I've been online since 1998 too, in different chat venues and have met people all over the world. Some come and go, some stick around forever. Just like IRL friends. And my poor social skills because of my BPD causes the same amount of grief for me with them as it would if they lived down the street. Trust is a huge issue for me so it takes a long time to even consider that, but they are still valuable to me, for their support, kindess, wit and strength. I have 3 very good friends I talk to online, and my bf I also met online years ago.

Like Spondiferous said, the world is a much different place as far socializing goes, but as different as it is, it's also much the same. Meaning, treat those places you frequent online as 'if' the were real..like the neighborhood bar. You wouldn't trust everyone there, certainly not right away and you wouldn't take off your shirt and dance on the tables either. Just saying. lol