How to Start Repairing Relationships Damaged by Politics

Feb 20, 2017

If you used to think that politics were boring, we’d bet pretty big money that the 2016 presidential campaign (in which Vogue made its first-ever endorsement), Donald Trump’s victory (and the crazy global reactions to it), and the emotional aftermath (Michelle Obama’s farewell speech, anyone?) have proven you wrong. A few weeks into President Trump’s administration, it’s hard to remember a time before the controversial 2016 election, but that time did exist — and it felt much simpler than the one we’re living in now. While the events of the last few months have inspired plenty of acts of solidarity — the Women’s March being one obvious example — they’ve also created tension in many of our relationships.

Even under the best of times, it’s often ill-advised to discuss politics, so in the current conflict-ridden state of our country, government-talk is bound to cause stress and arguments. Amy Freier, a Chicago-based couples and sex therapist, says that our tendency to argue with loved ones about politics is rooted in our natural desire for validation and safety.

“What we’re experiencing right now with this current political tension is, essentially, a fear of a loss of social connection,” she says. “When we find that our person or the people with whom we connect and identify most differ from our beliefs, they’re betraying our sense of unity and connection. This can ignite our emotional alarm system, causing tension and discontent.”

These feelings of loneliness, invalidation, and betrayal in relationships can cause people to argue with each other or (perhaps, worse) withdraw and disconnect from those they love. If left unresolved, these issues can breed long-lasting tension. “I always encourage people to err on the side of curiosity, compassion, and clarity,” Freier says. “In my experience, changing people’s minds is quite difficult, but creating a level of safety in vulnerable expression can be highly effective.”

If you’re ready to start being vulnerable and repairing the relationships in your life that’ve been tested since November 8 — whether they be with family members, friends, or your S.O. — Freier has a secret weapon. It’s called mirroring, and it’s a tool she uses during couples therapy in her own practice. According to Freier, mirroring looks a bit like active listening (AKA fully concentrating on, responding to, and then remembering what the person you’re listening to is trying to communicate), with an added twist that will (hopefully) prevent defensive behavior.

“When someone shares information with you that you disagree with, your natural reaction is to get defensive and angry,” Freier says. “Instead, try mirroring back to them what you’re hearing with curiosity, validating that their feelings about the topic are real and important to them and agree that while you have differing opinions, both are allowed to coexist respectfully.”

LET’S TRY OUT MIRRORING

Bae: “I’m not sure what you and your Democrat friends are complaining about. Trump won fair and square and now we all have to wait and see what he does. Whining isn’t going to change anything! His ideas aren’t all bad.”

You: (Resisting the urge to freak out and taking a deep breath) “What you’re saying is interesting. Can you say more about the ideas that you think aren’t so bad? I’m genuinely curious because maybe I’m missing something that would make me feel better about the whole situation. I hear what you’re saying, and I understand that you’re entitled to see things differently than I do. That being said, I need you to stop being patronizing about the fact that my friends and I are upset. Our opinions are just very different than yours, and we’re worried about what’s going to happen next.”

That exchange was pretty polite, right? Unfortunately, as we all know, conversations regarding politics can easily move out of respectful territory and into the danger zone. Freier says that some people are difficult to mirror because they are more interested in being right than being curious, which can lead to a much nastier, less productive conversation. The solution to managing your political disagreements with those loved ones? One word: boundaries.

“You’re allowed to set respectful boundaries around what you talk about, when you talk about it, and with whom you engage,” Freier says. “Boundaries are a great way of giving yourself permission to disengage and relieve yourself of the burden of trying to manage unmanageable conflict.”

Ultimately, if there are people in your life who you love but cannot talk politics with, it’s entirely possible that the only way to truly keep the peace is to be clear with them about your conversational boundaries. If you find, however, that your political disagreements are a bit deeper and have revealed some underlying differences in your values, it may be time to consider whether it’s a relationship that you should continue to pursue, especially where romantic partners are concerned. Perhaps this rocky political ride has given you an opportunity to learn more about an S.O.’s fundamental beliefs — and whether or not you want to stick around with them until the next election year.

