Jennifer Garner On Divorce, Finding Love Again & Sticking Up For Herself

Jennifer Garner’s known for being nice – but the “Valentine’s Day” star told Parade Magazine that, in the past, it has been hard for her to stand up for herself.

“I am pa­tient and I like to take care of everyone. Being called nice is a compliment. It’s not a boring way to describe me,” she said.

But the actress said her marriage to former “Felicity” co-star Scott Foley ended in divorce because she had trouble speaking up.

“I had a lot of growing up to do,” Jennifer told the mag. “I’m still conflict-averse. I don’t like to argue. But back then I couldn’t have a fight. I couldn’t work things out because I wasn’t able to say what I needed to say. I didn’t have a voice. I didn’t dare to express myself. It was a huge heartbreak for me to have something fail like that. I knew that this was either an opportunity for growth or I would sink.”

And it was her breakthrough role on “Alias” that helped her gain confidence.

“I realized I needed to be more like my character in ‘Alias,’ who was so powerful and confident and an inspiration to me,” she said. “It was important to balance it out.”

Jennifer went on to find love again with Ben Affleck, with whom she has two children, Violet, 4, and Seraphina, 1.

“He just knows I’m nuts about him, and he doesn’t have anything to worry about,” she said, explaining that the Oscar-winning screenwriter made his moves with sexy e-mails.

“He’s a very persuasive writer,” she gushed.

And Jennifer said that even with two kids, the couple finds time to be romantic.

“You steal the time. You steal a date, you steal a kiss, you steal a whisper. You sit next to each other on the couch with computers on your laps. After the kids are asleep you…well, you know,” Jennifer said. “Whatever it is. You slip away for a night, which we’ve only just now done for the first time. Of course, I call home while we’re away. Ben would be surprised if I didn’t.”

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