A long distance relationship does not compare to an actual live together relationship. So if you're thinking that by continuing a relationship through long distance contact by phone, e-mail, snail mail, SPAM, etc; , then you've gotta be aware that once you do get together and continue a live in relationship that the whole dynamics of the relationship changes.
The every day habits and synchronicity of the two people is not really apparent through long distance contact. So it can be a bit of a 50/50 chance that you might like them better,or you might find things that start to turn you off, once you live together after thinking that you had come to know some one via a long distant relationship.
A long distance relationship might work if you both allready know each other quite well and realize that because of distance, the real growth and getting to know each other more, will be kind of limited. And all that stuff about true love has no distance is all fairy tales. Yes you can still love some one with all your heart and distance will have no boundary's.
But in the real world it takes present contact and day to day living with each other to tell if you are a compatible couple. Of course this is all relevant as to what each person wants to contribute to, and get from the relationship.
Sharing
long distance relationship gifts is also another way to make your relationship strong.
So i see it that long distance relationships can be a good idea if you really feel for each other. How ever they're not a true indication that the relationship is solid and substantial