I usually try not to get into my roommates lives. I mind my business and they mind theirs. I set up boundaries and make sure they don't get into my space. I'm not a total jerk either. Everyone once and awhile it's great to go out together and really get to know your roommates. You don't want to be too much of a "buddy buddy." Sometimes when that happens they feel a little confident about the relationship and would tend to skimp out on rent.
I find it easier to rent my rooms to total strangers rather than close friends that I know. Sometimes if a close friend is late on rent, you'll understand and let them pay you a few days later. Sometimes your friends think they can get away with paying rent and makes up all kinds of excuses while you become more frustrated with them each and every day. Your friendship is in Jeopardy and although you don't want that, the best thing to do is cut them off. You have obligations and you've been disrespected by them when they didn't pay rent. They've taken advantage of you already.
Sad as it maybe, evicting them isn't any better but you'll be out of a home if you can't make your payments. If they are truly real friends they would understand and know where you're coming from. If not, they they aren't really there for you from the start and its really all about their needs. If they are really true friends they would pay rent on time, they would understand that you have payments, and they would understand that they wouldn't want to Jeopardize their relationship with you they don't pay rent and because they really care about the friendship.
You know when you know you have to cut some friends out of your life even when things like this tests you and your friendship. It's better that you know now than later when it might be on something that's bigger than just a rent payment.
