> It feels like you need to lean on people emotionally in order to actually become closer.

I do feel like a lot of friendship comes down to interdependence, which I see as a good thing. But it's not always emotional, it could be that he helps you fix your motorcycle and you let him rant about his ex-wife. Or maybe you rely on this person's great taste in video games.

But yeah in general I think being open enough to gently "ask for help" in one form or another from people helps them grow close to you.