Jun 8, 2020
Whether they’re near or far, old or new, best friends help to carry us through our lives according to nationaltoday.com. Today, National Best Friends Day, it’s time to tell them how much we appreciate their company. As the Mayo Clinic reports: “Friends help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one. They also encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.” Today’s the day to enjoy a little one-on-one time with the people who never fail to catch us when we fall.
History Of National Best Friends Day
We have our own country to thank for this lighthearted holiday. In 1935, the U.S. Congress gathered to devote a day each year in tribute to close friends. They chose June 8, which is usually a balmy day in all regions of the country—perfect for outdoor activities. Since then, many other countries have adopted the practice. Some even throw festivals to celebrate their chosen family.
This holiday has given rise to a handful of other friendship-themed days for celebration, including Friendship Day, Women’s Friendship Day, and even an entire week called Old Friends, New Friends Week. Ironically, almost all celebrations of friendship occur in the summer.
While the holiday seems to have lost popularity through the years, it has seen a recent upsurge in engagement since the advent of social media. Now, on June 8 every year, people rush to post fun photographs of themselves with their most trusted friends. The recognizable hashtag #nationalbestfriendsday allows users to witness just how many Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter users are celebrating along with them.
FAQs
Is National Best Friends Day a real holiday?
Yes! While National Best Friends Day doesn’t have quite as much traction as Thanksgiving, this day was handpicked and documented by the U.S. Congress long ago. It’s as real as our best friends are!
Can your best friend also be your romantic interest?
Of course! In fact, many Americans consider their spouses or partners to also be their best friends. As long as they love you, support you, and make you laugh, there are no rules to who a best friend can be.
Should I be talking to my best friend daily?
It’s up to you how you choose to communicate with your companions. Some people are able to go months without talking and pick up right where they left off, while others need more consistent life updates to feel close. If you’re not sure, you should ask your best friend what they expect!
National Best Friends Day Timeline
2015
Gone Viral
America’s most popular coffee shop chain, Starbucks, runs a promotional social media campaign encouraging its employees to celebrate their “work best friends.”
2009
Raising Awareness
BFF.tv partners with DoSomething.org to host a celebration of National Best Friends Day in Times Square. They also make an appearance on the “Today Show” encouraging viewers to join in on the fun.
2007
Back Again
Mary Wisniewski revitalizes the holiday by writing about it in a column of the “Chicago Sun-Times”
1935
Origins
National Best Friends Day is established during a U.S. Congressional hearing
National Best Friends Day - Survey Results
Survey handled by a top Philadelphia PR Firm:
Nationaltoday.Com National Best Friends’ Day Survey
Do you have a best friend?
#1: Yes, one (46%)
#2: Yes, multiple (39%)
#3: No (15%)
Who do Americans consider to be their best friends?
#1: My significant other (43%)
#2: My dog (19%)
#3: My mom (19%)
#4: My sibling (14%)
#5: My dad (11%)
#6: My cat (9%)
Do you believe you can only have one best friend?
#1: No (75%)
#2: Yes (25%)
Which of the following about best friends is true for you:
#1: My best friend is like a family member (54%)
#2: I have owned a “best friend” necklace or bracelet (22%)
#3: I have made a friendship bracelet for my best friend (16%)
#4: My parents like my best friend more than me (6%)
When did you meet your best friend?
#1: Elementary school (24%)
#2: High school (24%)
#3: Middle school (18%)
#4: Post high school/college (16%)
#5: Post-college (11%)
#6: Preschool (8%)
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