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For one of Hollywood's strongest couples, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are refreshingly realistic about relationships, their challenges, and how to make the love last — especially after nine years and three children together.
In InStyle's October cover story, Jen opens up about her relationship with Ben and how their love has evolved over the years. Unlike the early years, the Afflecks aren't interested in wooing each other anymore. "You can't expect to be courted all the time, and I don't want to court him right now — I don't have the energy!" Jen says of Ben in her interview/
That doesn't mean they don't care, or don't make an effort to spend quality time together. "We're definitely in a very mindful place where we're making an effort to be together, do things at the same time, and be loving," Jen adds.
One thing they do to keep things interesting? Overnight dates! "When we had our first [child] we had only been together a year. We were babies. It happened so fast, I hardly remember what we were like before the kids got here," Jen notes. "Now we're just starting to go away for a night here and there."
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And while they can agree on alone time, they take on different roles when it comes to parenting. "I know who wants what lunch, and I've done all the school paperwork and filled out the emergency cards. Ben doesn't know that stuff exists," Mrs. Affleck explains. "He is in charge of laughter. No matter how much I tickle them or toss them or chase them around, it's not the same. If I'm the slow, steady drumbeat, he's the jazz."
Sure, there are't the same extravagant gestures one makes when you start dating, but these two famed Mr. and Mrs. have done what all married couples strive to do — they've grown together.