Have your relationships been tested since the election? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Brittany Mahomes Shares Adorable Bumpdate Picture With BFF Taylor Swift

We all know Taylor Swift is the QUEEN of squads, but it's clear that she also loves a good one-on-one BFF date. Whether she's attending Emma Stone's movie premiere or joining Selena Gomez for dinner, Taylor loves spending time with her friends just as much as she loves getting cozy with Travis Kelce. And at a recent Kansas City Chiefs game, the Reputation singer was seen posing with Brittany Holmes — and Brittany's baby bump! We love our WAGs literally so much, so here are all their best BFF moments.

Taylor Swift & Brittany Mahomes Full Friendship Timeline

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

September 30, 2023 — Brittany Mahomes and Taylor Swift Have Dinner

After the first Kansas City Chiefs game Taylor showed up to support her beau, Taylor and Brittany grabbed dinner with the rest of their friends in New York City. Sophie Turner and Blake Lively were also in attendance, and this is one dinner party I'd love to join.

"They dined in a private room. Everyone had a blast,” a source told PEOPLE. “They all got along and were just laughing all night over drinks and delicious food."

October 1, 2023 — Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Watch A Chiefs Game Together

The celeb friend group continues as Brittany Mahomes, Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman watch the Chiefs V. New York Jets. I've never been so interested in football.

David Eulitt/Getty Images

October 13, 2023 — Brittany Mahomes Is "Thrilled" To Join Taylor's Friend Group

After Taylor and Brittany watched another game together on the 12th, a source told US Weekly just how much Brittany has enjoyed spending time with the popstar.

“Brittany is thrilled to be building a genuine friendship with Taylor. They’ve hung out a couple of times and have grown fairly close in a short period of time," the source says. "Brittany thinks Taylor is so sweet and down-to-earth, and they get along really great. The fact that Patrick and Travis are best friends makes things even better. They’re having a blast and love cheering on their men together.”

October 22, 2023 — Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Show Off Their New Handshake

We group up with the iconic Parent Trap handshake (which was also kind of a dance?), so it only makes since we should hyper fixate on another handshake during our adult years.

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

November 4, 2023 — It's Girls' Night Out!

Taylor Swift has always taken GNO seriously, and in November, she was joined by Brittany, Sophie Turner, Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, and Gigi Hadid. Don't mind me, I'm just daydreaming about this group chat.

“Brittany is having a blast hanging out with Taylor and her friends," another source told US Weekly. "She loves making new friends and loves how down-to-earth Sophie, Gigi, Selena and Cara all are.”

December 1, 2023 — Brittany & Patrick Mahomes Join Taylor & Travis At A Holiday Bar

Remember the holiday bar that had us convinced Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were living an IRL rom-com? Brittany and Patrick Mahomes were also there! Brittany and her hubby wore matching reindeer onesies and rumor has it Taylor and Travis wore matching holiday sweaters.

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

December 25, 2023 — Brittany Mahomes and Taylor Swift Spend Christmas Together

Spending any major holiday together is a pretty big deal, which is why I was floored when Taylor Swift showed up to the Chiefs' Christmas Day game. She wore an adorable Santa hat with 87 (Travis' number) on it, along with a red sweater and red lipstick. Brittany rocked a Santa hat with Patrick's number 15 and a tweed coat. Ho ho ho!

January 13, 2024 — Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Twin

Showing up to support your SO's? Fun. Showing up in matching jackets? Extra fun.

February 11, 2024 — Brittany Mahomes and Taylor Swift Share a Super Bowl Moment

We have no doubt Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes have full confidence in their guys. And after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl (and beat the San Francisco 49ers), Brittany Mahomes was reportedly seen pointing to Taylor and shouting "I told you!"

