Jennifer Aniston says her boyfriend Justin Theroux is her "protector".

The 43-year-old actress feels safe when she is with the Hollywood hunk - who she has been dating for almost a year - and admits he has had a massively positive impact on her life.

She said: "He's a protector, for sure. He's just a good human being, and so funny."

Jennifer stars in comedy movie 'Wanderlust' - in which she plays one-half of a couple who turn their backs on their hectic New York lives to live in a hippy commune - with Justin, 40, and she really enjoyed shooting the film in a secluded location.

The former 'Friends' star has revealed the cast - which included Paul Rudd - were able to relax because there were no paparazzi or fans around and she admits it felt like she was a regular person again.

Speaking in the May issue of Marie Claire Australia, Jennifer - who was married to Brad Pitt - explained: "All of a sudden I began decompressing. It's weird, but it felt like living a normal life; almost like having your anonymity back. Nobody bothered us and we were protected as a group. There were no paparazzi and no secret, tricky little cell phone pictures being taken. I realised how paranoid and guarded and not trusting I had become. Not consciously so, but just this armor that I kind of have, protective armor. It's not for my friends or family, but for being outside in the world, always on guard.''