EXCLUSIVE: Five things Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck must do to last as they reunite after divorce
As Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were spotted looking cosy - fans have rumoured a potential reconciliation, and here's what to do if you are considering getting back with your ex too
As Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck look cosy on the red carpet at a surprise joint appearance at the premiere of their new movie, Kiss Of The Spider Woman, people are wondering if there could be a comeback for the couple who only divorced this year.
The actress, 56, and her ex-husband, 53, were spotted having an intimate moment together in New York, just a year after JLO filed for divorce, and they smiled as they looked fondly into each others eyes.
While getting back with an ex isn't exactly rare, if they were to reconciliate after their split, there are a few things they will need to consider, according to relationship expert Hope Flynn.
The cosy appearance sparked rumours among fans, with one posting a GIF of Tiffany Pollard looking stressed, rubbing the temples of her head and writing on X: "Lord…they’re gonna start this all over again," while another simply said: "They are going home together."
According to Hope Flynn, who is also the founder of the female empowerment community So What? Every move a high profile couple make can be scrutinised, and the pressure of a relationship to survive in the spotlight is more intense. "That said, if both people are genuinely willing to address what went wrong and make changes then getting back together can absolutely work," Flynn noted.
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"The trick is making sure the reasons for the split aren’t just brushed under the carpet - otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for round two of the same drama!"
With that in mind, and for those considering getting back with their ex, the expert has shared some top tips on getting back with your ex after a messy breakup:
Give each other some breathing space
By jumping straight back in to the relationship, can be "a disaster waiting to happen" according to Flynn, as both of you need time to cool off, reflect and figure out whether getting back together is really the right move to make.
Be honest about what went wrong
Flynn said it's important to not "sugar coat" what happened. "If you’re serious about giving it another go then you need to have a real honest conversation about why things fell apart it the first place." She also urged people to not blame each other, and instead have a "real heart-to-heart" about what needs to change in order for things to work.
Rebuild trust one step at a time
If the breakup was messy (and let’s face it, a lot are), she said trust doesn’t just magically come back. "It takes time, patience and consistent actions showing you’ve changed to prove that things can be different this time around."
Set some new ground rules
The expert noted how essential boundaries are, and whether it's about communication, personal space or how you handle disagreements, "setting these clear expectations can stop you from falling back into old patterns and toxic behaviours.
Get an outsiders perspective
Flynn said sometimes it can be a good idea to seek an outsiders opinion such as a relationship coach or therapist. "Sometimes a neutral third party can help you see things more clearly and keep things in your relationship on track."
Brace yourself for other people’s opinions
Lastly, after a breakup, there will always be friends and family with something to say, but according to Flynn, it's your choice. "As long as you’re truly happy and confident in your decision - that’s what really matters. So hold your head up high, stay strong and block out that external noise."
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