What are friendships like for other people?

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I've had situations that I know would've been awkward if I had to talk about emotions with someone. Sometimes, when somebody is in a situation that could be difficult (in the hospital, dealing with a breakup, etc.), the person involved could really appreciate something else so they don't have to focus on it for a while, something to remind them that things aren't all bad and life can be fun, like playing a board game or card game. It seems almost random, but in my experience most people really appreciate this kind of gesture... especially when everyone else around them is going on about the drama of it all. If the person wants to vent, they can still vent while you deal the cards or roll the dice. Even if their emotional talk would normally make you feel awkward, having a game to focus on could help you through it.

As to what my friendships are like... Well, I do not see my friends much. I know a lot more people online than in real life (I'm actually surprised by how many people I have on Facebook.) My primary communication with friends tends to be through Facebook, actually. I have never had anybody spontaneously come over, as I've seen happen for other people, and in television shows. Likewise, I don't think I've be welcome if I did that to others either... though I don't know for sure; I've never done it. If I'm seeing a friend, it usually requires planning weeks in advance. Yet, even then, I've found that these plans are very easily broken... by the other party.

However, I do not think any less of these friendships. I may not have seen or talked to somebody for months, but to me, they can still be a "close friend." When I do see them, we act in the same manner we would've had I just been over the day before. The time gap doesn't matter. At least, not to me...

People I really consider to be friends are people I can have long conversations with. People who are interested in the same kinds of things as me, and most I've known since high school or earlier. I find that a lot of my friendships, even the good ones revolve around structured activities. I'm not good at knowing how to maintain a friendship with anyone but the closest friends, and have made only 1 new friend in the past 10 or so years.
I think you know you are at least close to being friends when you have a conversation with someone that neither of you wants to end, even when you're standing in a parking lot next to your car, knowing you should leave.

It's hard for me to know when someone is my friend. It took me a couple years before I knew one of my friends was my friend.