The 29-year-old and Ricky, 25, split last year after she found out he was speaking to other women behind her back.
Now TOWIE star Jess has branded her time with Ricky as a 'stepping stone'. She told Fabulous magazine: "I kind of feel it was meant to happen.
"I no longer seek approval or security and it's the first time in my life I've been on my own and completely in control. So whatever has happened in the past, it's got me here today.
"I don't even know if I've ever been in love. Not genuine, respectful, deep love… I'm not actually quite sure if I've ever had that, which is weird. It's upsetting because I'm 29, you know?"
Ricky has since moved on with Geordie Shore star Marnie Simpson, after meeting her at the National Television Awards in January.
While Jess enjoyed a flirtation with The Only Way Is Essex newcomer Dan Edgar, 24, during the last series, she teased that she 'may have met someone' new – admitting it is 'early days'.
Jess is currently in Marbella with the rest of the TOWIE gang, filming for series 15 of the reality show.