I've learned that there is a great deal of compassion in the world, even for complete strangers.

I've also learned that there are certain people with such fixed views that it really isn't worth the trouble of arguing with them and that, having stated my position, unless something is said to make me think again, I am best off walking away from the discussion, even if that makes them think that they have won the argument.

I've learned that I don't have to have met someone in the physical world to be friends and that, even online, I can guage whether or not I will get on with someone else, from what they say and what is said about them.