National Best Friends Day, observed every June 8th, is a unique day to acknowledge and appreciate our friendships. This occasion celebrates those extraordinary individuals who are consistently present in our lives, bringing us joy, laughter, and comfort through both sunny and stormy times. Our best friends, regardless of how long we’ve known them, make our darkest days bearable, our cheerful moments unforgettable, and our memorable times invaluable.

A Brief History of National Best Friends Day

National Best Friends Day was first initiated in 1935 by the U.S. Congress, marking June 8 as a day to rejoice in the warmth of close friendships. The selection of this date falls in the early summer when the weather is generally agreeable in many regions, thereby facilitating gatherings. Over the years, the event has gained widespread popularity, spreading across various nations where it’s celebrated with great enthusiasm, even through dedicated festivals.

The Power of Friendship

Friendship extends beyond simple companionship and shared activities. In fact, close friendships offer surprising health advantages. Research indicates that people who maintain a network of close friends are 22% more likely to enjoy a longer lifespan. Additionally, regular interaction with friends can mitigate the risk of depression and anxiety.

Ideas for Celebrating National Best Friends Day

National Best Friends Day is an excellent occasion to enjoy fun activities or games together. From outdoor adventures like hiking or picnicking to playing video games or board games, these shared experiences can reinforce your bond. You might also consider tackling a DIY project together, cooking a new recipe, or even taking on a fitness challenge. The key is to find an activity that you both enjoy and that gives you time to connect and make memories.

This day can be celebrated in countless ways. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Mail a Card: Preparing a little ahead of time allows you to deliver heartfelt messages directly to your friends’ mailboxes. Make sure to include a personal note in each one.
  • Enjoy a Catch-up Call: Uninterrupted time for a chat can become scarce as we age, but it’s always a mood booster. So, schedule a time to call and chat on June 8, regardless of your regular calling or texting routine.
  • Gift a Morning Coffee: Kick-start your friend’s day on a cheerful note by gifting her a virtual card for her preferred coffee shop.
  • Organize a Brunch: If National Best Friends Day falls on a weekday, you could arrange a brunch date for the preceding or following weekend.
  • Surprise with a Gift: Commemorate your long-lasting friendship with a pleasant surprise. A photo book featuring memorable pictures of the two of you could be an ideal gift for this special day.
  • Share a Photo: Show appreciation for your circle of friends by posting a group photo on social media platforms.
  • Watch Friendship-themed Movies and Series: “Harry Potter, “Toy Story”, “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”, “Stand By Me”, “The Shawshank Redemption”, “Parks and Recreation”, “How I Met Your Mother”, “The Big Bang Theory”, “Friends”, “Stranger Things”.
  • Invite Your Best Friend(s) to Dinner: Sharing a meal is a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion.
  • Make a New Friend: Who said you can only have one best friend? This could be a perfect opportunity to form a new friendship.
  • Reminisce Good Times: Sharing fond memories can reinforce your bond and remind you of the reasons behind your cherished friendship. 1

Involving Children

Friendships are equally important for children as they help shape their understanding of relationships and empathy. Encourage your children to celebrate their friendships today. This could involve creating handmade cards or gifts for their friends, organizing a playdate, or simply spending time talking about what makes their friends special. This can be a valuable opportunity to discuss the qualities of a good friend and the importance of being a good friend to others.

Significance of Friendship in Different Cultures

Friendships are universally cherished, but the way they are perceived and celebrated can vary significantly across cultures. In some Eastern societies, for instance, friendships often encompass a deep sense of respect and loyalty. Latin American cultures, on the other hand, place a high value on personal relationships, including friendships, which are often characterized by warm and expressive interactions. Understanding these diverse viewpoints on friendship can deepen our appreciation for our own friendships and inspire us to cultivate them more deliberately.

Classic American literature also contains numerous stories about friendship. There’s a distinction drawn between types of friendship. One example given was a “golf friend,” who is a friend within the context of playing golf, but this friendship doesn’t extend to other aspects of life. This is different from the more encompassing understanding of friendship seen in some other cultures. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests there may be two different levels of friend – the more common may be closer to mere acquaintance​​. 2

National Friendship Day

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Emmanuel Katongole’s book “Who Are My People?” explores the concept of friendship in the context of sub-Saharan African cultures. It speaks to the transformation of identities around race, nationality, and ethnicity into a new community through Christian love. The author uses the method of theological portraiture to articulate this vision, using narrative portraits of individuals to communicate theological meaning. The book discusses the transformation of identity, politics, and relationships to the land through acts of love in the midst of Africa’s modernity. The theme of wounds and healing plays a significant role in the book, with the author positing that extraordinary acts of love can emerge in contexts of immense suffering and violence​​. 3

The indigenous peoples of Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, hold a spiritual understanding of friendship, connected to their broader cosmology. Friendship is seen as a relationship that brings people together in the spirit of the Dreamtime, a foundational spiritual belief system. This cultural context views friendship as a significant and meaningful bond that transcends mere social interaction. However, I wasn’t able to find a complete quote to back up this information​​.

Famous Quotes About Friendship

Famous quotes can often distill the essence of complex concepts, including friendship. For instance, Helen Keller once said:

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Helen Keller

This quote emphasizes the value of companionship and support that friends offer. Another poignant quote by C.S. Lewis states:

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’

C.S. Lewis

This highlights the sense of belonging and understanding that often underpins strong friendships.

FAQ

When is National Best Friends Day

National Best Friends Day, observed every June 8th, is a unique day to acknowledge and appreciate our friendships.

Is it BSF or BFF?

The acronym BSF, which stands for best friend, is somewhat prevalent on social media and in text messaging, even though other abbreviations like BFF (best friend forever) seem to be used more frequently.

Wrap-Up

National BSF Day provides a splendid chance to express our gratitude for the friends who enrich our lives with love, support, and joy. This can be done through a sincere note, a shared meal, or even a simple catch-up call. Recognizing and celebrating our best friends can fortify these significant relationships and create unforgettable memories. Hence, don’t forget to let your best friends know their importance in your life on June 8.

Reviewed by HolidayToday Staff

References

  1. https://www.bhg.com/holidays/traditions/celebrate-national-best-friends-day/ ↩
  2. https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/importance-friendship-different-cultures ↩
  3. https://contendingmodernities.nd.edu/theorizing-modernities/identity-theology-friendship/ ↩

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