I knew a couple where the husband worked in Russia and the wife worked in NYC. They saw eachother once a month and both were very happy. It's definitely a one of a kind story but proof that long-distance relationships can work. This was of course a temporary setup. I believe any long-distance relationship has to have a rough timeline as to when the couple can get back together otherwise both sides wont see a point in the relationship if they know they will not be together in the foreseeable future