Let's frame this in a way a lot of people can relate to. Have you ever had a relative or friend sell products for a multi-level marketing company? They buy up a bunch of candles, knives, or one of several other products people already have or don't need, and then sell to their circles of family and friends. How do you feel when you see that? I can't speak for everyone, but I feel guilt. I don't need this thing. I don't want this thing. But my friend is selling this and I want them to be successful. That's one of many reasons why multi-level marketing is such a shady business model. They rely on guilt to sell.

Do not be that person. Don't guilt people into buying your game. If you really want your friends to play and enjoy your game, it's up to you to make something they want to pick up on their own instead of pulling together a few sympathy sales.

So the people I know bring no value to my game?

Sales are not the only form of value. Although family and fiends may not bring you a bunch of cash, they can provide an invaluable service: Honest early feedback. Indie game developers, especially new ones, can be very hesitant to put their creation out into the world. You've put you heart into this piece of art, and you don't want the often cold and brutal place known as the internet to rip it to shreds.