I have a couple of wonderful friends that I phone chat with after meeting on a quilting forum. One of them, we chat at least once a week and have met in person. I consider her a very dear friend now; and we even buy each other birthday gifts and "just because" gifts. We used to do Christmas; but decided it is expensive enough taking care of family during that season.
I recently had to end one friendship of over 4 years and I still haven't fully recovered from that; but I believe it was for the best.