I'd say your trip to NC definitely solidified our friendship. But that's what friendship is, right? It's not a one size fits all thing. I have friends that I am far closer to than others. I wouldn't put anyone that I met online and have never met in person in the category of "my best friends" but there are some that I certainly think of as friends. What defines a friend? Someone that I know and that I enjoy spending time with and sharing with. Someone that I am genuinely interested in knowing more about and someone that I have concern for. Maybe I have a broader definition than you? Also, I tend to behave much more differently online, and in person than you do. I am more giving of personal information and I defintitey engage people on a more interpersonal level online than you do. In depth topical conversations are great, and they're a part of a friendship but it's the personal stuff that forms the binds that last imo.