Ben Affleck Hopes to Be a "Good Husband" to Jennifer Lopez
He opened up in a new interview.
![Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez hold hands as they walk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QPYhdwxawXMWg6pfFEZAt6-415-80.jpg)
Ben Affleck feels confident that his marriage to Jennifer Lopez is on the cards, by the sound of things.
In a new interview with WSJ. Magazine, the actor spoke about what has changed for him in recent years—and why his renewed relationship with Lopez has come at the right time.
"Fear drove me to the work ethic," he said (via ELLE). "Only in the last four years have I been able to not be so terrified, because I recognize I won’t die without work. The most important thing is being a good father. The second most important thing is to be a good man. And a good person. And, ostensibly, you know, a good husband. Hopefully."
Asked about his relationship with J.Lo, Affleck explained that he has to be strict about what he does and doesn't share with the world these days. "You can write conjecture about it, but one of the harder lessons that I have learned is that it’s not wise to share everything with the world," he said.
To put that in context, excessive media attention was one of the main reasons the couple originally broke up back in 2004, so it's hardly surprising that Affleck now feels the need to protect his relationship from prying eyes.
"There are some things which are private and intimate and have meaning in terms of their intimacy by dint of the fact that they’re not shared with the rest of the world," he explained. "I’m more comfortable just learning to find a boundary between things that I want to share and things that I don’t. I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I don’t. I know that I feel more comfortable having those healthy boundaries in my life around which, in a friendly and straightforward way, I tell you, I just don’t want to be talking about my personal relationship in the newspaper. I’m going to exercise a little restraint."
Affleck then spoke about second chances in various contexts. "I am very lucky in my life in that I have benefited from second chances, and I am aware that other people don’t even get first chances," he said. "I’ve had second chances in my career. I’ve had second chances as a human being. Life is difficult, and we are always failing and hopefully learning from those failures. The one thing you really need to avail yourself of the opportunities provided from that growth is the second chance. I’ve definitely tried to take advantage of that. I haven’t always been successful, but in cases in which I have, they’ve turned out to be the defining aspects of my life. But tell your wife to imagine the best story, and I’m sure that’s the true version."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Jenny Is Back on the Block—and Carrying a Birkin
The singer returned to New York City with a loud luxury outfit to match.
By India Roby Published
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is Complete
The tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
By Julia Gray Published
-
If You Need Karlie Kloss, She’ll Be Sorting Her $10 Vitamin Box
“It’s an investment in my self-care.”
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The Idea That Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Marital Issues Are About Her Superstar-Level Fame “Isn’t True”
“There are deeper issues.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jennifer Lopez’s Closeness with Ben Affleck’s Eldest Child Violet Is “Tricky” for Him Amid Lopez and Affleck’s Marital Strain
“They are trying to be strong, but it is a sad time for everyone.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Today Is Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Second Wedding Anniversary, and They’re “Focusing on Loved Ones” During Their Time Apart
The two are “trying to be as amicable as possible” right now.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's $68 Million Home Is on Zillow Now, Just FYI
Heard you were looking to get on the property ladder?
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
There’s Still a “Sliver of Hope” That Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Will Reconcile, Even Though They Are “Doing Their Own Thing Right Now”
Despite taking space from one another this summer, their wedding rings remain on, as does, apparently, hope for a future together.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jennifer Garner Has Been an "Unexpected Ally" to Jennifer Lopez Amid Ben Affleck Divorce Rumors, Source Claims
Jennifers supporting Jennifers!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Lopez’s Mother and Sisters Are Reportedly Encouraging Her to “Get On with Her Life” Apart from Husband Ben Affleck
“It’s taken too much of a toll on her.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Flashes Megawatt Smile in the Hamptons as Ben Affleck Reportedly Celebrates the Fourth in Los Angeles
She's positively glowing.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published