Some think friends are unimportant. Some have too much and feel overwhelmed or think they have a lot when they don't. And you? Your location? Do you enjoy your friendships?
Answering this question requires knowing what a true friend is. Some features:
You can confide in him about your profound sentiments without fear of judgement;
despite disagreeing or being quite different, he accepts you as you are;
He listens without interrupting;
He doesn't mind your refusal;
He constantly enjoys your triumphs;
You can rely on him 24/7 for critical issues.
Are you described this way by friends?
I know several people who are still waiting for someone to approach them about transferring or acquiring a new job. It's sad because people who could become friends certainly expect the same thing and lose something valuable.
You maintain emotional balance with two or three true buddies. I'm not advocating emotional dependence. I think knowing we can confide in others without fear of judgement is good for our hearts' physical and mental health.
A spouse-friend relationship is valuable. In my experience, few couples are true friends. Only long-term couples who practise deep love can do this. Examine your romance. Do you see the traits above? If not, realise you love each other but are not friends. While waiting for this, you can practise with others, same-sex or not.
Having real friends means we always have fun together and don't feel obligated to do everything for each other. Someone who thinks they have to do everything for their friends complains that having friends is hard: they combine loving with pleasing. Always-pleasers think they must put others before themselves. A real friend won't ask you to put someone else before yourself.
To love means to consider what is good for the other rather than what is nice. If you always seek love from others, you don't love yourself sufficiently. This situation involves high expectations of the other person. You want him to forget himself for you. This attitude may only cause emotions and relationship problems.
If you realise your pals aren't truly friends, you may break up and find new ones. A buddy is an acquaintance if you push yourself to see him after a long period. Because we evolve and our needs change, some friends may not last. However, some friends remain lifelong because both parties are accepting and adjust quickly if we change.
Best method to make real friends is to be your own best friend. Love yourself first. Practise with your present knowledge. Who knows? You may make good friends around you.