Can you start a relationship long distance? Plus, breaking up with kindness

Long-distance relationships are hard even for existing committed couples, let alone ones that don't yet have that level of trust, intimacy and communication skills built up. Photo: TNS/Dreamstime

Dear Anna,

Two months back, I (39, F) instantly meshed with a man (36) at a concert. Despite the seven-hour distance between us and a mutual disinterest in romance, daily texts and weekly marathon calls quickly became our norm. He affectionately called me “babe” and his texts were often flirtatious. I told him I wanted a long-term commitment. He said he wanted the same. However, his upcoming travels delayed our meeting.