Sentence:  John and I have been <WSD>friends</WSD> ever since we were roommates at college.   Trust is important between <WSD>friends</WSD>.   I used to find it hard to make <WSD>friends</WSD> when I was shy. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A person other than a family member, spouse or lover whose company one enjoys and towards whom one feels affection.