<human>: Hello /r/relationships, I need some help. I've been talking to this girl since we were both 10 years old over the internet. We've video chatted, voice chatted, and pretty much talk to each other every day. 

We've developed a strong relationship over the years since our situations are extremely similar and we have pretty much all of the same interests. From this, I've gotten a huge crush on her. She says she shares these feelings as well.

Before you say "Why don't you guys just date?", there are a couple of things preventing that. First of all, she lives 8 hours away....across the border. Its not a bad drive, and I've considered asking her parents about the possibility of us visiting each other as friends, but that's the other problem. Her parents are very very protective of her and don't really like the idea of having friends over the internet even though I've proven I'm not a predator. 

I know that it would be difficult, but I want to try to meet her and in the long run date her (once we've turned 18 and made sure its a good idea). Any advice on how I should gain trust with her parents to try and meet her? Also, should I even attempt at making this work in the long run?

Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?
<bot>: Close friend and I like each other, but live 8 hours apart across a border. She also has protective parents. How can I meet her, and should I even pursue the idea of a long term relationship?