I've become friends with people in the main forums I frequent. One of those, for me, is the bipolar forum - I have bipolar so I automatically have things in common with others and we support each other. Starting a thread about how I'm doing gives others a chance to know me.

I've also made friends by visiting other forums, reading threads, and replying to give support.

Lastly, I've been a member for a long time. It takes time.