I have quite a few online friendships. They're people that I met online, had a great connection with, and have remained friends with. Some of those people I have met, though others (like CBW) I don't even have a phone number for--just an internet connection.

I would call these people my "real" friends, even if the only way I know them is virtually. Could they be someone else entirely in person? Sure. But everyone I've actually met in person after meeting online has been the same person they are online as they are in person.

Does that mean it would necessarily work for a romantic relationship? Nope.

But it doesn't mean it wouldn't, either.