Former Miss World Rolene Strauss reveals how she made her long-distance relationship work

A former Miss World winner has revealed how she and her husband made it through six years of long distance.

Rolene Strauss, who won Miss South Africa and Miss World in 2014, took to Instagram to reveal how she and D’Niel made it through six years apart.

The pair got married in 2016, after getting engaged two years prior, and spent some of that time apart.

She said the pair were also apart when they welcomed their first child in January 2017, labeling their six years of long-distance “not the easiest” but they had made it through.

Her top three tips included committing to each other, building a strong foundation and living in the present.

Alongside her first tip, she explained that from the very beginning the duo were committed and in it for the long haul.

“We chose each other and chose to trust one another, to be gentle, and to put in the hard work,” she said.

On the topic of building a strong foundation, Rolene said she knew if the relationship could stand the test, the pair would be rock solid.

She added that the distance allowed them to build a base of strong communication, patience and unconditional respect.

One of the biggest lessons the couple had was living in the present.

“We had to learn how to live in the present, and decided to embrace every season and moment,” Rolene said.

“When we were together, we were together! We focused on each other and let go of any distractions.

“We tried to not overthink the goodbyes, but rather saw them as an opportunity for the heart to grow fonder again.”

She added that a long-distance relationship could be a blessing in disguise.

Others echoed their own experience with long-distance relationships.

One said: “Seven years, through medicine studies and Covid time … I feel you. But we built a strong relationship that will face all the life’s ordeals. So worth it.”

Another added: “Been in a long-distance relationship for three years and still unsure for how many to come but still going strong and it helps so much to know that you are not the only couple going through this!”

Rolene and D’Niel welcomed their second child in 2020, with the pair having been together since 2011.