Concerning empathy

Does it tend to be stronger toward a friend than an acquaintance? I'm not challenging favoritism here, but I think I'm much MUCH more sensitive and caring toward a friend than toward a stranger.

And I mean empathy in terms of emotional relation, not always (or necessarily) materialistic relation. This morning, without much contemplation, I gave a desperate woman $180 for the gas for her car and a meal for her family of 3; I'm dirt broke now. But I wasn't too concerned with her emotional state. At the same time, I was attempting to help a 10-year-and-going friend who was sad about her self-worth. I felt the urgency toward the friend at an immeasurable gravity. I told her it's okay, you're better than that, I'm here, call me if you want to talk about anything.

Is this true for any of you? I'm just wondering.