Not for me. I prefer close to see them often

Actually, with today's gadgets yes they can work. I know, I spend more quality time with my guy in one hour on the phone with my guy than I have on day long dates with others. Heart grow fonder I have no clue what I do know is that it takes dedication of being there, have great communication skills. The drive to know that you are both working towards ultimately the same goal when the time comes.
In saying that people have to be realistic who is going to do the relocating? A lot of people wouldn't be able to do that. Me I am almost retired and if I want to go back to work in my field I can work anywhere in the world. I have family scattered all across the lower 48, canada, and Europe so for me not so much of a hardship.. Others that would be too much of a change.

they don't usually. they can, but the most important ingredient is a firm and definite plan in place to remove the long distance

The only time I ever married resulted from a long-distance relationship.

We were both in the military. (She was in the midst of a career change -lol- I've spoken elsewhere about her previous employment. )

She was stationed on the East Coast and I was in San Diego. We grew that relationship over the course of some 2 1/2 years. There were opportunities to meet in person several times and that helped a lot.

I chose to be faithful and it wasn't a real issue or challenge. She didn't. It was discussed between us and that, too was not an isssue or challenge for me.

We married, had two wonderful kids and a sweet life for a decade. I don't regret a minute of it (except for choosing to leave the Marines; she didn't want to be a camp follower.)

It all depends on how badly one wants to succeed, just like every other endeavor in life. Communication is key.

I just got this great lady at a coffee shop, barely a week and i got a job taking me away from the states for 3 weeks. I don't even know if I will get another lead from there, how do i keep this going? She think's I'm game

i have tried it twice ,i think it depends on luck .

You'll stay faithful if you are inlove, but communication is paramount. You have to find ways to talk to each other often.

My head says no, LDR doesn't work. But I keep meeting men who live anywhere from only 6 hrs away to thousands of miles away. Had one LDR for almost 5 yrs. I think if cheating had not happened by him we would still be together. After the cheating I couldn't regain the trust.

I don't know which to believe now - head or heart? lol

You are the person who knows the feelings of long distance relationship.

CORRECT. Agreed

I believe it CAN work. However, like others have already said....faithfulness, honesty, commitment and a solid plan to physically remove the distance is a must.
I have only been in one LDR and it simply didn't work because he LIKED keeping me at arm's length. It took awhile for the "fun and longing" to wear off and when that did, I realized he never had any intention of making it work "for real". He just wanted what I call a part-time-relationship....only being with me and communicating with me when he wanted.
Good Luck to you OP

love has a distance limit of 50 miles ( 80.4672 km )

Bravo