I think long distance relationships can really work. Like everyone else has mentioned...communication is key. As for long distance telephone bills...that was a problem, but we've since moved to
Skype p2p calling on the PC. It's free and worldwide and I think the quality is better than the phone. It's beta, so there are still some issues, but it gives me the ability to "sleep" with the one I love. I leave it on all night and I can hear every breath he makes.
It's the little things that make you feel close to each other and that add up in the end.