I think we all need a friend. That's why we waste our time socializing on an online forum rather than socializing in real life.
The thing I find difficult with friends is that I know what I think about them, but I always wonder whether they're feeling a similar thing or if they're simply acting or keeping up appearances for some reason or another - maybe they don't like you but for some reason they have to be your friend.
That was my two cents...
I know, I've not answered your plea for salvation. Honestly, I don't know. Maybe, maybe not, maybe, maybe not...