What is the thought on long distance relationships? Successful or not so much?

It depends upon the level of commitment to the relationship displayed by both members.

Long distance relationships are hard, but they can work.

Military families go through it all the time. There are successes and failures; it all depends on how committed the two people are to maintaining and sustaining the relationship.

Long distance relationships work when both people are committed to it.
I am in a long distance relationship now. For the beginning we were inseparable, but because of school, we are further apart now, but are in love more than ever.

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Long Distance Relationship Advice | The Frisky (http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-handle-this-seven-ways-to-survive-a-long-distance-relationship/?cnn=yes)

They can work, if you have the right tools and skills to deal with the tome and distance. These sites are very insightful, and I'm to lazy to type all the good information and insights here. :D

Long distance relationship definitely works. I met my boyfriend (now my husband) in Europe during my business trip, and we both are busy professional, and travel a lot internationally. We live 120 miles apart, not even in a same state, but it was the most successful relationship, and we got married 2 years later.

Long distance relationship pros and cons:

1) Physical distance... you cannot see each other easily at the last minute notice.
You need to plan to see each other. It means you are investing your time and effort already into the relationship. My boyfriend drove 4 hours every weekend to see. He came directly from oversea trips to see me. It means he already planned & booked the flight to return to the airport in my area not his in advance. He would not do it if he was not crazy about me. It boosted my ego.
2) Not constant interaction... you can manage this very well, and actually it is very fun. We talked every night for long hours. We are not into sm, email, text but rather talked over the phone. (We all know email is not delivering the emotions very well, and confusing sometimes) We used webcam when he is in oversea. We listened to the same radio, watch same cable TV (he installed a sling box on my cable box, so whenever he goes, we are watching same channel.) We interact in many different levels include work, hobby, international matters, and it was learning experience and fulfilling me. I do not need to chat something meaningless, but need to talk something useful and profound to learn the person, his world.
3) Strong Bond, Doubt... When you are in long distance relationship, do not play the head game. It does not work. Instead, display your firm feeling in front of your family, and friends. My boyfriend had me in the family seat while he had his father's funeral (we were together for 6month at that time) Everybody in the funeral knew I was his marriage material. I could see where he is heading.
4) Quality Time... here we go. Since you are not seeing everyday, you have to make it up. My boyfriend gave me 200% of his attention from Friday night to Monday morning. I knew he is working hard during weekdays, and love me hard during weekend. I have enough love to spare for the rest of week. No complaint.
5) Commitment / Common Goal... Ultimately, 2 people have to be in the same place, and have to work hard for the common goal. We both changed our jobs to avoid business trips, he sold his house and moved in my place to get married. If you cannot have a common goal, how can you be together?

It works for you if
1) you are secure about yourself. You know you are hot/sexy, and feel good about yourself. You choose to be with him/her because of love, but not fill your spare time.
2) you have your work/study or hobby to make you happily
3) you are looking for someone special not ordinary one
4) you are looking for committed relationship
5) you think the person is special and worth to invest your time and effort

It is not working for you if:
1) you are not secure about yourself. You need your bf/gf constantly give you attention / complement to boost your ego, otherwise you feel down.
2) you have too much free time, like to party. You do not have any hobby, but your gf/bf is your only hobby.
3) your intention is not looking for someone special but need instant attention form opposite sex, or sex everyday
4) You want easy and maintenance free relationship.
5) you think you can see girls/boys in your area and still see a person in long distance since he/she will not find it out (wrong intension. We all have 5th sense when we are in relationship, and it will fizzle.)
6) you are not good at set up goals, and executing plans.

Bottom line. Everything has cost. If you invest 100% of your heart, you will get 100% return. We all get what we wish. Let me know if you have any questions. I can help.

Didn't work out for me. My relationship went from being short distance to long distance. Although, I can't blame the demise of the relationship on only the distance itself, it made it much harder to maintain. I'm the type of person who likes to be physically bonded with my girlfriend and have the option to see them in person when I want. So in my case, long distance relationships will not work, unless the distance is only temporary.

It takes a lot of work and it's not for everyone. If you're both willing to put in the time and effort, then yes they can work.

I think the whole point is, if the long distance relationship makes both partners happy, then it works (just like other relationship). If it brings more pain than joy to any of the partners, then it does not work at all. We want to be in a relationship to be happy not miserable. Right? It is very simple. People will not choose a long distance relationhsip as first choice, but take it because of the circumstances. It is doable & rewarding, if you are really attracted to each other, and willing to work out together.

FYI. My best friend is living in NY area, and her boyfriend is living in California. They have been together for 3 years, and they just got engaged. Her fiancé put his house in market, and is looking for a job in her area. Another successful story.

Thank you everyone for all your posts and advice... My girlfriend and I have been together for 7 months and known each other longer than that. We obviously have our ups and downs but as of now we are still doing strong. Right now due to working and other obstacles we have not been able to see each other in a few months unlike before we were trying to see each other ever two weeks or so... But I still love her and the relationship is still hanging in there.