What's the deal with friend requests here?

I've been here for seven years, and have never received a friend request. Now all of a sudden, I've received four of them in the past month. I've friended everyone who has requested, because I'm generally a genial, likable person (contrary to how ornery I may appear here at times), but I'm not really sure on what purpose "friending" someone here serves?

Anyone know?
This started awhile back and was meant to be able to keep in touch with those posters whom you:1. Had a lot in common2. Wanted to see what they were posting3. Wanted to keep track of a topic4. Wanted to track a friend.

Ah, okay. Thanks!

You are too funny! I usually have found friends who are like "spirits" all those on my list (I think) are such in one way or another. Maybe they are people who you have copied and kept posts of personal/clinical advice on a Word document on your hard drive to use as reference. Maybe you find you have spit coffee on your screen now more than just a few times because of their smart*** posts and they always brighten up your day. Maybe you have PM'd them for specific advice, and you feel they are mentors for you... or vice versa. I'm in my 40's but one or two of my friends, I'll go to when I need a shoulder to upon.So as far as you go klone, you just need to make me laugh.

Onaclearday - great points.

Quote from kloneAh, okay. Thanks!

A friend in need, is a friend indeed. (Don't know how that applies, just like the sound of it!)

LOL, I have a hard enough time making friends in real life! This is simply too much pressure!

Quote from onacleardayI usually have found friends who are like "spirits"

Quote from mochamonsterLOL, I have a hard enough time making friends in real life! This is simply too much pressure!

Well, if there is inept, there should be ept. I think friends are people whose posts or private messages you especially look forward to.

Quote from caliotter3Well, if there is inept, there should be ept. I think friends are people whose posts or private messages you especially look forward to.

Quote from OttawaRPNAww, that just makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.... :redpinkheI'm gonna have to find myself some friends, kinda feels like Kindergarten all over again.