Jennifer Lopez Loves Being a Cougar

Jennifer Lopez says she's a "love addict". Photo: Getty Images

After three failed marriages, Jennifer Lopez has admitted she has spent "years" learning to love herself because she used to find a new partner straightaway to get over the pain of a break-up.

Speaking about her high-profile break-ups from Chris Judd, Ojani Noa, and Marc Anthony, the 45-year-old star said, "When you have that much pain, you have to anesthetise yourself in some ways. People do different things. Some go out and party and sleep around, but that’s just not my way."

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"I found the comfort in someone else. That’s called being a love addict. When I face myself, I go, 'You have a fear of really being on your own. So you know what? That’s what we’re gonna do right now.'

"But it took me years to get there. So first it was learning to love myself. And then it was about facing my fears.”

The Booty singer -- who recently split from 27-year-old dancer Casper Smart after two-and-a-half years together -- has also slammed critics of women who date younger men. "Enough already. We're in the other position now. We are desirable older, we can date younger guys and it's not this big taboo," she told Self magazine.

"Men have been doing this for years, and it's no big deal."

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