Al Bello/Getty Images

July 6, 2024 — Brittany Mahomes Attends The Eras Tour

Brittany decided to work smarter not harder when she booked a trip to Amsterdam, and showed up at Taylor's Eras Tour. She won the lottery in the surprise song department — Taylor Swift played a “Sweeter Than Fiction” & ”Holy Ground” mash-up, and a “Mary’s Song (Oh My My My)," ”So High School,” & ”Everything Has Changed” mash-up.

September 8, 2024 — Brittany Mahomes and Taylor Swift Attend The US Open

After Brittany and Taylor partied in Rhode Island together, squashing rumors of a feud when Brittany liked one of Donald Trump's social media posts, the BFFs showed up to the US Open with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. They both looked classy chic, with Taylor wearing a gingham dress and Brittany wearing a white polo dress.

Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

October 7, 2024 — Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Hang Out At The Chiefs Game

The WAGs are back at it for the 2024 season, and I'm not mad about it one bit. Not only did Taylor go viral for her metallic faux freckles at the Kansas City Chiefs V. New Orleans Saints, but the BFFs, along with Lyndsay Bell, were also seen cradling Brittany's baby bump! "Same girls, new bump🥹❤️," Brittany said on Instagram.

What's your favorite moment from Brittany Mahomes and Taylor Swift's friendship? Follow us on Facebook for more news on your favorite BFFs and stay tuned for more news!

9 Tana French Murder-Mystery Books That Totally Sucked Us In

As soon as the first chill hits the air, I like to absorb as much spooky content as possible. That means scary movies, haunted houses, and definitely bone-chillingly-spooky mystery books. And who better to read than the reigning queen of murder mysteries, Tana French? If you've read even one of her books, you would know how spooky with an extra side of scary these stories are — and she has 9 to dive into!

So, here are all the Tana French books, in order. You'll wanna crack these open ASAP — just make sure to lock your doors and leave lights on, because when I say spooky, I really mean it...

Amazon

In The Woods

This is first book in Tana's Dublin Murder Squad series — and it also happens to be her first book she ever published! The story takes place in the summer of 1984 in a small-town suburb of Dublin, Ireland. One night, three children don't come home from playing with their friends. The only thing the police find? A small boy terrified, covered in blood, and unable to remember any of the events that occurred that night.

20 years later, that same petrified boy is now a Dublin detective — Detective Rob — and trying desperately to forget his past (the parts he does remember). Rob is forced to address his past when a young girl is found the exact way he was 20 years ago. Now, he has no choice but to confront what happened...and potentially the killer.

Amazon

The Likeness

In this Dublin Murder Squad sequel, we revisit Cassie Maddox from book 1, who is forced to go back to her old town because of a — you guessed it — murder. She has to go to a crime scene and help solve the case of a girl who was killed wearing an ID of Cassie's old alias. The story keeps getting stranger and stranger for Cassie as she doesn't know who this woman was, or who killed her.

Amazon

Faithful Place

Book three in this series follows Frank Mackey, who in 1985 was planning on running away with his girlfriend...only for her to mysteriously never show up. Frank decided it was probably because she didn't want to be with him anymore. Taking her absence as an answer, he left — but little did he know that Rosie never went home either. Years later, her suitcase shows up at Frank's door, and he's forced to go home to discover what happened to her, once and for all.

Amazon

Broken Harbour

In the fourth installment of this series, we meet Mick — a type A, rule-follower detective on the Dublin Murder Squad. However, when a new murder throws him for a loop, all bets are off. A family in a rich, new development gets murdered mysteriously, and the wife is the only surviving victim. While she's in intensive care, Mick has to figure out why there are dubious and strange factors in the house — like 12 baby monitors focused on holes in the walls, or files being wiped on the family's computer. It's a suspicious case, and what makes it harder is that it's in the neighborhood where Mick, himself, has history. Keep reading to see how this interesting mystery gets solved...or doesn't.

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The Secret Place

The fifth book of the Dublin Murder series follows Stephen, a young detective wanting to have his shot at joining the Murder Squad. When Detective Frank Mackey's daughter, Holly, comes into the station with crucial evidence, Stephen realizes this is a crime that he just might be able to solve. Suddenly, Stephen, Frank, and Holly team up to figure out how his Holly's friend group might be up to no good.

