To be honest, for 20 odd years I've enjoyed chatting to relative strangers online. For me, it's just easier to form relationships and I can easily choose who I speak to or not. Perhaps because of that separation, I find people to be more open and honest without the 'politics' and he said, she said BS I find in closer, face to face relationships.
After 10+ years away though, I do feel guilt at not instantly being there for important events of loved ones and this will become more and more of a problem as the years move on.
It's difficult fella so all we can do is compromise and do the best we can both for ourselves and loved ones.
Life is one big never ending challenge. We just have to play the game :-)