Jennifer Lopez shared insights into her past relationships during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Howard Stern Show” on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, explaining she feels she has never been genuinely loved by her former partners. When Howard Stern asked whether she had ever been truly loved, Lopez answered, “No” after a brief moment of reflection.
The 56-year-old entertainer explained that her previous partners were unable to provide the love she desired. Lopez described the situation as not a reflection of her being unlovable, but rather a reflection of her former partners’ inability to truly love because they had not learned to love themselves. She noted that while these men offered her material possessions such as rings, houses, and marriages, they could not fulfill her need for a genuine emotional connection.
Lopez specifically mentioned her recent marriage to Ben Affleck, which began in July 2022 and ended with a divorce in January 2025. She characterized the end of the marriage as transformative, stating that the divorce was beneficial for her. Post-divorce, Lopez focused on self-improvement, engaging with various therapists, including a religious coach, a couples therapist, an individual therapist, and an addiction specialist.
This period of reflection led Lopez to understand that personal growth stems from self-awareness and self-acceptance. She examined aspects of her upbringing and relationship dynamics, including feelings of neglect and her expressions of love. Through this process, she gained a deeper appreciation for herself, recognizing both her strengths and complexities.
During her appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” on October 15, Lopez humorously addressed how she handles past relationships, joking that once a relationship ends, her exes are effectively dead to her. She quickly clarified that she does not hold grudges but prefers to move on completely, explaining she does not keep in touch with former partners to focus on the future.
Lopez recounted her first significant relationship with a high school boyfriend, whom she dated for 10 years and who has since passed away. She described him as a wonderful person, but noted she eventually outgrew the relationship. While he was satisfied with his job at a fruit market in the Bronx, New York, she had aspirations for greater achievements, which led her to Los Angeles, California, to pursue dance and acting.
Lopez discussed the difficulties of dating at her level of fame, citing the constant public scrutiny as a challenge. She admitted to making mistakes by living a very public life and sharing significant moments with partners, including public appearances. However, Lopez expressed a desire to maintain privacy in future romantic relationships, acknowledging that her personal life has been affected by the attention.
When questioned about rumors involving her former fiancé, Alex Rodriguez, allegedly messaging Southern Charm cast member Madison LeCroy in 2021, Lopez chose not to divulge details. She emphasized her desire to no longer discuss her personal life publicly, stating she feels that chapter is closed. The audience at “Watch What Happens Live” supported her stance with applause.
Lopez and Rodriguez started dating in 2017, announced their engagement in 2019, but ended their relationship in April 2021, agreeing they were better as friends. Subsequently, Lopez rekindled her romance with Affleck, leading to their 2022 marriage and, eventually, their 2024 separation.
The singer rejected the idea of using the celebrity dating app Raya, describing herself as traditional and preferring to meet people through conventional means. Despite past challenges, Lopez remains optimistic about her future, stating confidence in meeting new people. Currently, she is focused on her career, including her role in the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, now playing in theaters.