Amazon

The Trespasser

In French's most recent Dublin Murder Squad book, she tells us the story of Young Detective Antoinette, who isn't sure if she belongs in the murder squad. She's trying to make her way through cases, but feels out of place...that is, until a woman's body shows up, and it could be a potential lovers quarrel-gone-wrong!

Everyone's telling Antoinette that it was the boyfriend, but she can't help but think there's more to the story than meets the eye. The woman's friends say she was in danger, and there seems to be a lurking presence in the town that Antoinette can't get away from. Soon, she won't be able to tell the difference from the girl's killer or Antoinette's own stalker.

Amazon

The Witch Elm

In this new standalone story by Tana French, Toby is out with his friends one night when he's viciously attacked by burglars. The injuries leave him needing care and seeking refuge in the home of his dying uncle, who needs care of his own. The two are able to help each other, until Toby finds a skull in the trunk of the elm tree out back. Detectives start to uncover pieces in this mystery, as Toby comes to terms with the fact that his past isn't what he thought it was...

Amazon

The Searcher

This book has over 139,000 reviews on Goodreads, so you know it's actually a good read. This book the first of a murder mystery series about Cal Hooper, a retired former detective who buys a rustic house in a small, Irish village after his divorce. Cal thinks he's going to get a new life, to start over and find some peace. But when a young boy recruits him to help find his missing brother, Cal uncovers secrets to this town and it might not be as peaceful as he once thought. Will he get himself — and the young boy — into trouble? Or be able to save the day and his new town? Read to find out!

Amazon

The Hunter

In part two of Tana's newest series, Cal has finally built a life for himself. He has a girlfriend, a home he's working on, and a young teenager, Trey, that he's trying to help. But when Trey's absent father comes back into the picture, wreaking havoc and mystery, Cal and his girlfriend are trying to do all they can to protect the young girl. However, Trey's dad brought in a millionaire with a mission to find gold in the town, making their efforts much more difficult. Will they be able to protect Trey from her father, or is it too late?

You'll be dying to find out how Tana's most recent novel ends! Don't believe me? Everyone from the Associated Press to The Washington Post has rave reviews for this sequel!

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7 Best Eye Creams For Brightening, Refreshed Under Eyes

One thing about me: I have extremely pale skin — like I'm talking almost translucent. That means the second I get even less than 7 hours of sleep, you can see every blue vein and eye bag showing underneath my eyes. So one of my most important steps in my skincare routine is a good eye cream to brighten and liven my under-eyes. As a self-appointed expert in this area, I thought I'd share with you some of my most used eye creams to give you that "I just had 5 shots of espresso and got 10 hours of sleep" look!

Amazon

CeraVe Eye Cream

This CeraVe eye cream is one of the best bangs you can get for your buck in the beauty world. It's under $15, dermatologist-approved, and really does work. It's honestly a go-to of mine because it's so affordable and easy to stock up on. Not to mention how the gentle and mild formula works wonders on my sensitive skin! I love this one for brightening and depuffing on the daily!

Amazon

First Aid Beauty Brightening Eye Cream

What drew me to this eye cream — besides the fact that it was First Aid Beauty and I'm obsessed with them — was the Niacinimide in it. This is a hydrating ingredient that I'm always looking for in my skincare because of how nourishing it is. My skin truly drinks it up, so I knew it would work incredibly under my eyes. This cream has an almost iridescent glow to it that looks amazing when you first wake up and need a pick-me-up. It looks like a highlighter for your under-eyes!

Sephora

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Mask

Hi, my name is Kayla and I have a serious addiction to Summer Fridays. I can't get enough, and I truly wish I could (or at least my bank account does). This eye mask is just as good as the face mask, and that's saying a lot. It's very nourishing, and super hydrating. This makes my under-eyes look awake, bright, and de-puffed as soon as I wake up!

