u/Artistic_Can6084

I (F27) live in NE, I have most of my life. I have had a hard time finding friends, ever since I was a child. I've spent most of my time alone and observing how other's interact with their friends.

I will do friend things with people, like going for walks, out for lunch, chatting and goofing around in public settings. Most importantly, venting/listening to each other's thoughts and opinions. However, when I have openly called people my friend they shut it down and say we aren't friends or that close.

This has to be my fault somehow because this has happened to me multiple times throughout my life with all genders and life stages. Am I missing something? How do I actually know someone is my friend?