Open Roll call!

[J9PhD]

Oh why the hell not?

1. Date relationship began? April 13, 2011
2. Date relationship became LDR? July 1, 2011
3. Why are you LD? He's doing a medical fellowship and I'm stuck here finishing my PhD
4. Where do each of you live? He's in New Orleans and I'm in Tucson
5. How often do you get to visit? Hoping to do every other month
6. Do you like where your SO lives? Stay tuned! I haven't visited yet!
7. Best part about being in a LDR? Surprise emails!
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR? Since he's a dr, he's always so busy. But we make it work.
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR? I knew what to expect, and I'm strong (and super busy) so
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR? Have patience and be strong!

[Zapookie]

1. Date relationship began?
We met online November 2009. Became officicial around Jan 2011.

2. Date relationship became LDR?
See above.

3. Why are you LD?
Because unfortunately we were born in different countries

4. Where do each of you live?
He lives in California, USA. I live in Sydney, AUS.

5. How often do you get to visit?
He's coming to visit me for the first time in about a week!

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
I haven't been there, but from what I see, it looks beautiful. He lives in Santa Barbara and says that there's a whole lot of spanish/mexican influence in the culture there. He also tells me about the moon parties they have in the mountains behind his city.. it sounds awesome and I would love to visit.

7. Best part about being in a LDR?
Probably that I still have some independence.

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
That I can't just hang out with him or touch him.

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
That it can be an emotional rollercoaster at times.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Stay positive, and work towards your goals.

[Xanahtas]

1. Date relationship began?
8th August 2010

2. Date relationship became LDR?
We had been friends for a while (september 2009ish) but we lost contact and became friends again 30th July 2010. Relationship began 8th August 2010 LD tho

3. Why are you LD?
Met online. We just feel in love and happened to be half way across the world from each other >.<

4. Where do each of you live?
I live in the UK, he lives in Canada althought he is originally from India/Dubai (His family had houses in both places, they moved from each one reguarly until they moved to Canada). About 3400 miles apart

5. How often do you get to visit?
Every 4 months or so Although the wait from his next visit (august) could be it until may next year D:

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
Yesss, its full of Canadian accents just like his, which happens to be my fave accent in the world XD It seems like a really nice area too

7. Best part about being in a LDR?
It teaches you to never take your other half for granted and the time you spend together is more special too There is a feeling of achievement too in actually being in the relationship

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
There is only limited time being together in person and the 5 hour time difference can be a right pain in the arse. Also visa's are possibly the most horrible piece of documant ever! Flights are stupidly expensive and our parents are helping us for his flights.

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
Its harder than first thought, and once you visit once, it gets harder and harder being away from that person. Takes a lot of will power and hard work to keep it going.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Never give up! If you love them enough, not even an ocean/state/country can keep you apart forever. There will be a time when everything will fall into place if it is meant to be Just trust and communication also

[CanadianGirl]

1. Date relationship began?
"Met" him December 2009, but after our first visit, we became official March 24th 2010.

2. Date relationship became LDR?
Has always been that way.

3. Why are you LD?
We met on Omegle by chance and we happen to live 2000+ miles apart.

4. Where do each of you live?
Me: Toronto, Canada. Him: San Diego, California.

5. How often do you get to visit?
I'm a student and he's a recent graduate, so with our schedules, we get together about every 4-5 months.

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
LOVE IT. California is easily the most beautiful place I've ever been. Palm trees still amaze me and the sunsets over the ocean are just gorgeous.

7. Best part about being in a LDR?
The visits are amazing and always give you something to look forwards too. Also, the time apart lets you focus on your own things when you need to.

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Craving him.

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
I had no real idea what an LDR would be until I tried. Still learning.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
If you're having problems, don't try to save it up until the next visit. Address them now! You will feel much better about it.

[brazil]

1. Date relationship began? Sept. 2nd 2008
2. Date relationship became LDR?Sept. 2nd 2008
3. Why are you LD? We were born in the wrong places.
4. Where do each of you live? Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, Miami - USA
5. How often do you get to visit? It hasn't happened just yet.
6. Do you like where your SO lives? Theoretically, yes.
7. Best part about being in a LDR? Finally knowing there is someone for me. If only I would've known it was true when I was a teenagers, I would've had a lot more fun.
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR? Having responsabilities outside of the relationship = less alone time or conflicting schedules.
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR? I wish I knew I had to be the one to go over because my girl is scared of flights. Had I know this before, I wouldn't have been so laid back in the beggining of the relationship, just waiting for her to get here. I would've gotten a job already and maybe we could've met before.
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR? As most of you said: Communication! Talk abuot your worries, fears, open up to them, trust them and it'll pay off, because you'll enjoy what 80% of couples don't and you'll know each other a lot more than most people know their families even.