Amazon

Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment

Kiehl's has a lot of great products — and you truly can't go wrong with any of them — but this eye cream specifically is amazing. It's made with avocado and caffeine, so you'll be looking like you got 10 hours of sleep in no time (even if you didn't). If you have dry skin like me, then you'll really love its hyper-hydrating formula.

Amazon

Farmacy Brightening Eye Treatment

Did you know honey is actually a great way to brighten up your under-eyes and help them look more awake? Well, this Farmacy eye cream is full of it, and caffeine, as well. It also features Vitamin C and Cranberry Peptides, which are great if you have older, or more mature skin. So tackle your wrinkles and your dark circles simultaneously — we love a multi-purpose product!

Amazon

Biossance Squalane Eye Cream

This eye cream is a bit on the pricier side, but it's a product where you start to see results almost immediately. It really is that good. You'll definitely start to notice immediate brightness, but this also increases overall brightness over time as well with frequent use. Definitely a fave I keep going back to!

Amazon

Mario Badescu Eye Cream

Another brand that's sensitive-skin approved! Mario Badescu has such great products for people that are sensitive to perfumes and certain ingredients. I love this eye cream, in particular, given the helpful caffeine in it! After using it for a while, I've noticed that the blueness and bags under my eyes aren't as visible, and that my undereyes are way more bright overall. I love to see those kind of results!

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Jennifer Lopez Doesn't Regret Her Painful Divorce From Ben Affleck "One Second"

There are few celebrity breakups as infamous as those of the 2000s — just looks at Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck! But when Ben and Jen (or Bennifer, as fans like to call them) got back together in 2021, it felt like a literal movie. In Jennifer Lopez' new documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told, the couple revealed why they actually broke up in the first place: "the massive amount of scrutiny around our private life." Here's everything you need to know about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, in the 2000s and now.

Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck's Relationship Timeline

Image via Columbia Pictures

Winter 2002 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Meet On The Set Of Gigli

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck first met while filming their 2003 movie Gigli. "The first time meeting him on that film was at the read-through," Jennifer tells Variety. "I remember kind of just walking in and I think he was outside, smoking a cigarette...I don't remember a whole bunch more about it, but I remember being on the set with him every day and loving it."

Image via Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

November 2002 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Announce Their Engagement

During an interview with Diane Sawyer at the end of 2002, Jennifer Lopez showed off the engagement ring from Ben Affleck. The platinum band + pink diamond combo is absolutely beautiful, just like the proposal itself. "[It was] traditional, but also in a very spectacular way, as of course Ben would do it," Jennifer says, via ABC News.

"He is brilliantly smart, loving, charming, affectionate," she continues. "And I just admire him in every way. I respect him. I feel like he teaches me things."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Early 2003 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Experience The Tabloids Firsthand

Before the age of iPhones and TikTok, celebs constantly dealt with the tabloids — even more than they do now. And as one of the hottest couples in the world, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez constantly faced paparazzi and tabloids. “We didn’t try to have a public relationship,” Jennifer Lopez tells PEOPLE in 2016. “We just happened to be together at the birth of the tabloids, and it was like ‘Oh my God.’ It was just a lot of pressure.”

"People were so f*cking mean about her," Ben Affleck says on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcastin 2021. "Sexist, racist. Ugly, vicious sh*t was written about her in ways that if you wrote it now you would literally be fired for saying those things you said...Now it's like, she's lionized and respected for the work she did, where she came from, what she accomplished — as well she f*cking should be!"

Image via Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

September 10, 2003 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Call Off Their Wedding

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were supposed to be married on September 14, 2003, but four days before their wedding, they postponed the ceremony. "Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date," the couple says in their official statement, via PEOPLE. "When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate 'decoy brides' at three different locations, we realized that something was awry."

"It was so painful after we broke up," Jennifer tells Apple Music's Zane Lowe in 2024. "Once we called off that wedding 20 years ago, it was the biggest heartbreak of my life. I honestly felt like I was going to die. It sent me on a spiral for the next 18 years where I just couldn't get it right. But now, 20 years later, it does have a happy ending. It has the most would-never-happen-in-Hollywood ending."

