National Friendship Day is August 7

The old song says that you should “…make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.” That sentiment is exactly the idea behind National Friendship Day, celebrated in the U.S. on the first Sunday of August each year.

Friendship, defined as a close platonic relationship, comes in all shapes and sizes. From toddlers who recognize each other on the playground to college roommates who stay in touch for their whole lives, friendships allow us to have connections to others in our social circles.

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Started in the 1930s

Originally a marketing strategy in the 1930s to sell greeting cards, National Friendship Day was designated as a way to celebrate the people closest to you who aren’t your family. In 1935, the U.S. Congress pronounced that the event would be yearly. In 1958, the idea of celebrating friendship went global and now countries including India, Spain and Finland all celebrate the joys of friendship with an official day.

A natural progression

As your life changes, your friendships may also change and evolve. It’s a natural progression and one that can be embraced with a little effort. You may move from a geographical area or simply find family and work get in the way. You can overcome distance or busyness using a quick text, a scheduled phone call or even a getaway where you can reconnect.

You may also find that you may not have as much in common any more or that things you think are important don’t match a certain friend as time moves on. This is part of the cycle of friendship and should be seen as a natural part of life. Remember that it’s OK to let a friendship go if needed.

Sharpen your skills

National Friendship Day is also a day to think about all the ways you can be a good friend. Just like a garden, friendships need care to grow and flourish. Not only do you have to have things in common such as hobbies or values, but you have to be able to be there for the other person.

Good friends listen to each other and support one another through good times and bad. You have to be trustworthy and be respectful of each other and any boundaries you may have. It also helps to be a good listener and to always believe that your friend has the best intentions for you. Finally, give your friends your time. It’s probably the most valuable gift you can give them.

Celebrate your way

While there are no official ways to celebrate National Friendship Day, here are a few ideas you could do with your friends:

Have a meal together

Sharing food and stories is one of the hallmarks of a fun friendship.

Do an activity

Life gets busy and it takes effort to keep a friendship alive. Take time to go to a movie, take a hike, play cards or visit a museum.

Recall memories

If you’ve been friends for a long time, you probably have some good stories to recall.

Simply hang out

Sometimes it’s nice to merely enjoy each other’s company without an agenda or plan.

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Source:

Nationaltoday.com