We are not friends...but I still care

In my world, people are quick to call each other friends, but know the bare minimum about the person they just claimed friendmanship with (yes, I made up that word). I posted something yesterday that rubbed someone the wrong way...oh well. I can't make everyone happy.

Truth is, I only have a few friends. I have a slew of associates and people I care about. Why does it bother someone when you correct their term of your relationship??