LDR. Long Distance Relationship, or Love Decaying Reluctantly?

Not so long ago, one of my good friends asked me for tips on how to make a long-distance relationship ("LDR") work. I'm pleased in him valuing my words enough to confide in me, but before I even comment, I think it is of utmost importance firstly to inform readers that I am not a qualified (or even, unqualified) relationship therapist, nor have I managed to successfully pull off being a party to an LDR for very long... in fact, all of my previous attempts have failed spectacularly in the end. Since I am hopelessly optimistic, romantic, foolish, or possibly a combination of all three, I still believe it is possible that two people can be happy in an LDR, provided that certain standards of behaviour are maintained by both parties.

Here are my observations from my own experiences, which I wrote to said friend (in no particular order of importance, as I consider all of these to be essential).

1. Pining Away Ruins Everyone's Feelings. If one person is less busy than the other person, the other person will have a lot more time to miss the busy person. This may lead to feelings of resentment by the less busy person eg. "You never have time for me" and lots of conflict. Both persons should stay busy and active with their lives, but let the other person know that you're thinking of them continually.
2. Talk Because You Both Want To, Not Because You Feel You Should. Regular communication is good, but don't make it a routine, otherwise it starts to feel like a chore. Using a variety of media to communicate eg. sms, calls, skype, video conference, email interesting things which you know the other person will like / find funny will keep things interesting and fresh. Personally, I am not a huge talker on the telephone and have been cured of my ICQ/MSN/FacebookChat addiction due to excessive use so I find this to be particularly relevant. Other couples might feel differently and both parties expect/want the same form of communication, as a source of daily comfort.
3. Without Trust, There is Nothing. Trust each other. This is definitely the most important consideration in any relationship, regardless of whether you are in an LDR or are fortunate enough to not have to worry about the distance. Being with someone who one doesn't trust is physically and mentally exhausting, and the same is true in terms of being someone who isn't trusted by his/her partner.
4. Resist Temptations. In social settings you may (= will) encounter temptation. Don't give in!! The truth will always come out somehow. Don't forget that however innocent your own intentions were, there is always possibility for your actions to be misconstrued. The onus is on you to defend yourself should you or your other half find yourself in a compromising position. No one likes to be made to feel guilty for things that they've done - and many times, men will made to feel guilty for 'relationship crimes' that they haven't even committed. Don't allow damning evidence to be presented against you in the first place..
5. Fight, Forgive & Move On. If you guys fight try to make up within 24 hours, and forgive each other for past wrongs. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them and move on ASAP, and don't repeat offensive behaviour! Or negotiate for a compromise which both parties can be happy with, and actually BE happy with the compromise.
6. Both Need to Work Towards Being Reunited Permanently. LDR should be as temporary as possible, and only a transitory period before you two are really physically together permanently. A big problem is that each person undergoes changes in their circumstances; when you're together with someone, they support you and encourage you, understand all of the changes as they are there with you along the process; in an LDR it can become very difficult for one person to relate to the other person simply due to the fact of being physically separated. If you guys are not working on or plan to eventually be at the same place at the same time (eg within 1-2 years) you may eventually say to each other, "What's the point of being 'together' when we're not phsically together and will never be?" [HOWEVER, this should not in any way imply that you need to work towards being reunited in terms of MARRIAGE. Such an expectation is totally dependant on each individual parties' desires and philosophies with regards to such long term commitment.]
7. Never Let The Other Forget How Important He/She is to You. Don't take the other person for granted or allow them to feel like they are - this makes the other person feel insecure and may cause them to seek comfort from other human sources instead ie. Cheat. (This is applicable for all relationships not just LDR).
   

Nobody said it would be easy.. they just said it would be worth it.

One more thing. Prior to undertaking this potentially rewarding LDR, one has to ask a few questions:

How do I know if he/she is worth the effort of an LDR? Am I ready for this? Should we be in an LDR?

.... the answers to those questions will have to be answered in another post, after I've already successfully conquered my own LDR. ;-)