[Madge]

1. Date relationship began?

August 2008ish officially together on the 19th May 2009

2. Date relationship became LDR?

19th May 2009

3. Why are you LD?

Because in order to be together properly we need to sort out visa stuff first*sigh*

4. Where do each of you live?

I live in New Zealand my SO is British living in the States.

5. How often do you get to visit?

We manage somehow to visit each other every 3-4 months or so..because I am a student I get longer breaks so I come over when I can.

6. Do you like where your SO lives?

I love Chicago! its a really nice place! my SO home town back in the Uk is lovely as well

7. Best part about being in a LDR?

The sweet emails/messages he sends he also makes little videos for me as well

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?

Time difference. It can sometimes be frustrating trying to fit a time that works withen NZ time and US time.

. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?

That this was going to be the best and worst thing that I will ever do.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?

Communication and trust!!

[gr8shortandwise]

1. Date relationship began?
October 31, 2009
2. Date relationship became LDR?
May 10, 2010
3. Why are you LD?
We graduated from college and my SO got a job offer near his hometown before he got one near mine, and we decided it would be best to take it because of the economy.
4. Where do each of you live?
Different states in the US, about 300 miles apart.
5. How often do you get to visit?
When I'm in the US, about once a month; I'm in Germany for the summer so we got one visit in for the four months I'm here.
6. Do you like where your SO lives?
No. He lives in a very rural area and I am a city girl through and through.
7. Best part about being in a LDR?
The special effort you have to make to keep the spark going, and the surprises--when my SO and I are together I tend to ruin his surprises by anticipating them.
Also, I was able to settle into my first year of graduate school without the time demands of a CD relationship.
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Being lonely, especially when seeing other couples.
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
Sometimes you can resent the situation even though you love your SO.
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Keep on going?

[morgan(:]

1. Date relationship began?
December 4, 2009
2. Date relationship became LDR?
The first time: December 9, 2009
Second time: May 5, 2010
Third time: December 12, 2010
Fourth time: May 10, 2011
3. Why are you LD?
School breaks, and I can't afford to come visit and he has a real job.
4. Where do each of you live?
I live in Tennessee and he lives in Alabama.
5. How often do you get to visit?
Once a month for a weekend...and I'm a waitress so we don't even get to see each other much on the weekend. For example, he's coming to visit this weekend (Thursday night - Sunday) and I work ALL day Friday and ALL day Sunday. Blows.
6. Do you like where your SO lives?
It's alright.
7. Best part about being in a LDR?
Is there a best part? I guess I'm getting a lot of time in with my family before I officially move out on my own...
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Sex.... and not being able to be there for him while he is going through an extremely rough time.
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
I was in a LDR once before this, so I pretty much knew about it.
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Don't give up! The visits make everything worth it!

[snow_girl]

1. Date relationship began? Nov 28 2009
2. Date relationship became LDR? Dec 17 2009
3. Why are you LD? He lived in England, I lived in Canada
4. Where do each of you live? Just moved in with him in England
5. How often do you get to visit? When we were LD it was after 3 months and after 6 months
6. Do you like where your SO lives? I like the country but not the town
7. Best part about being in a LDR? Saving up for being close and not having to worry about splitting friend/bf time
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR? Not being with him
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR? I don't know
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR? Every day apart is a day closer to being together

[milaya]

1. Date relationship began?
March 20th 2010.

2. Date relationship became LDR?
March 23rd 2010.

3. Why are you LD?
Because I met him while I was traveling in Japan. We live in two different countries and I want to finish university before I can move.

4. Where do each of you live?
I live in Denmark and he lives in Japan.

5. How often do you get to visit?
Around every 6 weeks. (4 weeks together, 6 weeks apart)

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
I love where my SO lives. I've been in love with Japan since I was 13 years old and when I was 15 years old my future goal was to marry a Japanese guy and live in Japan.

7. Best part about being in a LDR?
Nothing compares to the excitement of seeing them after long time apart and you get to cherish every minute with them, which I think my CD couples take for granted.

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Lack of physical intimacy.

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
How painful it would feel when being apart.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Trust, communication and patience.

