We weren't always long distance: we grew up together, went to three different schools together, and would hang out every day until I moved to another state. She flew up to visit once and I drove down to visit once, and we plan on visiting again.

We used to be in a great rhythm with our calls and texts, but then college and work got in the way--now we have opposite schedules and have different demands in our lives. The big issue is trying to call at the right time...But then, it loops back to what I mention in the OP.