Distance, yes, we got on so well and I started really looking forward to/being excited about seeing him. I know I could take him to anything and put him in any situation and he would handle it with ease - and probably come out with new friends at the end of it. Time with him passed so quickly and I never had to give a second thought to thinking of things to say or how to act around him.
With regards to time away from each other - we do get this a bit. I'm always glad to see him when I get back and do miss him while we're apart, but actually quite often enjoy having the time on my own. Not really feasible to get any more of this than we do at the moment... And it's not really a long term solution, is it? On a weekly basis we do plenty apart with work colleagues and friends, although we make time for each other too.
I tried to address the sex thing head on the other night and it didn't go very well. He feels pretty awkward talking about it, and neither of us really know (or he isn't willing to admit) new things we'd like to try that we'd actually be comfortable with. In a strange way I guess our relationship never has been massively sexual - yes we were all over each other every day at first, but he's not the type to call me 'baby', for example - and if I'm honest I don't think I've ever looked at him and thought, wow, you're bloody sexy. I have with others in the past and it makes me lust after that feeling!
We have some holidays coming up so I am thinking I'll see them through and then reassess. Perhaps a naughty afternoon in a hotel would do us good! Just watched that sew off thing and think I will be putting on my nice silky nightie tonight :)
Gosh, sorry this is such an essay. I really appreciate all the advice, so thanks - please keep it coming! It's really useful to get some outside perspective. I'll check out that TED talk too.