘You broke up? Congratulations.' Because one, you made a decision. Two, it was probably the best thing for everybody.”
The 'Office Romance' star also shared her belief that the person whose heart is broken often comes out ahead. “If you go around your life and you're breaking hearts … you're the loser,” she said, adding that those who experience heartbreak are usually the real “winners.”
Lopez explained that some of her greatest personal development has come through difficult experiences. “I just feel like the biggest growth spurts I've had emotionally, mentally, psychologically have always come from a heartbreak. And that's not just in romantic relationships, that's in work heartbreaks, all of it.”
She continued by describing heartbreak as a moment of deep self-reflection, “It's the only time you dig. You’re like, ‘What happened? How do I do this? Why do I keep doing this? Or why didn't that happen? What could I have done better?’ You change yourself."
Jennifer Lopez opens up about dating preferences, current relationship status
Later in the interview, Lopez spoke about the type of people she is attracted to, making it clear that personality matters more than appearance. “I don't discriminate. I like skinny guys. I like a little chunk around the middle. I like beards. I like clean-shaven. It doesn't matter. I like the person inside,” she said.
Lopez was most recently linked to Affleck. The pair rekindled their romance in 2021 after first calling off their engagement in 2004. They got married in 2022 before divorcing two years later. She was previously married to singer and actor Marc Anthony from 2004 to 2014, and the former couple shares 18-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
More recently, dating rumors connected Lopez with her 'Office Romance' co-star Brett Goldstein. However, a source told PEOPLE in May that Lopez is “in a great place on her own right now, though, and doesn't need a relationship to feel happy.”
Earlier that same month, the 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' actress confirmed during an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' that she was single. “I shoulda done it sooner,” she said, adding, “I've been doing it all wrong. I've been doing it all wrong, trust me.”
Looking ahead, Lopez indicated she remains open to finding love again, adding, “I'll meet somebody somewhere one day if they're good enough.”
