Jennifer Lopez has lived much of her life in the public eye, from chart-topping music and blockbuster films to highly scrutinised romances.

Now, following several high-profile marriages and break-ups, the global superstar is speaking candidly about love, self-worth, and what she expects from a future partner.

The 56-year-old singer and actress, who is currently single, has been married four times and engaged twice.

Despite the emotional turbulence of her past relationships, Lopez insists she hasn’t given up on love. Instead, she says she has reached a new level of clarity and self-respect.

“If you want my love, you have to earn it,” Lopez said recently. “You have to treat me right, respect me, accept me for all that I am, and truly love me.

Love is complicated, and heartbreak is part of the deal, but I understand that now.”

The star admitted that while she has loved deeply throughout her life, she doesn’t believe she has always been loved in the way she needed.

During a candid interview with radio host Howard Stern, Lopez paused before answering honestly when asked if she felt truly loved. Her answer was a quiet but firm “no.”

Reflecting on past relationships, Lopez explained that she eventually realised the issue was not her own worth.

“I learned that it’s not that I’m unlovable,” she said. “It’s that some people simply weren’t capable of giving more. They gave me what they had.”

Professionally, Jennifer Lopez is experiencing one of the busiest and most successful periods of her career.

She recently launched a Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, celebrating her enduring appeal with bold stage outfits and high-energy performances.

The residency is set to return later this year due to strong demand.

She is also preparing to release her tenth studio album, marking 25 years since her music career took off with her debut hit If You Had My Love in 1999.

In addition, Lopez has three new films scheduled for release and continues to grow her beauty empire, which recently expanded with a new neck serum.

Her acting career, which spans more than four decades, includes critically acclaimed performances in films such as Selena, Out of Sight, Hustlers, and Maid in Manhattan.

Despite occasional box-office misfires, Lopez has consistently proven her versatility and staying power in both music and film.

Lopez’s romantic history includes marriages to Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, Marc Anthony — with whom she shares twins Max and Emme — and most recently Ben Affleck.

Her split from Affleck in August 2024, just two years after their Las Vegas wedding, marked the end of a relationship that famously reignited nearly two decades after their original engagement.

Today, Lopez says she is in her “happy era,” prioritising self-love, family, and creative fulfillment.

She credits her twins, now 17, for grounding her during difficult times and giving her a sense of stability that remains constant regardless of her romantic life.

“I wanted someone to share the big moments with — the red carpets, the everyday things, even going to the store,” she said. “But now I know I also have to be that person for myself.”

Lopez also addressed online criticism, revealing that she no longer lets negative comments affect her confidence.

In fact, she often finds them amusing. During her Las Vegas show, she joked about recurring online remarks about her fashion choices and age.

With a playful nod to her famously confident persona, she told fans that self-expression has no expiration date — a sentiment that resonates strongly with her audience.

As she looks ahead to a year filled with new films, music, and business ventures, Lopez says she feels optimistic.

“It’s a new beginning,” she said. “There are infinite possibilities, and I can feel that it’s going to be a good year.”