National Best Friends Day: Why it Matters and How to Celebrate

National Best Friends Day falls every year on June 8th. On this day, people nationwide unite to celebrate the bonds of camaraderie and friendship. This particular day celebrates the role of friendship in our lives, urging us to express gratitude toward those who have supported us in both good and bad times. 

National Best Friends Day focuses on strengthening existing bonds and fostering new connections. It's a time for us to remember the essence of being a good friend, offering support, encouragement, and understanding to those dear to us. As we cherish these connections, we nurture a sense of community and belonging, positively affecting ourselves and society.

National Best Friends Day is also a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reach out to potential new ones, underlining the value of firm social connections. 

Read on to learn more about this annual observance, ways to get involved, and how to celebrate National Best Friends Day with those closest of friends. 

Featured in: June - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.

National Best Friends Day History and Background

National Best Friends Day, also sometimes called Best Friend's Day, was founded in 1935 when the US Congress officially established it. Focused on underlining the value of friendship, the day encourages everyone to convey their appreciation for their closest pals. With time, this celebration has extended far beyond the United States, touching lives in countries worldwide.

Various events and activities are organized to help individuals honor their best friends on this special day, ranging from themed gatherings to casual outings and exchanging thoughtful tokens of affection. 

As the day gained prominence, even public figures and celebrities hopped on the bandwagon, opening up about their friendships on social media through stories and photos. This, in turn, heightened awareness about friends' critical role in our overall well-being.

Although no single founder or individual can be credited with the inception of National Best Friends Day, its spirit has been wholeheartedly embraced by people from all walks of life. This celebration has even inspired researchers to delve deeper into the benefits of genuine friendships¹. 

The Cause and Its Challenges

National Best Friends Day celebrates the significance of cultivating and preserving strong friendships. Regrettably, the growing prevalence of social isolation and loneliness presents obstacles to building and sustaining these essential bonds.

Several factors have intensified the issue of social isolation, including our increasing reliance on digital interactions and social media. While these platforms allow us to keep in touch, they often lack the emotional depth found in face-to-face conversations. As a result, many individuals feel disconnected despite having numerous virtual connections. 

Furthermore, life transitions, such as moving to a new city or dealing with personal challenges, can make it tough for some people to establish enduring friendships.

Recent research underscores the gravity of this problem: a Cigna survey reveals that 61% of Americans felt lonely in 2020, a 7% increase from 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the situation, with 36% of Americans reporting heightened loneliness during lockdowns. 

By promoting National Best Friends Day, we hope to inspire individuals to nurture their closest friendships actively. 

5 Important Reasons to Celebrate National Best Friends Day

• Having a best friend isn't just about having a good time; it's also about promoting better mental health and overall well-being. Strong social connections, such as those with close friends, can significantly impact our lives.
• Did you know that having close friendships can lead to a longer life and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses? Studies have shown that maintaining these connections can help stave off heart disease and depression², demonstrating friendships' vital role in our lives.
• Everyone faces tough times, and that's when best friends become our emotional rock. By providing support during these challenging moments, best friends help us cope with stress, navigate obstacles, and ultimately become more resilient.
• Like any valuable relationship, friendships require consistent care and attention to flourish. National Best Friends Day encourages people to invest time and effort into nurturing their friendships and strengthening the bonds that make them special.
• Interestingly, most people establish lifelong friends during elementary school, forming deep connections through shared experiences and mutual interests. These early friendships often lay the foundation for enduring bonds into adulthood.

Efforts and Initiatives

Friendship has a powerful impact on promoting peace, understanding, and unity among people of different nations and cultures. 

The United Nations celebrates International Day of Friendship on July 30th, bringing people together across borders and cultural lines. Their goal? Encourage friendships as a cornerstone for global harmony.

Schools have jumped on board, too, with initiatives like the Buddy Bench, designed to foster inclusivity and new friendships among students. It's simple: a designated bench serves as a meeting spot for kids searching for playmates. This clever idea helps young learners develop vital social and empathetic skills. 

And let's not forget No One Eats Alone Day – a US-based campaign that encourages students to share lunchtime with new classmates, creating feelings of belonging and togetherness.

Organizations such as Best Buddies International and The Friendship Circle also focus their efforts and champion the importance of forming meaningful relationships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development, they provide opportunities for these individuals to flourish in their communities. 

How to Get Involved and Support National Best Friends Day

Gather your best buddies and celebrate friendship this National Best Friends Day by hosting a memorable event. 

Why not plan a themed get-together, such as a cozy picnic or outdoor activities together? You can get together to watch movies at home or enjoy quality time together over a meal. These celebrations strengthen your bond and highlight the significance of enduring friendships. And remember to showcase your festivities on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalBestFriendsDay, encouraging others to appreciate the magic of friendship too!

To help promote the importance of friendship, you can also invest your time and energy in volunteer work with organizations that nurture meaningful connections. 

Partnering with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, or a local senior center can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. These establishments rely on devoted volunteers to bolster their community-focused programs. 

Plus, you can take it further by hosting or joining fundraisers supporting initiatives to tackle loneliness and social isolation. Look up organizations such as The Campaign to End Loneliness or The Friendship Bench who will welcome the support.

Conclusion

National Best Friends Day is more than just celebrating our closest friendships. This special occasion highlights these relationships' vital role in our happiness and well-being. On this friendship day, we can simply acknowledge our best friends' positive impact on our lives. 

Why not use this day to reach out to your best friend? Share a heartfelt conversation, reminisce about your favorite memories, and strengthen your bond. You can also rope in a family member or two and celebrate their friendships. In doing so, we contribute to fostering a sense of community and well-being for everyone. Happy National Best Friends Day!

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