I use the term friend more lightly than most people, I think. To avoid confusion, I'd say that I have about 5 or 6 friends who would be what most people consider real friends. On top of that, there's probably another 20 or so people who I'd still consider a friend, just not quite as close, and another 40 or so who most people would call acquaintances, but who I still consider to be friends.
It's easy to be my friend. I don't really care about deep trust, loyalty, commitment, or attachment. Sometimes those things become an important part of the relationship, and I'm not against it when it happens naturally, I'm just saying that it's not a requirement. Why? Because with most people, all I care about is the mutual enjoyment of our relationship, however our relationship is defined. It doesn't matter how deep or shallow our relationship is, we're both part of it because we both want to be, and there's no hidden stipulations or unnecessary commitments. We're free to come and go as we please.
For example, I don't need the guy I play guitar with a few times a year to keep secrets for me or to drive me to work if my car breaks down in order to enjoy our relationship. I don't have secrets - If I share something with someone, I have no fear of it leaking out, and I already have people who would help me in a time of need, (as I would for them). But even if I didn't... who cares? I'm not friends with people so they can do stuff for me. If I need help, I can just accept help from the next friendly stranger, coworker, or acquaintance, make a deal with someone, or simply pay somebody to help me. No big deal. I live in such a friendly environment that I don't ever worry that the few needs I have won't be met. (That's partially because of my attitude, too, I suppose.)