Everyone says ‘friends will come when you least expect it,’ but what if I don’t want to wait forever? How do you actually find a genuine, non-judgmental friend without acting like a weirdo on the street?

I’m tired of the vague advice like "just be social" or "let it happen naturally." I want a person I can talk to about everything or just sit in silence with, without fear of abuse or judgment. Standing on a street corner asking strangers to be my friend isn't an option. For those who found their 'soulmate' friend in adulthood—how did you actually do it? What are the practical steps?