Some people say that chat friends are not real friends because we have never met and we can't depend on each other when we need help. This is simply not true.

I have several very good friends online that I have never met offline and likely never will, but I know they're there when I need someone to talk to. They don't brush me off, or say they're too busy to listen.

We know more about each other than most offline friends or even relatives know about each other. We offer each other an ear when it's needed, a shoulder to cry on, an arm to lean on, prayers, advice, and congratulations, among other things.

There are many people I chat with everyday and we miss each other and worry about each other if one of us doesn't come online when we're expected to. We're like an extended worldwide family.