London, Mar 26 (IANS): Israeli model Bar Refaeli claims that her split from actor boyfriend Leonardo DiCaprio made their relationship stronger.

"It was a half year (six months) for which I am very grateful. I needed it. I came to understand a lot of things about myself," contactmusic.com quoted Refaeli, who is back with with DiCaprio, as saying.

"I worked on myself and I grew up. I didn't know what 'alone' was like. Today, I know that a relationship can work only if you know you can be alone and you are not afraid. Today, I'm not afraid of being alone."

However, the 24-year-old insists they have no plans to marry in the near future.

"I'm not thinking about getting married. I'm still young, not yet 25."

The two also want to keep their romance away from prying media.

"I am there for him and I am at all the events. I just don't walk in hand-in-hand with him. I don't see any reason. I don't need to strike poses with him in front of the cameras. No one needs to know how we kiss."