<human>: Give me a shortened version of the text

So I'm in the US, I'm 21, and a male. 

The main reason I'm asking is because I may be entering into a long-distance relationship with a girl I can't imagine not having in my life. We already have an incredibly strong emotional connection, get along great, and have had minor physical connections in the past. We've known each other for years, and though the dynamic has changed from time to time, have recently become very close, albeit over a large distance. The distance is from Madison, WI to Washington DC. 

I am willing to put everything I can into this relationship. Financially and time-wise, I foresee being able to visit about once a month for a weekend, and holidays for longer. She will come visit me as well, on top of that, but it may be less often. The long-distance aspect could last for some time, as I've just entered a PhD program here, and she has a job in DC. I plan on flying home for a weekend to officially start and solidify the relationship within the next month or so, because I want to see her to really start it. 

I've been told that the most important aspect in these relationships is to keep the connections you have strong and realize when and where there is an end in sight. I'm really not looking for people to tell me not to do this, that's something I'll decide on my own. What I'm looking for is advice regarding how, if we both decide to try this, can this work out in the best way possible for us? How have you guys dealt with stuff like this? What does it take to make it successful?
<bot>: Potentially starting a long-distance relationship that may have a far off end in sight. How can it best be done?