Yes, it may have been better when we had to have some patience and perhaps put a bit more 'work' into the romance, that is for sure. A month round-trip for written correspondence, and a pound a minute for a phone call (30 years ago) gave plenty of thinking time.

I still sold my house here and shot off to the Philippines though... even then. Stupid move.

When I warn people of the pitfalls, it's from EXPERIENCE.