Is the Fairy Tale anime very different from the manga version?

Yes the Fairy Tail anime closely follows the manga. I have been watching the anime and reading the manga for awhile now.I know what you mean cause I am the same way. I hate it when anime shows do not closely follow the manga.I like being able to pick up at the manga where the anime left off. Yes even the current episodes follow the manga closely.The manga and anime show are not that different.