Mishka,
First many that claim 24 7 aren't really in that type of relationship, second I have been there most of my adult life and it is not easy at all, third I have also been online when there wasn't any way to be together and that too was hard.
Who is it that can say which is real and which is important, certainly not me. Can you love long distance? Yes you can.
Also those that go bdsm clubs and live that life style are not anymore real then those that haven't meet face to face but only through a wire.
Be proud of who and what you are and any that want you to apologize for the way you live the Life are lessor then you. Grow up folks we need to be accepting not elitists, we all feed our needs the best way we can.
I hope that nothing I have said lead you to believe that I feel that online is is less real then those that are belly to belly, if I did I apologize to you any all the others.