Image via Barbara Nitke/Courtesy of STXfilms

February 18, 2020 — Ben Affleck Supports Jennifer Lopez In Hustlers

At the beginning of 2020, in an interview with The New York Times, Ben Affleck voiced his support for Jennifer Lopez. "She should have been nominated [for Hustlers]," he says. "She's the real thing. I keep in touch periodically with her and have a lot of respect for her. How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50? That's f*cking baller."

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

May 10, 2021 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Take A Trip Together

After Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez broke up in the spring of 2021, J.Lo was seen hanging out with Ben Affleck around Los Angeles. "[Jennifer] spent several days with Ben out of town," a source tells PEOPLE. "They have a strong connection. It's all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy."

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

July 24, 2021 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Make Their Relationship Instagram Official

Hidden at the end of an Instagram carousel, Jennifer Lopez posted a photo of her kissing Ben Affleck. "5 2 … what it do …" the caption reads.

Image via Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

September 10, 2021 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Walk The Red Carpet

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attended the premiere of his film The Last Duel at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. They both looked amazing in old school glam!

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

April 8, 2022 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Announce Their Second Engagement

PEOPLE confirmed that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were engaged again in the spring of 2022. Jennifer also revealed the news via email and on social media. "So I have a really exciting and special story to share," she said on Twitter.

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

July 16, 2022 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Finally Get Married!

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck finally tied the knot in July of 2022. Jennifer shared the details about the "best night ever" via On The JLo newsletter (via PEOPLE) the next day. The couple later had a larger ceremony in Georgia.

"It's a beautiful outcome that this has happened in this way at this time in our lives where we can really appreciate and celebrate each other and respect each other," she says. "We always did, but we have even more of an appreciation because we know that life can take you in different directions."

"[Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck] were attentive only to each other, didn't have eyes for anything else," a PEOPLE source said after spotting the couple on their honeymoon in Lake Como, Italy.

Image via Jennifer Lopez/Instagram

February 14, 2023 — Jennifer Lopez Reveals Her Tattoo With Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck showed off their coordinating tattoos on J.Lo's Instagram. The tattoos (hers of an arrow through an infinity sign on her ribcage and his of two arrows tied to one another) are super cute together!

"Commitment," Jennifer says in her Instagram post. "Happy Valentine’s Day my love."

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images

May 3, 2023 — Jennifer Lopez Calls Ben Affleck A "Wonderful Father"

When she was on the Today Show (via Twitter) at the beginning of May 2023, Jennifer Lopez had high praise for Ben Affleck's relationship with all their kids. Jennifer has twins, Max and Emme, with Marc Anthony, while Ben Affleck shares three kids, Samuel, Seraphina, and Violet, with Jennifer Garner.

"He's a wonderful, wonderful father," J.Lo says in the interview. "And a father figure to [Max and Emme] as well, because he has his own three beautiful children, and then there's us...They love him. And they appreciate him, and so do I."

Image via Jennifer Lopez/Instagram

August 21, 2023 — Jennifer Lopez Celebrates Her One Year Anniversary With Ben Affleck

In honor of their first wedding anniversary, Jennifer Lopez shared some photos, and some lyrics from "Dear Ben, Pt II", to Instagram. "One year ago today," she says in the caption. "Dear Ben, Sitting here alone / Looking at my ring ring / Feeling overwhelmed / It makes me wanna sing sing / How did we end up here / Without a rewind / Oh my / This is my life...Jennifer"

Image via Dunkin'

February 11, 2024 — Ben Affleck And Jennifer Lopez Star In A Super Bowl Commercial

Following Ben Affleck's iconic, viral photos with his Dunkin' coffee, the couple starred in Dunkin' Donuts' 2024 Super Bowl ad — in addition to Matt Damon, Jack Harlow, and Tom Brady. The commercial features Ben and his friends coming into the studio while Jennifer records her newest album This Is Me Now... — a move that is not well received.

