The exes, who now co-parent their three kids, came together to celebrate their son’s milestone birthday with his friends.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner celebrated their son Samuel’s 13th birthday on February 27 with a lively party at a Los Angeles paintball park. The co-parents joined in on the fun, sparking plenty of reactions as fans noticed a shift in Affleck’s demeanor.
A fan comments on Ben Affleck’s shift in demeanor while with his ex wife Jennifer Garner, from a post dated March 4, 2025 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
Affleck, Garner, and Samuel, alongside the teenager’s friends, had full paintball camo gear, guns and helmets at the ready for the fun birthday party. The exes were seen smiling and laughing together as they celebrated their son’s milestone.
The “Love, Simon” actress kept it casual in baggy denim overalls paired with a navy long-sleeve top, her sleek brunette hair pulled back into a ponytail. Meanwhile, the “Gone Girl” star opted for a laid-back look with blue jeans and a green button-down shirt layered under a matching jacket. He completed his outfit with brown lace-up boots.
The two joined in on the action, suiting up in protective gear as they dodged and fired rounds of paint-filled bullets, at one point taking cover together behind a structure.
Affleck, in particular, appeared at ease, leaning in to chat with his ex-wife as they tended to their son and his friends. In one clip, Affleck hugged Jennifer Garner from the side while getting ready to shoot, though she remained focused on the paintball game.
Photos from the event captured Affleck, who is often seen looking serious, grinning and enjoying the moment. His change in demeanor has fans talking.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner spotted out in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
One fan observed, “He always looks lighter & happier & glowing from inside when he’s around her ❤️.” Another netizen echoed the sentiment, “This is the first time he actually looks happy.” Many were thrilled to see him in good spirits, with someone exclaiming, “He’s finally smiling!!!” Another admirer simply called them a “Beautiful couple 😍.”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner spotted out in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone was convinced this was a purely joyful moment, as some wondered how Garner’s boyfriend, John Miller, would feel. One person expressed skepticism, “That doesn’t seem like co-parenting poor Miller all the humiliations he has to endure.”
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Affleck and Garner, who married in 2005, have maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship since finalizing their divorce in 2018. Following their split, Affleck rekindled his early 2000s romance with Jennifer Lopez.
The couple went public with their reunion and tied the knot in July 2022. However, their marriage came to an end when Lopez filed for divorce on their second anniversary.
In contrast, after finalizing her divorce from Affleck, Garner was ready to move forward with her personal life. A source said she had waited patiently while Affleck completed his rehab treatment, knowing that their separation needed to be officially settled before she could truly move on.
Jennifer Garner on April 24, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
“Jen doesn’t want to be single for the rest of her life, so she is open to dating. She has been on dates, but it seems she isn’t serious about a guy. As always, she is mostly focused on her kids and her job,” the insider divulged.
Now, Garner seems to have found a serious connection with Miller. Their romance developed steadily, and despite Ben Affleck’s high-profile relationships post-divorce, Garner focused on building a stable and fulfilling personal life with Miller.
Even when headlines surrounding her ex-husband’s split from Lopez popped up, a source shared that the actress remained focused on her own life as “She’s happy with John.”
Garner’s relationship with the CEO of Cali Burger has been a delightful blend of on-and-off moments, marked by their evident enjoyment of each other’s company.
In 2023, they were sighted walking hand in hand during a weekend lunch date in Santa Monica, a heartwarming testament to their connection.
Fans took to social media to express their joy and support. The admiration was palpable, with comments like, “Good for her [for] finding happiness again” and“What a beautiful-looking couple,” echoing the sentiments of those who cherish this genuine connection.
This rare public appearance in Santa Monica marked a significant moment, as the couple has deliberately kept their years-long romance out of the limelight. Garner looked effortlessly stylish in a gray top paired with a black skirt, tights, and matching loafers. Her accessories added an elegant touch to her radiant smile.
John Miller as seen in a video dated January 26, 2018 | Source: YouTube/@InteractiveNEC
Miller sported a laid-back yet dashing look with a blue plaid button-up shirt, jeans, and brown boots. Together, they exuded a sense of genuine connection and happiness.
Their subtle but tender public display of affection was a heartwarming moment, leaving fans genuinely pleased for Garner, with one fan commenting, “He looks like a nice fellow.”
Interestingly, Miller shares a similar experience with Garner, as he is also a divorcee. He was previously married to violinist Caroline Campbell, but their marriage ended in 2014 after nine years. The pair shares two children.
Now, despite being in the public eye, Garner and Miller are exceptionally private about their relationship. They have never spoken publicly about their romance and have chosen to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight.
