It could be for a few reasons. The 1st being that you're not properly configured. Did you configure your firewall so it allows LW full access (advisable not to have 2 active firewalls b/c they can interfere with each other); Firewall configuration instructions (click on link)

Do this test: Bug Report instructions & sample image Is the result True/False? If false, then you're firewalled via your softw firewall or router.

If your ip doesn't show above the search box in the direct connect (DC) search type, then you're firewalled. DC won't work if one of you are firewalled/not properly configured firewall.

Another reason is that you need open slots & available bandwidth to receive & send DC.

Another method is sending each other magnet links, once started to downld, you can browse them via the downld window or upload window in the monitor window. For more on this see How to use Magnet Links & Direct Connect

(It sounds to me the problem is at your friend's end, but not necessarily.)

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