When:
🗓️ January 19
July 19
October 19
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
❓
🧑🤝🧑
“There is no possession more valuable
than a good and faithful friend.”
(Socrates)
It’s time to set sail on the ship of friendship, make a splash with some new mates and celebrate the power of human connection.
On January 19th, July 19th, and October 19th, we get to cast off our anchor of isolation and make new friends from all corners of the world.
New Friends Day is a reminder of the importance of human social interactions.
We’re social creatures, and making friends is essential to our survival and well-being. A study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that having friends is linked to a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and stress.
And let’s not forget, having friends is just plain fun! They can be the perfect wingmate when you’re out on the town, they can help you laugh at life’s little jokes, and they can even help you move furniture.
But where did this special holiday come from? Well, the origin of New Friends Day is, like most unofficial holidays, shrouded in magical mystery, like a social butterfly hiding in a cocoon.
Legend has it that New Friends Day was created by a group of adventurous sailors who stumbled upon a mysterious island filled with friendly creatures. The sailors realized the world was lacking in high quality hugs and enthusiast high-fives and decided to spread the word by celebrating New Friends Day on January 19th, July 19th, and October 19th.
Regardless of its mysterious beginnings, the importance of human social interaction is a timeless truth.
From the dawn of civilization, we’ve been drawn to each other, forming bonds, creating communities, and sharing experiences.
It’s what makes us human, and it’s what makes life worth living.
But let’s not forget, making new friends can also come with its own set of challenges.
On the one hand, you get to have a built-in support system, someone to talk to when you’re feeling down, and someone to share life’s adventures with.
On the other hand, you may have to put up with a friend’s occasional bad jokes and annoying habits.
You never know if that new pal will be a lifelong companion or a fair-weather friend.
But, at the end of the day, the benefits of friendship far outweigh the negatives. A new friend can bring fresh perspectives, new experiences, and of course, all the inside jokes you can handle.
So, how can you celebrate New Friends Day in a way that’s novel and fun?
Well, here are a few suggestions that will leave you feeling friendship-forward:
- Have a picnic with a stranger:
Pack a basket of goodies, find a park bench, and strike up a conversation with a stranger.
Who knows, you may just make a new friend! - Host a potluck with friends:
Invite all your friends to bring their favorite dish and spend the evening sharing stories and laughter. - Volunteer at a local charity:
Give back to your community and make new friends in the process.
New Friends Day is a reminder to embrace the power of human connection and to never stop making new friends.
So let’s go out there and spread joy and laughter.
Because life is an adventure, and making new friends is just another way to make it even more exciting!
🧑🤝🧑
Congratulations, you’ve just adopted a new friend!
Taking care of a friendship is a lot like taking care of a pet.
And we’re here to give you a step-by-step guide on how to make sure it grows and thrives!
Here’s how to care for your new friendship:
- Feed it well:
Just like a pet needs food, a friendship needs attention to grow.
Make time for your friend, listen to them, and show them that you care. - Provide a safe and supportive environment:
Create a safe and supportive environment for your friendship to flourish.
Avoid negativity, judgment, and criticism.
Be there for your friend through thick and thin. - Exercise it regularly:
Relationships need to move and grow, so make sure to have regular activities with your new friend.
Plan activities and outings with your friend to keep the bond strong. - Give it love and affection:
Show your friend how much you care by giving compliments, making them laugh, and giving them a hug (or a virtual hug, if you’re socially distancing). - Give ample space:
Sometimes, pets and friendships need a little space to recharge.
Don’t be afraid to give your friend some alone time if they need it. - Brushing is important:
Just like a pet, a friendship needs to be brushed and maintained to keep its shine.
Check in with your friend regularly to make sure everything is okay. - Reward with treats: Just like pets love treats, friends love little gestures of kindness.
Surprise your friend with a thoughtful gift or a random act of kindness. - Celebrate milestones:
Celebrate milestones in your friendship, just like you would with a pet’s birthday.
The little things will show your friend how much you care. - Train it with kindness:
Just like you would train a pet with positive reinforcement, treat your friend with kindness and respect. - Take it to the vet (aka, have a heart-to-heart):
Just like pets need regular check-ups, friendships need to be tended to as well.
Have an honest and open conversation with your friend about how the relationship is going and what you both need from each other.
Keepin mind that friendships take time and effort to grow.
But with a little patience and love, your new friendship will be the best thing that ever happened to you!
By following these simple steps, you can have a happy, healthy, and long-lasting friendship.
So, be kind, be patient, and have fun!
🧑🤝🧑
