My one LDR was 25 years ago. I had ended a one year relationship with someone who had tried controlling me-met in a 12 step program-and went to a free life style resort in Negril, Jamaica. I met someone my second day there from NJ-I live in NH. We saw each other for two years-me going to NJ for work, visiting best friend from college and he got along well with my friends. However I met someone at home and had a baby at 42. Marriage only lasted 2 years-should I have settled? I believe shit happens. Go with the flow.

When my late wife and I were married, we were teachers in South Korea. She taught at a university in Seoul, and I was in charge of a language program run by a steel company in Pohang, a city on the east coast. I was single during the week and married on the weekends, as we took turns making the five-hour train trip. When she was down my way, we would hike on Nam-san (South Mountain) in Kyongju, site of the ancient Buddhist Shila Dynasty. In Seoul, we would party around. I was quite happy with this arrangement, but we eventually moved on to another country, another teaching environment--and the realities of marriage.

About 23 years ago I started a LDR with a wonderful girl in the interior of British Columbia. I lived in Calgary at the time, and our phone bills were atrocious (no Skype in those days, let alone high speed Internet). This went on for a few months, then lo and behold she lost her job. She always said that if she had to relocate, it would be Vancouver or Calgary. We're 21 years married now.

You never know how things are going to turn out.

I used to be in a long distance relationship for seven years. I was unhappy with my now ex husband and via internet got in touch with my first boyfriend. To make a very ling story short, we saw each other 3-4 times a year and every time it was like a honeymoon. After 4-5 years I started thinking very seriously about moving back to Europe and quitining my job. I decided to take sabbatical and lived with the guy for 12 weeks. That changed my perspective entirely. He was definitely not a person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Selfish, misogynist, self centered. I didn't want to admit my mistake and kept the thing going for another 2-3 years, but at least I gave up the idea of leaving the US. Best decision ever. Now I'm in the best relationship ever, no regrets. Pearls of wisdom: live with somebody for substantial amount of to before you turn your world upside down, you happiness might be around the corner. Good luck!,