Jennifer Lopez says she "can really survive things".

The singer has endured testing times after splitting from husband Marc Anthony in 2011, but credited the difficult periods in her life with giving her confidence.

The former American Idol judge also explained that she believes the secret to happiness is a good mix of work and leisure time.

"I live by the mantra that God doesn't give you anything you can't handle. It's not until something bad or difficult happens that you really get to grow. You realise: There's no reason to be terrified of things. Either way I'm going to be OK. At this point in my life I've learned I can really survive things," she told the latest edition of US magazine InStyle. "[The secret to success is] finding balance... You have to know what makes you happy - so your life is what you always dreamed it could be."

Jennifer also spoke about what she looks for in a guy.

The 43-year-old is currently dating Casper Smart, 25, and revealed that despite three failed marriages she remains optimistic about finding love.

"The most important quality the man in my life should have is that he is sweet. I like the good guys," she said before explaining the downsides of being a romantic. "The hard part is that you never stop believing in love. You never stop. But that's also the best part. You never stop believing, and you never, never give up."