I don't really have any friends... but I found, that whenever I got involved into friendship so to say, I didn't really get anything done. I, in a way felt an obligation, to make time for those people. And with me doing a lot of stuff quite effiently and other people, in my opinion, don't... I had more problems with adhering to their schedule on when it's time to meet up, do something and whatnot. In a way, that's the same thing, that goes in relationships for me. I can't be around someone who just acts totally inefficient and even more so, if I'm part of that life.
However, like in another thread on this forum, there's friends and friends. I know a lot of people, and lot of people know me, but it doesn't make them friends. I wouldn't say I'm terrible at social contacts, I'm not really that shy either. I just have a quite awkward feeling whenever I have to talk to people, with which I actually do not have anything in common and I just have to... well, you know... "make conversation". To me, it defeats purpose. I engaged in social activity to get something out of it. I need information, need something done, want to ask someone to do something with me... but moreso it just feels like "hey! what's up?" and from there it goes to totally lame routes cause I honestly don't care what most people think about the weather, what they did earlier today and what they're going to do later today. It's not that I just don't care in an arrogant way, but I just keep thinking; Is the time wasted on something I do not need to know totally...well, wasted? Besides; why do I care what he does tonight? It's not that I'm thinking of him when I'm doing something else tonight. I'd only inquire stuff like that, if I had no idea how I should fill in my evening, as a suggestion; thus information. I rather have a sincere conversation than one that is required by social etiquette.
Sometimes, I come across as odd and egotistical because I don't care about other people that much, but if someone tries to label this on you, ask them if they're sincerly interested, or if they're just doing their thing (and expecting the same) because it's what everyone does and it's the social thing to do. I don't believe in "what everybody does". I can however, say... people that "know" me, know that if I tell them something, ask them something or give them best wishes or whatever... it's as honest and sincere as it gets.
When approaching a lot of people, it's a bit like I said, if I have nothing in common with them, I don't have an urge to indulge in conversation. if it's for instance approaching a girl, it's more of a "I'm not gonna make myself look stupid by just trying some general stuff" but on the other hand, I know I can be quite direct, but the norm, with which I don't agree, but apparently, the people I speak to, do, dictates that I can't walk up to most girls and ask "hey, wanna grab a movie with me and have sex afterwards?". Which is why I don't really try landing a date that way I guess and I might come across as shy.
I think that's a thing that get's people on the wrong foot on the spectrum. The norm doesn't want clear, to the point conversation. People want conversation to "beat around the bush".
Social skills can be learned over time. I myself now have a lot of friends and I like socialising.
Basically, just think like an NT and you can function along like them. The earlier you start learning, the better. People are more forgiving of mistakes at younger ages.
When is "early" for learning? I'm 28, I have never been told that I was wrong in my functioning. I had to find out the "hard way". So even if I learn it right now... what is the correct example? I've had enough of social contacts, they fall way out of line with what "correct social etiquette" is. I tried to mimic what I thought was normal... it came across as weird to other people because they clearly saw I wasn't "me" but rather someone that tried to fit in. I also ended up depressed because it was in no way natural for me to "act".
And also, to what I said earlier... I don't think it only has to do with the "inability" (at least for me). I has to do with the ability to be able to think further than just words, and think about intention and context.
) connected me with some nice people whom I could call friend at different points of my life. Now I would only want to have friend (not talking about online) whom I could share common interests with (I would say that would be psychology ... And maybe development of extrasensory abilities or anything that has to do with expanding abilities of the brain) I wouldn't mind to meet a family with autistic kids who can agree that Autistic people have much more potential that other might realize and help their children move in that direction. I was thinking would I want to meet someone to play music with or who is an artist but I'm not sure about it. I think my music and art are emotions in a different form and until I'm ready or have realized how to share emotions I won't be able to be truly successful in those relationships and I don't really feel like connecting with people of art on intellectual level. 
