Originally Posted by master of none
The way my dd worked it out is she has several close friends that meet different needs for her.

This.

It also is perfectly possible to cultivate interests in common with peers. DS had no natural inclination for sports, but having worked on it, it's been a valuable way to connect with other boys at recess. He has broadened his interests over time, without losing the more unusual ones, which I see as all to the good.

DeeDee