I think you really nailed it on the head. People tend to show their true selves here on the platform - which is pretty unique. You really do get to know people and so it easily translates to your experience of them in person too.
Ok i'm gong to sound cheesy...but I honestly tear up sometimes just thinking about all the friendships i've built here. It blows my mind that there are so many amazing people all congregated in one spot online.
Maybe someday there will be a creators conference in Europe in we will get to meet! I think they are planning to host more in different areas around the world eventually.
It will be interesting to see where SteemFest is this year! I wish they would announce it already. haha