I am also in one. I never thought I'd get into one before, and I was always of the belief that long distance relationships can't work. Then... I met my partner, and fell in love. It's one of the best relationships I've ever had -- though it does have its downsides, of course.

It is hard, but it can be done, and you can have a perfectly normal, well-rounded relationship on the far side of it (if that's your goal). Your success will depend a lot on your personalities, the way you treat each other (mutual respect being absolutely paramount), and whether or not you are able to get beyond the inevitable dips in morale, focusing less on what you can't do together and more on what you can. Talking about your future is good, but bemoaning its distance can drag you down. It's all about finding a balance between optimism and realism, and remaining strong when the other is feeling down.

From a sexual perspective, I will also say this: If you have access to privacy, I do think it's important to engage in intimacy if your relationship is at that stage. Having each other as an outlet not only allows you to develop that side of your relationship while apart, but also makes trusting your partner's loyalty much easier.

I did it for three and a half years, and I do believe we came out the far side in a stronger position than we otherwise would have been in.