This past Christmas and New Years was the most exciting for me in recent memory.As usually it didn't take Bigdaddy long to find another woman who recognize a real man when she saw one.The only catch to this relationship is that she lives 500 miles away and that my friends is a big road block.So Tex-Dem and others what do you think about long distance relationships?

I can't even come close to that. My wife lived only an hour away from me while we were dating but if she moved back home to Japan, it would have been a 7,000 mile long relationship.

Now that I'm a bit wiser, I guess I can only tell you (if you haven't done it already) is consider your financial status, and hers. Because someone is going to have to travel and that costs a lot of money.

Also, are both of you up to traveling health-wise?

But the reason question is how you two feel for each other? If you both truly care and love one another, then you'll find a way to work it out. Love doesn't come around often. Make the most of it if it's really that. Sorry if I haven't been much help.

Thanks Tony for the suggestions and some that I have considered and you are right love knows no limitation on distance.Even though the thought of me living in Pittsburgh,Pa. gives me the willies.

Jim Bigdaddy5, welcome back, I look forward to your comments. Hurricanejbb's first name is Jim, also.

If she is the one, and you really love her, you'll adjust your present situation. I courted Elizabeth for 172 days before I married her 8 years ago. I have no regrets that I left a lucative educational consultantship, sold off my 1300 volume reference library to 3 college/universities; 500+music/movie collection, 4 rooms of new furnishings, and a new car. Left my three daughters and granddaughter FOR LOVE.

Started a new life with Elizabeth and her only son Tomás, knowing he was the reason she married me,because none of her suiters or her husband loved him. I started a successful tutoring practice which gives me a good income. I have no debts, own our village estate, and our new apartment outside of Budapest, two cars and pay cash for everything. I stay in touch with my 1st wife, our three daughters, grandson/granddaughter by mobile phone, fax, email and letter writing.

Bigdaddy5, I wish you the best in your pursuit of a loving soulmate.

think she will get along with your son? He should be in his early twenties now, right?

BD, long distance relations can be fun, becoz too much closeness can be a pain also.

Meeting after breaks is great as I am finding out these days but saying goodbye can be tough too , I know its time to head back to New York but I am paying no attention to it.

Bigdaddy, I'm certainly no one to give advice on matters of the heart. All I can say is that if you care about someone, it's better to have them close, but that the distance doesn't alter the fact that you care about someone. Dad often had to be gone with his military career when we were growing up. Mom simply learned to take it in stride, as did his children.

As for what to do, you have both the wisdom and maturity to decide that for yourself. I would say to go with your gut. As for what friends might think, often friends are well meaning, but not always right. Though not always wrong either. But because they are your friends, whether right or wrong, they are merely concerned about your well being.

Just go with your gut here.

You've lived long enough to know that it's always best to trust your own instincts.

That is all you can do;;. trust your instincts. I believe in enjoying company and love and taking it for the moment. What do you enjoy doing together?

So Oilthieves you are still in Paris. I was in Cherburg in January 1958 . Paris is different; so many romantic movies plus I know more history. And here you are doing the same thing with our minds...... you must start that novel. My thoughts for you are the same as for Big D ...enjoy.

This is serious. Today is the 13th....add 7 days equals 20 days and you don't want to part company. Love.....

BD, I think if you really like this woman and you both make each other happy, then the distance problem will eventually work itself out. Someone will make a move, and not even Pittsburgh will be a deterrent if you really want to be together. :)

Good luck with her and I wish you both the best! I'm glad to hear you found someone who makes you happy.

Speaking from personal experience, I haven't had much luck with long-distance relationships. I even had one that was only about 100 miles away and it sucked.

However...that's just me. I think people are different and some people can handle long-distance relationships very well.

If you two were truly meant for each other, then the distance issue will resolve itself one way or the other.

Best of you luck to you, BD. I'm in a new relationship myself and am very happy and hopeful. :-)

BigD,

Most of my relationships have been long-distance, anywhere from 2 hour-drive to 5-hour flight away.

They've never worked out for me. I hope you'll have better luck than me!

500 miles is a long way.

I was going to suggest doing a lot of telephoning. It use to be by the minute but now you can get unlimited minutes for so much money. Then I thought about the physical closeness; those unsatisfied hormones. Just enjoy .......

Oilthieves , we are waiting expectantly for the novel.