long distance relationships do they work

Set up a Skype account and at least you can talk. It's a lot easier than it used to be. On the other hand, she's a girlfriend of four years? Either commit and go with her or set her free.

So why can't you follow her?

How old are you two?

Things such as this always depend from the people involved. Personally, I think that 4 to 5 years, which is my estimative of how much time she will spend studying, is too much time for lovers to stay apart and they should either split up or find a way to stay together.

Pay attention to above posts. I had two long-distance relationships many years ago and neither worked out. It's been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder but my daddy used to say 'absence makes the heart grow yonder". In my case, daddy was right.

My experience indicates it's difficult.

Question: Why have you had a four year relationship with your girlfriend and not progressed into marriage?

BBB

And I had a long distance relationship where I am now married to the man. However, the separation was not years. I've also known the opposite. To me it depends on the individuals.