Any relationship, whether it’s between romantic partners, friends, acquaintances, or family members, requires both participants to want it in order for it to work. If you’re doing all the work, what does that say about the relationship? It means the other person doesn’t have to create plans, contact you, or initiate anything; there’s no need for them to do any of that since you’re already doing it all. That’s not much of a relationship, and even less of a friendship.
There’s no need to be friends with any particular person, especially if they’ve only shown interest in being an acquaintance. It’s fine to just be someone’s acquaintance and focus on shared interests when you’re with each other without spending a ton of time together. Likewise, it’s perfectly acceptable to remain friends with someone if they’ve made it clear that they’re not interested in having a romantic relationship. Trying to force an acquaintanceship to become a friendship or a friendship to become a romantic relationship only leads to trouble. Pressuring someone, either subtly or overtly, into associating with you in a way they find uncomfortable can put an end to the relationship and ruin any chance of it becoming something more, especially if it goes on for an extended period of time. Fortunately, there are much better alternatives.
The best relationships feel natural, genuine, and comfortable, and they’re free from the awkwardness and desperation that often plague shaky relationships. So instead of trying force a relationship with a certain person to go in a particular direction, why not look for another person who is already interested in going that way? As mentioned in the previous paragraph, you can still maintain your existing relationships and enjoy the time you spend with those people. But if you’re looking for something more, there’s always the option of finding someone with whom you can have the kind of relationship you have in mind. This way, you can relax in all your relationships, accept the relationships and the people in them as they are, and not expect any one of them to be something they’re not. Each relationship can grow and develop in the way that’s best for both people without any pressure to be anything other than what it is. I’ve benefited a lot in the short time I’ve taken this approach to relationships and I think many other people could also benefit. And, from what I can see, it looks like some are already finding that out for themselves.