I would advise you to go but go cautiously. I had a long distance relationship fail, but really, I'd have gotten into the relationship if we'd known each other in person, and it still wouldn't have worked. That's always the risk you take when you chance your heart on someone, and it honestly fails quite often - long distance or not. However, long distance relationships do have their extra issues and even zones which are 'too comfortable' which you have to watch out for. The perks are in getting to know and love someone's personality and mind without the physical stuff getting in the way early on. I'll probably be alone on this one, but I actually think there are some instances where a relationship can work out better if it begins online. You -have- to really verbalize your feelings and use good communication skills there. Or else it won't work.

Now, my current relationship is long distance, and I think of it as a major success. We knew each other for about as long as you and your guy have (were best friends for ages), and have been together over four years now. During this time period we've visited for over a month at a time multiple times, met each other's families, have computers in our rooms which run skype constantly, and have gotten to know each other inside and out. Before I even considered a romantic relationship, I felt on some level (not sexually at all) that this guy was like my soul mate. We were very different, but we still clicked and identified in some pretty deep way.

And, well, it hasn't been easy a lot of the time. My first bit of advice is to not get too involved in the relationship until you've had a chance to meet in person. And I wouldn't consider that until you've had a couple months over webcam together. Until then, speak/see each other often, but keep it somewhat casual and exploratory (the way a lot of relationships start). As much as we cared for each other, there are elements of a person you just don't know until you spend time together in person. For us, this process was amazing and we found that we got along even better together than we did online. Be safe and smart about it though. If things hadn't looked safe at the airport, I'd have turned right back around and marched back on that plane. Personally, I'd never fully invest my heart without that time together in person to really get a feel for him.

Then there are a ton of little things. Like making sure he's on the same wavelength you are with wanting a relationship. There are issues of safety early on which I briefly mentioned, and would never not take into consideration just because of my feelings or trust. Keeping the lines of communication open and finding things to do together/ways of doing them can also be challenging. (I know I'm probably forgetting a lot, but I'll try to fill in the gaps later if need be.) I guess, finally, most people eventually want these relationships to culminate in the real world. If you guys don't see any way that could work in your lives, then I probably wouldn't even try it. Otherwise, good luck to ya!