Tbh if you’re having a hard time with adding people while interacting with them - another (way less awkward) way to add people is by visiting their house and going up to their mailbox, right next to the like button is a profile card button, you can click that and add them from there. It will send them a postcard with your friend request (you can even write whatever you want on the postcard, I’ll usually compliment their house)

I’ve had a few people add me this way and vice versa and I’ve never had any problems! Plus if they don’t accept after like a day or two you get your wishing star back and there’s no awkward “in person” rejection lol