Jennifer Lopez Talks Casper Smart and Her Biggest Insecurity

Jennifer Lopez Talks Casper Smart and Her Biggest Insecurity

By Zach Johnson Sep 03, 2013 2:54 PMTags
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Jennifer Lopez may seem uberconfident, but in the October issue of Cosmopolitan, the "Live It Up" singer admits she didn't believe in her own talent until after giving birth to twins Max and Emme in February 2008.

"The biggest insecurity I had was my singing. Even though I had sold 70 million records, there was this feeling like, 'I'm not good at this.' And while I was married to Marc [Anthony], he helped me get over it," she says. "He kept telling me, 'You're the only one holding yourself back from reaching your full potential as a singer. You have to let go.'"

"I was always so insecure and just kind of going along," she adds. "Then I grew, little by little, and realized, Wait a minute, this is not a fluke. I'm not a mistake—I work my ass off. And I know what I'm doing."

Lopez is the creative force behind her multiple business endeavors, which range from fragrances to television shows.

"If I'm talking about marketing or promotion or why a piece of clothing is made, it all comes from an emotion," she says. "I'm more of an artist, so when I'm able to use that muscle, I feel like I'm in my element."

Lopez is feeling more confident in other aspects of her life, too. Since she began dating 26-year-old choreographer Casper Smart in 2011, the thrice-married star has learned what she values most in a relationship.

"For me, it's about having a great partner to walk this life with," Lopez explains. "I have my own high standards for what I want in a partner and how I want to be treated."

She continues, "I bring a lot to the table. I'm not talking about material things but what I have to offer as a person—love and loyalty and all the things that make a good relationship."

Emotional support is key for the Parker star. "It's funny, early on with [Casper], I remember telling him how I have a real button on being ignored," Lopez tells the mag. "And he was like, 'Listen, if somebody ignores you, then forget them. They don't deserve to have your attention.' But it's funny. Sometimes when we don't get it, we try to get it in a negative way, you know?"