Justin Long Reflects on His 'Deep Affection' for Ex Drew Barrymore: 'I Don't Think Love Disappears'

Long said on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast 'Dinner's on Me' that he hadn't seen Barrymore "in a couple years" when he appeared on her show in 2022

Justin Long's love for Drew Barrymore endures — just in a different way than when they were dating.

The Barbarian actor opened up about his current relationship with his ex on the latest episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast Dinner's on Me, revealing that they hadn't seen each other "in a couple years" when he appeared on her talk show back in September 2022.

Of the time before, ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, "I was single, and we had that moment that we were trying to define [how we'd be] moving forward in each other's lives, because we have so much love for each other," said Long, 45. "And at the end of the day, we are dear friends."

"And when you're with Drew, she is so hyper-present and loving. But it's not a schtick — it's not an act," he continued. "So being on her show was that experience and the reminder of that, and how just wonderful that glow feels."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Related: Drew Barrymore Tells Ex Justin Long's Fiancée Kate Bosworth They Are the 'Ultimate Couple'

Long, who married Kate Bosworth in May 2023, said he knows Barrymore, 49, "so well" that he almost forgot there was an audience present for their 2022 reunion.

"When I'm with her, there's such a there's such a familiarity that I swear to God, Jesse, I forgot ... the public nature of [our interview]," he explained. "And then you kinda snap out of it, or people have a reaction in the audience and you're reminded of like, 'Oh, yeah ... this is being filmed.' And then it becomes a little strange."

After Ferguson, 48, reflected on how "sweet" Long's chat with Barrymore was — especially when the two said they'd always love each other — the Accepted star replied that he meant it and added, "Unless there's, like, some great offense, some criminal offense ... I don't think love disappears."

"When I think of her, I have such deep affection and always root for her, and I just, I love her," he continued. "But then when you snap back to outside of that bubble of a reality mixed with this televised thing, then your reality outside of that is, well, now you have a partner in your life who is so loving and so accepting, it makes it so easy."

Related: Hollywood's Friendliest Celeb Exes

Long also spoke about how Bosworth, 41, sent Barrymore "flowers and a really loving note" without his knowledge following his appearance on the show, saying, "She's just that kind of thoughtful person and and and very, very evolved."

But until he "heard people's reaction" to his interview with Barrymore, Long admitted he "didn't consider" their reunion on her show "might be a really weird thing for" his now-wife.

Luckily though, "It was so not weird for her," said Long, who began dating the Blue Crush actress in 2021.

Previously, Long and Barrymore dated on and off between 2007 and 2010.

The actor said earlier during his conversation with Ferguson that he doesn't "understand the relationships that end" completely after a breakup.

"Sure, there's a period of difficulty, but I don't understand carrying that with you for the remainder of your life," Long said. "I endeavor to be on only loving terms with [my exes] because things don't work out, but you still spent good years and good times, and that I don't understand."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.