I can't answer that either.. but I know people who have made long distance relationships work- like after 2 years they are finally together and happier than they've ever been. I don't think it's common, though, and it takes effort from both people, but it can work. That's just my opinion, though.

As for friends with benefits, that's risky- one person could develop feelings while the other has no idea, and then if s different person comes along, unexpected hell can emerge. Open relationships are just as risky, in my opinion. I think commitment is the best option, and maybe group play with "select" few friends, but not a real "open relationship" per se.

these seemed like interesting questions so here's my shot at answering them:

1st question: A friend with benefit seems to me like someone that's there just to get your rocks off and that's it, no real emotional connection it seems like(I don't understand how people can do this...) and then a boy/girlfriend is someone that a person would have a very strong emotional connection with and the two people come together "as a whole" or something like that.

2nd question: well I think long distance relationships can work as long as communication is kept and that both parties tend to change the "long distance" aspect of it sometime in the future. A friend of mine actually met his wife over an internet dating site and 4 years later, they were married with a daughter and they both seem perfectly happy together. I am currently in a long distance relationship with someone but we're arranging to get an apartment together in the next couple years but I've also been in a relationship with the person being 45 minutes away and it boiled down to the person never answering the phone and it became a problem quickly and we had to part ways. so yes long distance can work but is filled with pitfalls.

I did have a long distant relationship with a white tiger in london once before, even though i live in Georgia, we kept perfect communication, but he finally said it was to much and we parted.

Well, I will admit, in my opinion, an international long-distance relationship is a bit more complicated, and more likely to not work. In my opinion..

In short answer

1. A deeper more intimate connection between the 2
2. Yes if the long distance part is only temporary even if its a year or more, as long as it is not going to be perminate and both are going into it knowing and willing to give up alot to be with the other. Leaving where they are now to go live with the other. I dont think it can work if only ONE of the mate is willing and the other isnt.

1. First off friends with benefits, while might be fun for a short bit can be harmful later on...the main difference between a mate and a friend is the connection and commitment and loyalty. Those three things are absolutely necessary to a relationship with a mate.

2. bringing me to the second question...if you have connection, commitment and loyalty i think long distance relationships can work, if you're across the world it might be harder, but still i think it is possible if both parties want it.