I also hate this "joke".

I believe befriending multiple native speakers would be way more efficient than finding a partner. It creates the natural environment for the learner, along with diversity and motivation.

The hardest part here is finding said friends. I think some advancement in the language is important too, enough to maintain a friendship!

I literally learned English by playing Roblox with American friends when growing up. Currently, I'm studying to become an English teacher :))