I require your advice.

there are some people i would like to befriend. unfortunately, i do not understand how the process of befriending others actually works. the only means i can think of to do so would be to walk up to them and declare that i've been observing them from afar and evaluated their perceived personality as "friend-worthy." the last time i tried this, i did not receive friendship in return.

so my question is... how? HOW? What is the secret?! Help this socially awkward penguin make friends out of her acquaintances. Please? :<