On: I am lonely will anyone speak to me

[b0rsuk]

ad. 3: it's an ugly truth, but it makes sense. People often want friends which can provide something for them, even if it's pleasant company. What can a desperate person provide? What can a desperate friend do other kind of friend can't?

ad. 6: then I guess I'm really bad at making friends period. It has never worked for me.

[DoreenMichele → b0rsuk]

You and I may be defining the word friend differently. It's a really broad term that means different things to different people.

I just mean a platonic, symbiotic relationship. You give something, you get something.

That can absolutely happen online.