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios

February 26, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Reveal Why They Originally Split Up

"Ben and I, we broke up three days before our wedding," J.Lo recalled in her new documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told. "We had a big wedding planned—14 ushers and bridesmaids—and three days before, we just crumbled under the pressure."

"For all those years, it was really hard because I didn't just feel like I lost the love of my life, I felt like I lost the best friend that I ever had," Jennifer continues. "I've made it through. I've made something good of my life. I'm proud of that."

Image via Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

May 15, 2024 — Rumors Swirl About Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Alleged Divorce

Though Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reconnected, there have rumors that their marriage may be in trouble. A source alerted InTouch Weekly that there have been obvious signs that something is wrong for a while.

"The writing is on the wall – it’s over," the source claims before saying, "They’re headed for a divorce – and for once, [Ben’s] not to blame!" The source believes the two have a lot of love for each other, but that they're jus too different to be together.

TMZ has also reported that Ben seems like he hasn't been living at home — yikes! He was photographed leaving going to and coming from a L.A. home without Jennifer. It's also being reported that he's been allegedly spending the night there.

But, TMZ also pointed out that the pair are still wearing their wedding rings so it's hard to say if there's any merit to the breakup rumors. Until Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck actually give a statement, I'm going to cross my fingers and hope for the best! And we're not the only ones — 13 Going on 30's Jennifer Garner (who was married to Ben Affleck from 2005-2015) “is encouraging Ben to work on his marriage to Jen,” according to an Us Weeklysource. “She fully supports their relationship and wants nothing more than for him to be happy.”

Also, Jennifer Lopez wants us to really mind our business. People reported than an actress was not feeling a pushy reporter's question about her marriage and didn't have a problem letting them know. She was promoting Atlas with her co-stars when said reporter asked, "Is your divorce with Ben Affleck real? These rumors?"

Though her co-star Simu Liu expressed his disdain for the questions first, Jennifer quickly said," You know better than that." This lets us know that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are well aware that people are talking about their marriage.

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios

Still, this hasn't stopped insiders from talking about what's going on behind closed doors. One even reached out to People to say, "They’re still living separately," and "She’s back in L.A. for tour rehearsals. She seems okay. She’s very focused on work." The outlet even reported that the couple are in fact living apart and have been seen on several occasions without each other.

While I know some people could care less, I remember when Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck first started dating so to see them struggling again feels a little painful. I'm trying to keep hope alive, but they ultimately know what's going on in their relationship. If they do choose to separate, that's a choice we'll all have to respect.

Image via Will Heath/NBC

May 31, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez Cancels Her "This Is Me" Tour

At the end of May, Jennifer Lopez revealed she was cancelling her summer tour to spend time with family. Her newsletter (via Variety) reveals that “Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends." (Refunds will be distributed through Ticketmaster automatically; third party purchase sites need to be contacted).

“I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down," Jennifer continues in the newsletter. “Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary. I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again. I love you all so much. Until next time…”

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

June 21, 2024 — Ben Affleck Discusses Family Life With Jennifer Lopez

In a newly released interview with Kevin Hart, Ben Affleck showed a rare vulnerability that we don't often see. The two chatted about several things during the Season 4 premiere of Hart to Heart, but it was Ben's admission that he has "resting hard face" (via Entertainment Tonight) that caught our attention.

Though there have been theories about why Ben often looks like he'd rather be somewhere else than dealing with paparazzi, he made it clear why he's not always smiling when the cameras are on him. "I also don't like a lot of attention...people see me [and] they're like, ‘Well, this dude always mad…’ Because somebody has their camera and sticking to my face.”

Ben even mentioned a time when he, Jennifer, and their kids were trying to make it to a play while walking through Times Square. Though he knows fans are going to be excited to see them, it's obvious he's not thrilled when their kids are subject to that kind of pandemonium.

"We get out with her, all the kids, through Times Square, and the s--- was like f---in’ bananas...it feels like hundreds of people and now screaming," Ben explained (via People).