[nicole]

1. Date relationship began? October 31st 2009- we were inseparable since the day we met!
2. Date relationship became LDR? August 8th 2010
3. Why are you LD? I met him as an exchange student, so I had to go back to England to finish my undergrad. Now I've finished my degree, we are waiting for my Fiance visa to come through so we may marry and close the distance forever
4. Where do each of you live? He lives in Ohio, I live in Yorkshire, England
5. How often do you get to visit? The average is 4-5 months. This time it will be nearly 6 months till I see him again in person
6. Do you like where your SO lives? Toledo is pretty boring, but has some really cool places. I love America. We are trying to find somewhere we want to settle down now
7. Best part about being in a LDR? Our communication has come on leaps and bounds- when we were CD, if I was mad, or worried about something, I'd bottle it up, now we talk a lot more and are a lot more open
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR? The time difference. It's not as big as some on here- 5 hours, but really inconvenient. Especially now I am wanting a job, it cuts the time we can skype down significantly. Like when he gets up for work, it's already 10am here- nearly half the day gone, when he comes back it's 10pm when I am getting ready for bed, so it's crappy.
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR? I dunno, we knew it was going to suck and be hard when we made the decision. I guess I wish I knew he would be the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, because I would have done some things so much differently before I left.
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR? If you're feeling frustrated about the situation, don't take it out on your SO, because they are most likely feeling the same way as you- talk it out and move on, because there's no use dwelling on things that can't be helped yet.

[meg]

1. Date relationship began?
Jan of this year.
2. Date relationship became LDR?
About 2 weeks after meeting him for the first time, he decided I was worth the risk.
3. Why are you LD?
Cos I'm not done with school yet.
4. Where do each of you live?
England, Scotland.
5. How often do you get to visit?
Uh...still waiting for the first visit. After that, hoping at least once a month.
6. Do you like where your SO lives?
I love it. He hates it.
7. Best part about being in a LDR?
Getting to know him without the sex stuff getting in the way.
8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Can't cuddle when I need him here.
9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
What you assume isn't always right.
10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Get a decent vibrator.

[CaptainKaz]

1. Date relationship began?
Early 2010.

2. Date relationship became LDR?
See above.

3. Why are you LD?
Because fate decided it would be funny to have him born on one side of the Atlantic, and me on the other. It's taken a while, but I'm finally back on speaking terms with fate now. Just about.

4. Where do each of you live?
London/New York

5. How often do you get to visit?
Two - four times a year.

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
It's the city that never sleeps! It's also apparently the city that never bathes and never bothered to learn manners. But, ultimately, who doesn't love NYC?

7. Best part about being in a LDR?
Plenty of space from the old ball and chain.

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Plenty of space from the old ball and chain.

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
I'm not as cranky in person as I am at a distance.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Go easy on each other and try to let go of the little things that make you angry - you're both in this thing together and you're better off allies than enemies. Also, drink lots of milk, but that's just generally good advice.

[rivi87]

1. Date relationship began?
May 22, 2010

2. Date relationship became LDR?
always has been

3. Why are you LD?
I would not do this if I didnt think he was worth it.

4. Where do each of you live?
I currently live in Fort Polk, LA and he is from Minnesota but deploying soon

5. How often do you get to visit?
every two months is about right

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
noo lol

7. Best part about being in a LDR?
I think we have connected more in a emotional way and know eachother very well

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?
Obviously the distance but also when you get in an arguement the closure is lacking

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?
How much communication it takes

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
you have to trust your SO. If not it will drive you crazy! :P

[SDPersona]

1. Date relationship began?

We fell in love with each other 01/26/2011, but we became official only after I returned to my homecountry which would be 02/25/2011. Still, we decided to use January 26th as our anniversary date.

2. Date relationship became LDR?

That would be February, 25th 2011 when I took my flight home.

3. Why are you LD?

We met and fell in love with each other when I was interning at his mom's workplace. Of course that means when my internship ended, we became LD.

4. Where do each of you live?

I live in Austria. He's in South Africa.

5. How often do you get to visit?

We haven't visited each other yet since I returned home, but he's going to visit me July 2012. If we play our cards right, we'd probably get to visit each other once or twice a year. No more than that because a flight to either of us is freaking expensive!!!

6. Do you like where your SO lives?
I adore South Africa for its beautiful countryside and hospitality of it's people, but like everywhere else it also has its downside. Like for instance, I hate the fact that most houses have super high fences and while driving the car the doors need to be locked. All because of the high crime rate. And you can't go out alone at night which I'm very used to doing in my own country. But I could get used to it if we'd decide to live there.

7. Best part about being in a LDR?

We have a strong, trusting relationship and I can be independent at the same time!

8. Most frustrating part about being in a LDR?

I miss the physical part of our relationship - the sex, the hugs, the kisses and just being able to touch each other even it means just holding hands. Another part that I find very frustrating is not being able to share everyday life like waking up next to each other, making food or whatever rituals that we'd have as an CDR couple.

9. Something you wish you knew before going into a LDR?

How hard and frustrating it can be sometimes.

10. One piece of advice for those in a LDR?
Communication, Trust, Patience and Faith are the incredients needed to make a LDR work as most of you already have said. I have nothing to add.