Jennifer Garner has been spending significant time with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, following his split from Jennifer Lopez last year. 

Their renewed closeness has sparked speculation about the nature of their relationship,

especially after they were seen sharing a warm embrace while out with their children in Los Angeles.

Recently, the two were spotted taking their children, 16-year-old Fin and 13-year-old Sam, for a paintball outing.

Their eldest daughter, 19-year-old Violet, is currently away studying at Yale.

Garner and Affleck’s amicable co-parenting dynamic has been evident, as they have been prioritizing their children’s well-being amid Affleck’s divorce from Lopez.

While their increasing time together has led to rumors of a possible reconciliation, sources close to Garner reveal she remains cautious.

Reports indicate that she is “deathly afraid of falling back in love” with Affleck, primarily due to lingering trust issues stemming from their past.

One of the major setbacks in their marriage was Affleck’s alleged affair with their children’s former nanny, Christine Ouzounian, nearly a decade ago.

A source shared, “She loves Ben but is worried that he will crush her all over again. She doesn’t want to heal another broken heart because it’s just too much drama.

Plus, she doesn’t want their kids to witness their mom going through another emotional rollercoaster with their dad.”

Garner has previously spoken openly about her past heartache. In a 2016 interview, she admitted that her marriage to Affleck was real and deeply meaningful to her.

“It was a real marriage. It wasn’t for the cameras. And it was a huge priority for me to stay in it. And that did not work,” she stated.

While she acknowledged that Affleck’s relationship with their nanny did not directly cause their separation, it still hurt. However, despite the pain, she never harbored resentment towards him.

“No one needs to hate him for me. I don’t hate him. Certainly, we don’t have to beat the guy up,” she said at the time.

Affleck and Garner officially separated in June 2015 after ten years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized in 2018.

Despite their breakup, they have maintained a strong co-parenting relationship and have often been seen together with their children.

Garner has also been in an on-again, off-again relationship with businessman John Miller, but she has not been publicly spotted with him since February 20.

Meanwhile, Affleck appears to be making significant lifestyle changes. Known for his love of cigarettes and donuts, the actor has been training rigorously in Los Angeles, possibly signaling a renewed focus on his health and well-being.

Affleck’s recent divorce from Lopez has also fueled discussions about his personal life. The couple, who rekindled their romance in 2021 and tied the knot in 2022, officially ended their marriage in early 2024

Court documents listed their separation date as April 26, 2024, and they reached a confidential settlement regarding their $61 million estate. Lopez has since reverted to her maiden name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez.

Despite their separation, sources say Affleck and Lopez intend to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their families.

Affleck shares his three children with Garner, while Lopez is the mother of 16-year-old twins, Emme and Max, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony.

As for Garner and Affleck, their bond remains strong, but sources close to the actress emphasize that while she deeply cares for him, she is wary of rekindling old feelings.

“She still sees Ben as the love of her life, but she also knows how complicated he can be. She’s taking things slowly and prioritizing her happiness and that of her children,” an insider explained.

For now, Garner and Affleck’s relationship appears to be centered around their children, and while fans may hope for a romantic reunion, only time will tell if they choose to walk that path again.