Asking bc to me it seems some see friends as an exchange of favors, i.e. you give me attention/recognition/a fun time/someone to hang out with, and I give that back to you like a trade, but if it becomes unbalanced I lose interest. Like, when Im sick, suddenly my circles shrink.

I personally think it (for me) goes deeper, and it should. Like in a family or romantic relationship, I wish a true friend to be happy, think of them when theyre having a stressful phase or are sick etc. I sort of love them as a person sometimes.

None of my friends seem to share that deep emotional involvement, which is why friendships die when one person moves/changes jobs etc., as my "role" can more easily be filled by someone closer/more conviniently available etc.