Ben Affleck Stayed Close to Jennifer Garner on Thanksgiving Amid Jennifer Lopez Divorce

It’s the first Thanksgiving without Bennifer 2.0 and Ben Affleck went with a safe person to spend the holiday. He, his first ex-wife Jennifer Garner, and their three kids, Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12, spent Thursday morning volunteering at the Midnight Mission in downtown Los Angeles.

It’s not surprising to see Affleck hanging out with Garner for a family event, but Page Six noted that the 52-year-old actor “was spotted cozying up” to Garner. The images show The Town star looking relaxed with his ex and even whispering in her ear at one point. His demeanor matched what a People insider shared ahead of the holiday, “He’s very happy with life. He enjoys working. He’ll spend Thanksgiving with his kids.”

Jennifer Lopez let her Instagram followers know how “incredibly grateful” she was for their support during a challenging year. She posted a smiling snapshot of herself with her Thanksgiving turkey. She wore a floral sweater and her hair in a high ponytail — and of course, a sweet smile on her face. “I hope everybody had a beautiful and Happy Thanksgiving. I am so incredibly grateful for all of you. 🧡,” she wrote in the caption.

According to People‘s sources, Lopez and Affleck’s “divorce is still being worked out” after two years of marriage, but the “Jenny From the Block” singer makes sure to “keep in touch with the Affleck kids.” While that connection to her ex’s kids seems like a great idea, it reportedly is the source of some tension in the blended family. The Daily Mail reported that Garner “no longer wishes” to stay in contact with her ex-husband’s second ex-wife.

“Her friends feel she shouldn’t have allowed herself to get so involved in helping J.Lo to fix her marriage to Ben,” a source explained. “Especially considering Jen felt pitted against J.Lo at times during their own marriage. Jen is too nice and truly wanted to help, so she tried.”

It’s a hard transition for the entire family and the first year after a breakup can be challenging. Still, Affleck and Garner seem to be sliding back into their old normal while Lopez forges ahead with her busy life. The dynamics in a Hollywood relationship aren’t easy.

Before you go, click here to see a complete timeline of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s relationship.