Long distance relationships

Of long-distance relationships, there are a few types.

The first is the type in which the couple have known each other for an extended period of time before circumstances (e.g. one partner needing to go overseas to study) separates them. In this case, it is likely that they already have a basic grounding in what they know of each other. The distance between them can be depressing, but at least they know one another well enough to believe that there is someone worth waiting for when the time comes for them to be reunited.

Then, there is the second type: where two people hardly know each other, but a brief meeting or couple of meetings tells them that an obvious attraction exists. They both feel it, and it gives them cause to want to get to know each other better. But the problem lies in the distance between them; for one reason or another, they've got to be apart.

Is there any hope? Is it realistic to believe that, despite the distance, they will be able to learn and explore each other sufficiently to allow for that common attraction to blossom into something beyond friendship?