i've read most of the posts on this thread, and it seems that many of the people here are quite quiet and reserved in person, yet are far more outgoing online!
i on the other hand am the same on and offline - i'm fairly confident, and forward! i have a lot of friends and find i make them relatively easily

i guess maybe i'm just lucky!
i have to agree with Lizzie, if you are both an interested and interesting person then u will make far more friends, i have known far too many people who are completely self interested, and u find urself just sitting and listening to them.
to be a really good friend i think that i u need to have a balance - b able to listen to others, whilst also be able to talk about ur own life. u need to hav a serious side when necessary, but also be able to have fun!