The term "in real life" has always bothered me. I see my interactions and friendships that I have online as being real life; the dance floor is just different.

Some of my best friendships started on the internet. I have talked with one person from here on the phone and met another. I have met many from other sites and they are still friends of mine, both online and offline. One person I was talking with online lived only 3 miles away! What are the odds?

I have found my friendships online to be very rewarding. They have helped my in person relationships too.