By Laura Snyder

No doubt about it, long distance relationships are hard. But, according to the research, they're no harder - or more likely to fail - than a relationship between any two people sharing a zip code.

Several studies by the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships have found that long-distance couples are just as happy, reporting similar levels of relationship satisfaction, intimacy, trust and commitment.

That said, not everyone's long-distance love affair will last. Can yours?

Far-Flung Fact #1: You Need to Communicate Well

Unlike close-by couples - who can read into every eye roll or should shrug - long distance duos have no choice but to really verbalize what they're thinking. Successful long-distance couples tend to communicate more, through a wider means - email, text, phone - and are better at emotional intimacy.

Far-Flung Fact #2: You Need to Be Okay Alone

One benefit of spending less time in a relationship is that it gives you more time to focus on your own life. According to research, couples in long-distance relationships have greater opportunities for career and education growth. But this is only a good thing if that's something that's more important to you than having a warm body in your bed every night.

Far-Flung Fact #3: You Better Be Creative

Those unlucky same-city couples probably spent their last half-dozen dates watching reruns in their jammies having the same type of conversations. But when long distance couples finally get together, they want to make the most of the visit. Research shows that the happiest long distance couples enjoy more interesting dates and are better at maximizing the time they have together.

Far-Flung Fact #4: You Have High-Self Esteem

Folks in long distance relationships have to have higher self-esteem than other couples to combat the common insecurities, loneliness and the fear of infidelity. The good news is that the combination of self-reliance and secure relationships that a long-distance relationship provides, actually can help boost self-esteem.