In this day and age, everyone has access to the Internet, and it's easy to bond with people who are more than just a few states away. It's more like a few time zones away instead. But they are just as good to have as a real friend, and they have their own perks with it as well.
1. They get your nerdy obsessions
Odds are, you met them by bonding over something that is your secret love. When everyone else doesn't care that your favorite YouTuber put out a new video, or what happened in the latest episode of your favorite show, they get you. They're there to cry and freak out and yell about it with you.
2. You hardly run out of things to talk about
Unlike your real friends, who you spend most of your time with and see everything you do, they don't know what happened during your day. And, best part, it works the same way with you! So you guys get time to talk about what is going on in your lives every day. More likely than not though, your conversations are completely random and would make no sense to anyone who reads them. They hardly make sense to you a year later anyway.
3. They are great moral support
Since they don't see you in person, they'll always support you during any argument you're having with people, or make your day brighter after a bad one. Texts full of bright emojis and smileys will make you smile.
4. Their gifts are the best
Depending on how close you are with your Internet bud, you may send each other gifts for the holidays they celebrate, and they know your true desires, so you can count on an amazing gift. Plus, it feels great to spoil someone, and it helps people a lot.
5. You can tell them everything
Sometimes there are secrets that not even your closest real life friends can know, because you fear they'll tell people in your life. Not Internet friends. You know they can keep your secrets, because they don't know anyone else in your life. They are your own personal human diary.
6. Five hour Skype calls after a long day
There are just some days that you want to lock yourself in your room and talk to no one. That's the best day for them to call in and have a digital therapy session with you. Just talking to each other in your bedrooms is so intimate and personal, and they can honestly make your world so bright.
7. You can talk to them when no one else is up
Time zones may be a pain sometimes, but sometimes they play to your strengths. When you're the one ahead, and you're having a sleepless night, they're available. And if you got up too early, they'll be up waiting to hear from you.
8. You have a dream of meeting them
Some of these may be more realistic than others, but it's a nice thing to keep you motivated when you're struggling. "If I work hard in school, maybe it will be enough to trust my parents to meet them." "If I keep this job, I can save up and fly out to meet them."
9. They only know as much of you as you want
You don't have a reputation with them. They meet you as you, the person who loves the same movie franchise as them, or the person obsessed with the same band. As time goes on, you two get to know each other, but when you tell them the embarrassing stories that people judge you for, they end up sympathizing and sharing their own stories, bringing you two closer.
10. The day you finally get to meet them is the best day of your life
It will feel like a lifetime waiting for that day, and it will feel like only a few seconds while it's happening. But when you finally get your ticket, and you see them in person for the first time, there is not a single feeling in the world that could beat that. The hug of two people meeting for the first time in person is the most amazing experience.