"Acquaintance or friend?"

Indiana, Maryland and Mountain Town it doesn't matter where I live.  I have no trouble connecting with people but......

Nobody really seems to have time to be your friend.  There are at least 3 or 4 people in town who have told me that they love me.  There are those who hug me and are thrilled to run into me.  It doesn't matter how much effort I make this has been my experience now for nearly 20 years.

I want your comments.  Does anyone else find that they have no problem connecting, have many who would miss you if you were gone, but aren't really available as a real friend to call in an emergency?