My question to you is, do all long-term (you define long term, I say 3 - 4 years minimum) require a separation period regardless of what the matter might be, like is it bound to happen, and is it good? Usually good? Does this happen regardless of how much people love each other? Maybe some success stories of people going on a break and not speaking for "x" amount of time then coming back and everything being wonderful. Thanks

A few people I know have been together forever without this happening, and there have been a few that I have heard getting back into contact years later, marrying, whatever. It really comes down to timing, maturity, communication and how much fun and love is in the relationship.

If things are always going well, neither people allow temptation to enter their lives, communication is strong, and they continue to have fun and go on the adventure of life together positively I do not see why they would need a separation period.

You aren't going to find many success stories on this forum. Those of us who have their ex comeback, we know it's best to keep them an ex. There are a few stories about an ex coming back after a few months of NC only to find it's like beating their head against a wall because we have moved on.

Keep the past in the past, it's an ex for a reason and very fairly do things work out a second time.