I lived in PA, she in TX. I would visit when I could but on a grad student's budget, it was tough making it down to see her. She, meantime, ws banking her vacation days for our trip to visit my family in Japan so she was only able to fly up twice.

It was hard but daily phone calls and email contact made it easier. We went that way for three years. We got married last May. I even posted a trip report about our honeymoon.

The key to making it work, IME, is a shared commitment to making it work in addition to the other things crucial to a successful relationship (shared values, mutual respect, etc.). Having a good idea when the "long distance" aspect will end helps, too.

Good luck with your relationship, Insiderdude. And thanks to the respondents for sharing such wonderful stories.^