Love Island USA favorites Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe have ended their relationship just over a year after leaving the Fiji villa together, a source confirms to PEOPLE.
The pair “decided to part ways” after struggling to balance a long-distance romance with increasingly packed schedules, according to the source.
“The distance between them and their busy schedules made it challenging to maintain their connection,” the source shared. “They still remain close friends. They share a deep love and respect for each other and will always support one another whenever possible.”
Carthen, 28, and Vansteenberghe, 25, found their way to each other during season 7 after a Casa Amor twist gave both Islanders another chance at romance. Carthen later admitted she initially resisted their chemistry because Vansteenberghe had been coupled with Cierra Ortega.
After Ortega left the villa, Carthen chose to explore the connection, calling it the “best decision I could have ever made.” Vansteenberghe said he had been her “secret admirer from day one.”
The couple continued dating after the show but gradually shared less of their relationship online. Carthen told Glamour they were both “mentally” drained by the public attention.
In June, she told Cosmopolitan that viewers constantly searching for proof of their relationship “kind of creeps me out.”
“We don’t monetize our relationship or put it on display,” she added. “We enjoy each other’s presence and do what normal people do: go out, have fun, and get to know each other.”
Neither has personally confirmed the split to the public. Fans are hoping that Nicolandria are able to reconcile.