News-Record.com

I was talking with a close friend this week about his long-term, long-distance relationship.

He's been dating a mutual friend for almost four years, I think, and they've been living in different states for about a year. Now she's found a job in the Triad. He's living in the Triangle.

All the time they were living so far apart - and making long drives on the weekends to see each other - he never complained to me. So I was surprised this week when he said that long-distance is the hardest thing he's ever done. And that he's considering yet another move - and possibly a change of careers - to be close to her.

I was wowed by his dedication. And a little shamed to think that I, probably, would not be willing to make that same sacrifice.

I've been in long-distance relationships; some have gone well, and others have fizzled. But I've rarely thought about all the time, effort and sheer patience that must go into maintaining and strengthening a relationship when the key players are in different places.

What's your stance on long-distance relationships? Do they have potential, or are they doomed from the start?

Let's hear some of your long-distance success stories - or horror stories.