‘The honeymoon phase has worn off’

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s martial woes have been ‘exacerbated’ by rows over their finances, according to a new report about their ‘rocky’ relationship.

The couple, who married less than two years ago, are apparently taking time apart to work out whether their marriage is ‘right for both of them’, an insider told Us Weekly.

Their marriage has been under the spotlight in recent weeks, as sources claim they have hit a turbulent patch over their differing lifestyles.

Insisting the ‘the honeymoon phase has worn off’, the source said their differing approaches to both finances and parenting have taken a toll on their relationship.

Jennifer, 54, is said to have ‘started ramping up her work commitments and prepping for her tour’, and is ‘very focused on her work and overexteners herself’.

JLo is preparing to embark on her This Is Me… Live tour next month in support of her ninth studio album, both of which have faced criticism over disappointing sales. 

They went on to state that Ben ‘doesn’t agree with Jennifer’s lifestyle’ and now feels ‘worn down’ by their marriage.

Ben is said to have ‘checked out’ of their relationship and the insider added that he and Jennifer are on ‘two completely different pages most of the time.’

Another source close to Jennifer suggested the couple’s work commitments have also caused a rift, saying, ‘Both have demanding careers that often require them to be in different cities.’

Click here to resize this module

With the pair forced to spend time apart in recent months as a result of their careers, the insider said the absence ‘highlighted the emotional and physical distance between them.’

They said: ‘Over time, Jennifer and Ben found it increasingly difficult to communicate effectively, and small misunderstandings grew into significant arguments.

‘They have fundamentally different approaches to conflict’, the insider added, explaining that Jennifer prefers to confront issues head-on, while Ben isn’t as quick to open up.

Jennifer — who, along with being a musician and actress has a line of successful deals with major brands — is worth a reported $400million while Ben is said to be worth $160million.

Jennifer recently stunned fans by self-financing a three-part project documenting hers and Ben’s love story for a whopping $20million. 

Ben has acquired much of his wealth through multi-million dollar film and production deals, but he recently earned $10million to appear in Dunkin’ Donuts’ Super Bowl ad.

As for parenting, Jennifer shares twins Max and Emme, 16, with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, who she divorced in 2014. 

Meanwhile, Ben is father to three children; Samuel, 12, Fin, 15, and Violet, 18 — with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

Despite their disagreements, Jennifer has remained ‘committed to working on the marriage,’ and while Ben was hesitant, the insider said he has since begun to ‘invest more’ in resolving their martial issues.

Since moving out of their $60 million Bel Air mansion for a $100,000 monthly rental,  Ben has apparently ‘struggled with loneliness’ and has ‘realized how much he misses Jen.’

The couple are said to be ‘both reassessing their priorities’ during their time apart as they determine ‘what they truly want from the marriage.’

Some friends apparently believe they will be able to work it out due to their ‘deep bond’, while others are worried the relationship has ‘run its course’. 

Ben was spotted without his wedding ring last week, however just says later he was seen wearing the band again as he stepped out on Friday.

Jennifer was also wearing her wedding ring as she stepped out separately on the same day in Los Angeles.

Reports of the couples marital woes began circulating last week after the pair hadn’t been seen together since late March.

A source told In Touch: ‘Ben already moved out and they’ll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for.

‘They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him, and he can’t change her. There’s no way it could have lasted.’

Although the pair was finally spotted together last week at Fin’s school recital, he skipped the premiere of her Netflix movie Atlas on Monday.

Jennifer banned questions about their marriage on the sci-fi film’s press tour and she had to shoot down one very direct query.

‘You know better than that,’ she told a reporter who asked about the rumors during a press conference in Mexico City. However, shee did not attempt to deny rumors her fourth marriage is on the rocks.

A source told Page Six that Ben has ‘come to his senses’ after tying the knot with Lopez in July 2022.

The insider claimed: ‘If there was a way to divorce on grounds of temporary insanity, he would. He feels like the last two years was just a fever dream, and he’s come to his senses now and understands there is just no way this is going to work.’