Outer orbit

Just to throw out a question... how in California does one change "friend orbits"? For some reason I feel like, after knowing people for years, that I remain on the fringe of what could be called "friend orbits". It seems like no matter what I do I cannot move from "slightly better than an acquaintance, rarely thought of" to "actual friend"? To be honest I am at a loss as to what to do. Any suggestions?