Waldemar Torenstra and Sophie Hilbrand, one of the Netherlands’ beloved couples, have been together since 2006, celebrating nearly two decades of companionship. Their relationship has remained strong through the years, and they recently discussed the secrets behind their enduring bond during an interview with the magazine Mezza.
The couple first met at a party in Paradiso, where Waldemar was instantly captivated by Sophie. "I found everything appealing about her. She was sparkling, smart, funny, different yet similar, beautiful, sweet, stubborn, exciting," he reflected on their initial encounter. It’s clear from his words how deeply inspired he was by Sophie even from the very start.
When queried about the key to their successful relationship, Waldemar expressed caution about providing too much detail, saying, "I’m afraid to say too much about the secret of our relationship because I don’t want to box it or put it in words." Instead, he emphasized the importance of love and the pursuit of enjoyment within their connection. "It has to do with a lot of love and always looking for what is fun in the other," he explained.
Despite their affection, Waldemar and Sophie aren’t immune to the typical frictions found in long-term relationships. Waldemar humorously admitted, "Certain things won’t be here a few years from now. I’m grateful we haven’t let go of each other over these eighteen years. That doesn’t mean we sometimes don’t get on each other’s nerves."
Their light-hearted annoyances are relatable to many couples. Waldemar shared, "It’s not big things, it’s really about the mandarin peels left on the table or working too hard—Sophie is very busy with her talk show, Bar Laat.”
Both partners lead very active professional lives, contributing to both the challenges and the dynamics of their relationship. Waldemar is currently starring in the new Netflix series "Haantjes," which recently premiered to positive audience reception. The series follows four inseparable friends as they navigate love, career difficulties, and self-discovery with humor and wit—a theme reminiscent of their own relationship, where exploration and fun remain prevalent.
Waldemar and Sophie’s ability to navigate their busy careers without losing sight of their relationship is commendable. They acknowledge the sacrifices and adjustments required to keep their bond strong. Waldemar noted, "Each relationship changes over time, and it’s important to embrace those changes rather than resist them.”
Beyond daily life, the couple expresses gratitude for the simple joys they share, reinforcing their foundation of mutual respect and admiration. Waldemar's reflections demonstrate how important it is for them to keep their hearts and minds engaged as their relationship matures.
Despite the trials and tribulations every couple faces, it is heartening to see how Waldemar Torenstra and Sophie Hilbrand have cultivated their relationship through love, laughter, and adaptability. Their reflections serve as inspiration to many, showing how two individuals can nurture and thrive together as partners. After nearly twenty years, they show no signs of losing the fun and excitement of being together.