Friendship is limitless communication. -- Irwin Shaw (a great writer)

To me, there are levels of friendship. Acquaintance first. Light conversation. Humor. Sharing of ideas. Then a slow walk to real friendship where you talk at gut level. You can (almost) say anything to your friend and it's OK.

Both stages are critical to keeping good friends. But also, it takes understanding when they move away, or find some other interest. It is not you. It's them. And there is no fault here. No blame. Life is one imperfect activity after another. And friendship is not perfect. People are not perfect.

Just be YOU. People will gather around someone who is comfortable with his Self.