My college boyfriend moved cross country after he graduated and I joined him there a year later. Things were okay at first, although that may have been because I really wanted them to be. I really cared for him, but long distance destroyed my sense of self and I became too invested in the relationship.

The first 4 months or so we lived together and enjoyed each other's company. We had fun and it was relief at first. He told me all of a sudden that he decided he didn't want to continue our relationship and it crushed me that my best friend didn't even care to consult me. We tried to make things work for several months after that, but we couldn't and eventually split pretty amicably. We both moved away from the city when our apartment lease was up, and actually made the trek back to the east coast together. We stayed on good terms, and there are still things I like about him as a person, though we keep our distance now.

I suffered with depression during the time when we were trying to make things work and it was difficult. I didn't have a good support system in that city. I finally got myself together after the move and got my own little apartment, a cat, a new job etc. Six months or so later I met my fiance, who is far and away a better person for me. He respects me, cares about my feelings and constantly acts like my partner in everything.

TL;DR- Surviving a long distance relationship and closing the gap doesn't mean things will work out. But it can be a good experience overall and teach you new things (in relationships and in life), which are worth the risk!