THE RUNDOWN
- Jennifer Lopez is not dating as the new year approaches, according to People.
- A source told the outlet that she’s “happy and content” with focusing on her family and career.
- Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck last year and has since opened up about enjoying her independence.
Jennifer Lopez is embracing the single life as 2026 approaches. According to a People report on Monday, the Kiss of the Spider Woman star is not dating nearly a year after finalizing her divorce from Ben Affleck.
A source told the outlet that Lopez is focused on her family and career, saying, “It’s all about work and the kids for her. She seems happy and content.” Lopez shares 17-year-old twins, Max and Emme, with her ex-husband Marc Anthony.
Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on Aug. 20, 2024—exactly two years after their second wedding ceremony in Georgia—listing April 26 as their separation date. The divorce was finalized in early 2025. Their split marked the end of a highly publicized reunion that began in 2021, nearly two decades after they first called off their engagement in 2004.
Speaking with Nikki Glaser for Interview magazine in October 2024, Jennifer Lopez candidly reflected
on a powerful turning point in her life — learning to embrace independence after decades of emotional
highs and lows. She shared that after spending nearly 25 to 30 years navigating complex relationships
and challenging personal situations, she has finally reached a place where she feels complete on her
own.
“Yes, I’m not looking for anybody,” Lopez admitted honestly. “After everything I’ve been through —
all the relationships, all the difficult moments — I had to stop and ask myself: what can I actually do
when it’s just me, flying on my own?”
She explained that this phase of her life is about self-discovery, strength, and freedom rather than
searching for love or validation from someone else. For the first time, she’s allowing herself to imagine
a life driven entirely by her own choices, desires, and inner peace. “What if I’m just free?” she
wondered — a question that now defines her mindset, as she embraces confidence, independence, and
the power of standing fully in her own truth.
She echoed similar sentiments during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, where she spoke
openly about her past relationships and how they shaped her understanding of self-worth. Lopez
explained that with time and reflection, she realized the problem was never about her value or her
ability to love deeply.
“What I learned is that it’s not that I’m not lovable,” she said with clarity and confidence. “It’s that
they’re not capable.” The statement marked a powerful shift in her perspective — one rooted in self-
respect rather than self-doubt. She emphasized that emotional maturity and the ability to truly give and
receive love aren’t qualities everyone possesses, and she no longer internalizes others’ limitations as her own shortcomings.
Lopez also made it clear that she isn’t interested in modern dating culture, revealing that she has no
plans to use dating apps. Describing herself as “old-fashioned,” she shared that she still believes in
organic connections, meaningful conversations, and genuine emotional bonds rather than swiping
through profiles. At this stage in her life, she values authenticity, peace, and self-assurance above all —
choosing fulfillment on her own terms instead of settling for anything less.
Sources previously told Us Weekly that being single has proven to be an empowering and deeply
transformative experience for Lopez. According to those close to her, she has discovered a renewed
sense of strength in standing on her own, often describing herself as feeling “stronger alone” and fully
“liberated” to make decisions without having to compromise her needs, values, or happiness.
One insider shared that this period of independence has allowed Lopez to reconnect with herself in a
way she hadn’t experienced before. “Jen feels more comfortable in her skin than ever,” the source
revealed, emphasizing the confidence and self-assurance she now carries. They added that there’s a
noticeable sense of calm and clarity surrounding her, along with a deeper feeling of independence and
inner peace.
According to the insider, Lopez is currently in an exceptionally positive mental and emotional space,
focused on personal growth, fulfillment, and balance. “She’s in a really good headspace right now,” the
source said — a reflection of a woman who is fully embracing freedom, self-love, and life on her own terms.