My friend's political/social worldview is very different to my own and most of my friends, and so they provide me meaningful insight into the perspectives of other people who are very different to myself. They have subsequently helped me become more empathetic.
They have also been very important in the maintainence of my mental health as we have always had an extremely honest relationship. I feel I can express my true self with them, and theirs with me, which is good for both of us.
I didn't have a lot of friends growing up, let alone close ones, and she was one of the first people in my life I considered a real friend. I chose the college I went to partially because she was there and she convinced me to apply there, which impacted my career path. Even if we aren't as close as we once were, I fully expect that we'll be at each other's weddings someday.
Removed the prejudice against chinese immigrants (that is common in my country).
She’s helped me apply to scholarship programs, we’ve had fruitful discussions on identities that apply to us
Absolutely, we both have, I told him multiple times that if we don't find anyone in our lives we could just move in together, we are planning our future together, he is the first who knows whenever something happens to me, and my project wouldn't exist if it wasn't for him
My ego has boosted a lot!
Memes
Kept me entertained and someone to talk to when lacking friends irl
used to be helpful to talk to someone who didn't know me in real life about sensitive topics.
she’s just like any other friend, so she means a lot simply because of that
They pushed me to go back for a degree, and take care of myself.
In huge ways. I visited a city 30 minutes from where he lived and loved it there. I decided I wanted to move just because it felt right to do so. I wouldn't have moved somewhere where I knew no one, but I knew one person, my online friend of then 2 years, so I went for it. That was 2 years ago. I have a great job here and I'm happier than I've ever been, and that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't met him.
Preventing boredom
Someone I can talk to with no worry of impacting my irl friendships as the groups do not cross
Since I met this person, we’ve bonded over everything from school to music to running events. They’ve also introduced me to a lot of other people online who I’m happy to call my friends as well. Most of all, they’ve always been there to pick me up when I’m feeling down and they know how to make me smile :)
Nto much impact honestly, I still have a daily routine and they've been added to it
I've never trusted anyone more than her and she's more important to me than any real life friend.
We're both autistic and suffer from migraines, and it's nice to have someone to relate to in that aspect. They and I are also able to confide in and provide an outsiders view on each others personal struggles. We also both enjoy the same tropes in writing, and can beta read for each other.
Brings a logical perspective to my emotional side
One of the few friends of mine who are fluent in English, that has made us a lot closer.