Hello there dear @turpsy :)
Thank you so much for stopping by once again.
Our need to feel included is true for both the online and oofline world :)
It is because of this need that we have become social beings able to form long-lasting, deep relationships and friendships!
Your friends case illustrates Carl Roger's theory so well : the constant battle we face going back and forth, in our psyche, between who we really are and who we should be. Thank you for sharing it here with us. It is very pertinent to this discussion :)
All the best to you always :*