Replying to
@grim_elsewhere@lgbtqia.space
I honestly feel very similarly. I've not really made friends via any kind of discord server, and every at least somewhat close friend I have has been met IRL, usually before being met online.
I've not been on fedi quite as long as some others, but I have recently started feeling more comfortable interacting with people. if I can reasonably guess they have enough in common with me that holding a conversation won't be a chore, then that's what I would consider acquainted online. tbh, this is the kinda thing I wouldn't normally respond to on basically any other platform unless I knew the poster well. here tho, I've interacted with you and seen enough of the things you boost/post. this also goes for several other accounts here, especially those who encourage engagement.
tldr: I generally don't have friends outside of those I've met irl. I have recently felt like I can interact on fedi without contributing negatively, which I have felt on most other platforms.
idk how much this helps, but I hope there's something to be drawn from it. I wanted to respond last night when I saw it but very much needed sleep so here it is now.