Looking-for-a-long-distance-relationship is never a one-person thing, there are at least two people involved,
hence it depends on financial status of each of them and on what they are willing to contribute financially into this new unknown so-called relationship.
I think, what you are describing here, Weimarlady, is a person with no self-esteem left - zero, nada,... ...not just a commitment-phobe.
Very unfortunate and painful for the person who acts like this, not just for their partner.
You can walk out on them and move on with your life,
or you can help them build their confidence... from scratch(?!?).
Frankly, I am not sure I could do the latter. Because a person's self-worth(or lack/absence of it in this case),... oh boy... ... it goes way deeper than one can imagine.
I think that traditional values are alive and well. As in all times {old and new} it depends on a person, on their upbringing, their environment, not on *time* we live in.
There are some needy people of both genders {neediness is not gender specific, btw},
Laura25 Forum Posts (8,178)
Cheers! 
) too, Mnowsa ... 
LOLOLOL 
) 
RE: permanent or temporary
Your believe is wrong, Viva.It's only true in case of an intense but short-lived admiration for someone - infatuation.
You get completely carried away by this unreasoned admiration and passion,
but then life happens - you get to know the person.
Love, on the other hand, does last. And does grow with time, if it's mutual. And if both are capable to love. Not everybody has this ability/talent.