Questions: Relationships

I’ve been talking exclusively to a guy for 8 years now. We know everything about each other but have primarily been texting, calling and FaceTiming for intimacy. We have only met a few times in person during these years and have never slept together physically even though we do things virtually due to our shared belief in no pre-marital sex. Someone recently told me this relationship is not real and that this is more like a video game so I wanted your opinion. How real do you feel virtual relationships are and does the fact that we didn’t consummate or have the majority of this happen in person invalidate what we had?

I believe that relationships are 50/50 especially these days since the cost of living has gone up and secondly relationships should always involve both partners treating each other equally and taking care of each other and treating each other. Also if a couple is living together married or cohabitating both partners should contribute and there’s a better chance for a relationship to succeed like that and there won’t be any financial strain or resentments between the partners…….. So why would my mom think or expect that my boyfriend always pays for me?

ps - my boyfriend is a total sweetheart and gentleman to me and he’s an honest guy