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July 20, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez Throws A Bridgerton-Themed Birthday Party

Jennifer Lopez celebrated an upcoming birthday milestone this weekend by hosting a party the Ton would've loved to attend. She spared no expense as it's reported she had "horse-drawn carriages" on-site (via Glamour).

She also posted a few selfies on Instagram to share her excitement about the special day. "Today is gonna be a great day 🤍🙏🏼 Happy Saturday everybody ☀️," she wrote as her caption.

Though other guests — including Jennifer's mom — attended the Bridgerton-themed soirée, a source made special note of Ben Affleck's absence (via People).

They've yet to confirm the status of their relationship, but it seems they're giving each other space.

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August 20, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez Files For Divorce With No Prenup

After months of rumored separation between the two, it seems that Jennifer Lopez has finally filed for divorce from her husband, Ben Affleck, after 2 years of marriage. Many speculated their separation this year, but since Lopez was spotted multiple times with Affleck’s kids, it seemingly put those rumors to rest. But after this filing citing their separation date as April 26, 2024, it seems like any outing was due to those close relationship over the years, and because of Lopez and Affleck’s kids being friends.

TMZ reported about Lopez’s filing, stating that there is “indeed no prenuptial agreement.” This means that they split everything 50/50 from their 2 years of marriage. While TMZ says that the two are not on speaking terms, hopefully the two can seek some peace in this situation in the future!

August 31, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez Is Moving On

She may be heartbroken, but Jennifer Lopez knows the key to getting over an ex is moving on. She cryptically acknowledged her eventful summer with the largest picture carousel I've seen on Instagram in years and looked great in most of her candid shots.

She kept her caption lighthearted by writing, "Oh, it was a summer" and was essentially met with rounds of applause from fans. One person even called her, "AN UNBOTHERED Queen!"

Even if that only scratches the surface of her emotions, it's clear Jennifer believes "Everything is unfolding in divine order" per the second picture in her carousel.

September 16, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Seen Together After Time Apart

We were sure that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were in the 'no contact' zone, but it appears they briefly changed their mind long enough for their kids to spend time together. A source said, "They are still moving forward with the divorce" but went out just "so the kids could hang out," (via People).

They almost had us fooled as they seen enjoying a nice meal at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills, but it really seems like it's over for these two. As long as things are amicable between them, that's all that matters.

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October 9, 2024 — Jennifer Lopez Isn't Worried About Falling In Love Again

The thing about being a hopeless romantic is you often keep hope alive even when you probably shouldn't give your ex a second chance. However, it seems like Jennifer Lopez has learned her lesson after filing for divorce from Ben Affleck. She recently sat down and chatted with her friend Nikki Glaser to talk about how life seemed to course correct for her, plus she detailed how she feels about dating.

"I understand that now in a much deeper way, which doesn’t mean that I won’t make mistakes in the future, but again, when your whole house blows up, you’re standing there in the rubble going, 'How do I not ever let that happen again,'" she said (via Interview Magazine). She went on to say she's "not looking for anybody" after experiencing a very public second breakup from Ben Affleck.

When Nikki Glaser asked her if she regretted the hardship she just went through, Jennifer Lopez said this: "Not one second." It was quite painful for the entertainer, but she feels it was another lesson she was finally able to learn.

What's your favorite Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck moment? Check out The Latest On Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship and The Latest News On Blake Lively And Ryan Reynold's Kids for more of your favorite celebrity couples!

This post has been updated.

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16 Spicy Cocktails To Add A Kick To Your Weekend

Sometimes you just want your cocktail to bite back – and with more than just vodka. When herbal drinks and floral concoctions just don’t do it for you, think about adding a little bit of chili to your libations! You’ve experienced savoriness in your Bloody Mary (and even your margarita from time to time), but how about a gin and tonic or a Moscow mule? It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and try some spicy cocktails with your next brunch feast or happy hour get-together. Scroll down for 14 spicy cocktails that’ll definitely get you sweatin'.

Cozy Cravings

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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