Is it possible to connect when you meet through e-mail?

Ok, I'll to keep keep this short. A mutual friend introduced me to a man who lives far away, so we have been corresponding by e-mail. The dialogue began in February when he contacted me. To my surprise we have had a steady correspondence since then.

I'm finding the distance (about a 9 hour drive) to be a diffiicult. We haven't met yet, although we've talked on the phone a couple of times. But, the whole thing is soooo slow... and I'm hestitant to push it, cause, in my experience, men like to feel they are the ones to make the overatures. It's making me a little nutty.

Here is an example. A few weeks ago, I suggested we plan to talk on a specific night, a friday, because it was the end of the work week, etc. he writes back and is non-commital, not rude, just vague, saying he couldn't talk on that night. He did not suggest an alternate night. So, I decided to simply not respond to him, which in my mind was totally transparent. i figured if he wasn't iinterested, then why push it?

Well, he ended up calling on that Saturday. It was pleassant, but, what bugs me about this is it's a game. I mean, by my backing off, he gets interested. I feel this doesn't bode well for my sanity. Because, if I so much as suggest a meeting, who knows what line I'll be crossing with thss person I don't know...jeez, I know from experience that a long-distance relationship with a boyfriend was tough, but h***, I've never meet this guy and it's taxing...