Prior to starting any type of correspondence, via chat rooms, email, private messages, text messages and phone calls, one or both parties must be open to the possibility of relocating. If not, it
is a futile experience.
Dating can be in many forms. Spending physical time together is a bonus, if dating someone via a long distance relationship.
The amount of quality time spent getting to know one another on an intimate level
emotionally without the physical intimacy is far more enriching. If the physical intimacy were introduced too early in a relationship it can be misconstrued for love

when in fact it's just physical lust.
The ability to get so close to someone on such an emotional level without having the physical emotions get in the way, in my opinion, builds a stronger foundation of mutual friendship, respect and love.

With a foundation that strong, how can it be futile?
If both parties are honest and open with one another, the foundation is built after several week or months of truly getting to know one another - that is the making of a beautiful future - it can be amazing when it happens. It's rare, but it is out there. I, for one, will not give up my Disney Prince

because he's too far away for me to touch - physically.
There are so many means of transportation

to get to the physical part. It's got to be something both parties are willing to wait for and spend the interim building the ever important foundation.
I think we have had a few success stories between this thread and DisMates that have proven that it does work. That gives me hope!