Opinions on friendship woes? I'm so confused and insecure.?

Age at this time does make a difference when it is more than friendship. I am confused when I read your question because unless you are looking for more, there should be no issue. The friend that he lost could have been someone who was a little different than you. I have many friends and get different things from each one. you don't have to have only one friend. I am sure he misses his friend and whatever it was that they had. You really need to understand your age difference if you are interested in something more than friendship. You could be setting yourself up for a heartache.