"Of course, I don't know anyone (1) living on the streets or (2) building a second mansion, either."

That sums it up. Money determines who you are LIKELY to meet. Therefore, yes, it does hinder many of us from becoming friends in 'real' life, if by 'real' one means 'not online'.

But isn't 'online life' part of 'real' life? Obviously, the online space cuts through all kinds of geopolitical strata. But it still has a stigma about it, apparently - it's not 'real', and it's 'lesser' than meeting someone at - where? Work? Yeah, how are those solid work relationships going? The gym? Church? Neighborhood watch meetings? Star Trek Conventions?

Online relationships are about as good as any, except for their lack of tactile, physical dimensions. (Yes I know there are blogmeets, but it's still not quite the same 'constant contact' you find in other relationships.)

The big advantage in online relationships, of course, is the relative ease with which one can ignore people. For this I for one am profoundly grateful.

I did spend a brief period in shelters, a couple of decades ago; I don't recall making any new friends during that time.

Money and lots of other things would probably hinder relationships in "real" life. That is what I love about blogging. Although one can take on a persona, it seems to me most bloggers or more real on line than they are in person. We aren't blinded by sight - we see the heart of the person. Or the brain of the person, at least. There is great freedom in that.

I noticed at the blog roundups that I am more at ease in a room full of people I have never met in person because I know quite a bit about the type of people they are. I also figure they know whether they like me or not before they see my face...so I am less guarded about my appearance. It was an odd sensation: a room full of strangers I knew intimately.

Anyway, I wax. Yes, I think money would hinder most relationships.

Next question: Does waxing help or hinder a relationship?

hmmm ... perhaps it depends on where ya drip it? :)

Oh, Mr. Kramer is being his usual Woody-Allenish self.
Money does not hinder relationships, online or not.
Dishonesty, pasive-aggressiveness, general lack of spine does.