How Important Are Friendships?

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After listening to an interesting YouTube video last night on the subject of 'real friendships' I continued to think about it afterward. By 'real' I mean not just on the internet or social media. The basic things that we get from 'real' friends we can also get from online friends. Such as sharing experiences with them, helping us through difficult times, helping us focus and stay motivated in life, helping us to realize things about ourselves and challenge us to do better, and listening sometimes when we need to vent. I don't see any of those instances where the friend would have to be there physically. I had two very good friends. One since I was 15, my BFF, died last December. It was a big shock and I was devastated. The other one I had known for about 25+ years who just out of the blue accused me of some things I did not do and led me to relinquish our friendship. So, now I feel rather friendless. But, then when I think about it I have made some great friends online. Many here on Mylot and several from other sites I have been on. I don't go out socially. I don't feel like I need social-type friends. Just people I have things in common with that I can converse with from time to time. Expend a certain amount of time with and then back away from for a period of time. But could I be there for them when they needed me? What if I am depressed and can't take on that burden? How do you maintain a friendship if it's not 50-50 all of the time? Sure it would be nice to have the type of friend you could call up or they'd be there for you in any given situation. But, there have been times I've been down in the dumps and felt bad calling upon a friend to listen to my woes and perhaps bring them down too. There is no burden harder to carry than a heavy heart. Ouch! The responsibility, mind-work, and emotional expenditure seem too great. Your thoughts.