I can relate to the author. When I was ~28yo, I used to do similar things and experimenting socially. The best way to get to know guys is by doing shared activities - basketball, hikes, going to sauna, gym. But it only makes acquaintances. The vulnerability and honesty part can only be achieved 1-on-1 and some people don't like those talks. But it really makes true friends. It can cut through the polite-social-minimizing-risk-bullshit-talk like a knife. It's really hard to have very close friends and having at least one is a true blessing... I never had the fortune of meeting great female friends though. Even though I like talking to them and doing activities that involve many females (dancing salsa, bachata, kizomba).