Sophia Michaels
Ben Affleck’s romantic history has seen more than one Jennifer, with each relationship ending on a less than perfect note. His repeated engagement with Jennifer Lopez crumbled once again after their divorce, leaving many puzzled. However, it’s his relationship with Jennifer Garner that truly weighs on his heart. Affleck openly admits that among all his breakups, his split from Garner is the one that he regrets the most, attributing the blame solely to himself.
Affleck and Garner first crossed paths during the filming of “Pearl Harbor” in 2001 and reconnected on the set of “Daredevil” two years later. They began dating in 2004 and tied the knot in 2005. Over the next ten years, they welcomed three children: Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Surprisingly, just after celebrating their 10-year anniversary, they announced a mutual decision to divorce, expressing their commitment to co-parenting and respect for their children’s privacy.
Even post-divorce, Affleck and Garner have maintained a commendable co-parenting dynamic. But Affleck continues to feel remorse about how their marriage concluded—not due to lingering feelings, but because he recognizes his role in its downfall.
Affleck takes responsibility for the marriage’s end
Had it not been for his struggles with alcohol, Ben Affleck believes he and Jennifer Garner might still be together today. In a 2021 sit-down with Howard Stern, he attracted criticism when he remarked he felt “trapped” in their marriage, emphasizing his loneliness instead. He shared that their relationship was unsustainable, stating, “It was someone I love and respect but to whom I shouldn’t be married any longer,” admitting that he often turned to alcohol as a poor escape.
In a conversation with The New York Times, Affleck elaborated on his deep regrets regarding the dissolution of his marriage. He termed the divorce the biggest regret of his life, revealing how his drinking affected their bond. He expressed that feelings of shame have no constructive outcome and only foster toxicity. During a talk with Diane Sawyer, he reflected sadly on how splitting up wasn’t on his agenda and lamented the reality of becoming a divorced parent, which contradicted who he believed himself to be.
Fortunately, both have fostered a positive environment for co-parenting their children, and Affleck took a moment to acknowledge Garner’s strengths. His heartfelt note to her expressed gratitude for her thoughtfulness and dedication as a caring mother.
