I wonder as well, I am unsure if I will ever know tbh. I've come to the conclusion that I will never be able to maintain a friendship in real life, possibly because people always perceive me as strange.
That is part of why I decided to join this forum, and thus far I have been pleased with how friendly people are on here. Maybe the answer is that I need to find other Aspies IRL.
Jet, you seem like a nice person. While it is true other Aspies will be able to relate more to and perhaps less judge than most NTs, because of accepting of others' perceived conditions, because of their own condition, there will be other Aspies that too are not a good fit for any friendship or relationship with you, if they do not have your same values, strengths, desires, compatible traits and interests.
There could be persons in life with different issues and strengths just as friendly and nice besides an Aspie, and that friendship could last longer and be more fulfilling. So, while I agree it will be harder to find friends in person, based on my experiences with NTs who are judgemental, selfish, critical and often in denial of their own issues, with little regard for those who come across as different, try to expand your vision.
By this I mean, do not narrow your lists to just Aspies. While many are nice and understanding, some of the nicest persons I met over the years have had a variety of conditions or interests. I did not narrow my friends online to just those with severe social anxiety for instance, even though that is what I had as mostly as a condition. Although I related at school to and liked a few very shy girl and boy students, there were other shy students that did not seem to be a match.
I also seemed to like the less judgemental or more empathetic ones, and ones with other issues who would be less judging or more supportive. There was a really nice overweight guy at school, and a quirky boy I liked..Also, there was a nerdy few I liked and I wanted to be friends with. Focus also on those that have your same interests, too. I like those who write and like the simple things in life. This will help as well, to find more friends that will be longer term.
The fact you and other Aspies came to an Aspie board is a huge start. There will be some Aspies on this forum you relate to more than others. You will be able to tell a lot by their writing, and what they say, and do not say, and how they reply back. Some will be friendly, and some will be just matter of fact, while others will tend to fear friendships or have joined this forum just to learn, participate less, and to find comfort there, to name a few more reasons. That is great as well.
Personally, there are several on this board I related to and regardless how much they write, like you Jet and many others. I though likely am not an Aspie. But, if they have Social Anxiety issues, or other issues, some empathy, and are not too emotionally draining but just want to figure out their situations and need some direction or help to live a happier life, then I gravitate to those persons. I do not care about their religion, their sexulality, their level of education, or their ability to express outwardly most emotions.
So Jet, and the others, just keep being a good person and then good persons will gravitate to you, regardless of condition, and behavior. I am glad all those others in this world are not interested as they seriously would cause me more problems when I am the type that wants to continue to grow and be happy
is it a constant feeling of despair and "ending it", or does it come and go dependent on how much stress there is in your life at the time?
and you really don't wanna get used to suicide attempts or you'll eventually succeed 
