Yes, human beings are very social creatures. Some more than others. I think that human beings often use friendship as a crutch to fill blank voids in their lives.
I'm in no way insinuating that people don't need social interaction.
There are many complex variables to this equation.
I personnaly prefer to engage in dialog with strangers as opposed to people that I have known for long periods of time. Once I get to know them, I'm usually bored and find new social interaction.
I guess the key to happiness is knowing what stimuli creates this sense of well being.