Jennifer Lopez says she has been in a "few challenging" relationships.

The 39-year-old star - who has previously dated P. Diddy and Ben Affleck - admits she lost touch with herself during past romantic dalliances.

Speaking at The Women's Conference in Long Beach, California, yesterday, Jennifer said: "I have been in a few challenging relationships. I have been in relationships that can make you doubt who you are and what you are capable of, and doubt what you deserve. It took me a bit little longer to get it right."

However, Jennifer - who has eight-month-old twins Max and Emme with husband Marc Anthony - also said raising children has enabled her to explore a different side of herself.

She added: "Becoming a mother can make you more aware and more loving, and make you aware there's nothing they don't deserve. Your eyes open. Your heart opens."

The conference Jennifer spoke at was attended by over 14,000 women, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, and California First Lady, Maria Shriver.

(Agencies/China Daily October 24, 2008)