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Before there was Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, there was another Bennifer: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. In what could be called the "breakup heard round the world," the engaged couple called it quits in Jan. 2004, just days before they were to be married. Eight years later, the Argo actor tells The Hollywood Reporter that he's still in touch with Lopez.

"We don't have the kind of relationship where she relies on me for advice, but we do have the kind of relationship where there’ll be an e-mail saying, 'Oh, your movie looks great,'" Affleck, 40, admits.

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"I remember when she got American Idol. I said: 'This was really smart. Good luck.' I touch base. I respect her. I like her. She's put up with some stuff that was unfair in her life, and I’m really pleased to see her successful."

A lot has happened since Affleck and J. Lo were an item. Lopez, 43, has twins with her ex-husband Marc Anthony and is currently dating 25-year-old backup dancer Casper Smart, while Affleck has since married Garner, 40, who is the mother of his three children.

"She truly is kind. She means no one any harm," the actor says of his wife. "She doesn't have ill will for any person. She's not competitive with other people. She's not spiteful. It's one of those things where it becomes almost aggravating at times. Every time I go, 'F*** him!' I see in her face that she just thinks that's petty and small."