I find people normally has too much expectations about other people, friends, parents, children, siblings, spouses.. sometimes when one is more in tune with oneself and expect less from others - it is not difficult to find friends.
Even soulmates.. we don't have to be too persistent. why must insist of having a soulmate for all whole life? People come and go and as long we accept the transience of everything, it is much easier to accept things for what they are and be happier.