As the calendar turns to June, a heartfelt celebration awaits—National Best Friends Day, observed every year on June 8. This special day honors the irreplaceable bonds of friendship, recognizing the people who laugh with us, listen to us, and stand by us during life’s ups and downs. Whether you’ve known your best friend since childhood or met them more recently, this day serves as a powerful reminder of how much these relationships contribute to our happiness and overall well-being.
The Science of Friendship
Friendship is more than just a social nicety—it’s key to human development and health. According to anthropologist Robin Dunbar, humans can maintain around 150 meaningful relationships at a time—a concept known as Dunbar’s Number. But the most interesting insight? Our capacity for friendship begins early. Studies show that babies as young as nine months begin to understand friendship concepts, laying the foundation for the lifelong connections we build.
These bonds do more than enrich our social lives. Strong friendships are linked to improved mental health, longer lifespans, and increased resilience during tough times. That makes National Best Friends Day not only a sweet gesture but also a celebration of something essential to our human experience.
Celebrating Friendship Your Way
What’s beautiful about this day is its flexibility—there’s no “right way” to celebrate. If you’re near your best friend, simple activities like:
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Grabbing coffee at a favorite café
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Hiking through a local park
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Watching nostalgic movies
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Cooking dinner together
…can make for meaningful celebrations.
If distance separates you, don’t worry—technology bridges the gap. Try:
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A heartfelt FaceTime or Zoom chat
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Mailing a surprise care package
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Sending voice notes or a letter
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Hosting a virtual trivia or movie night
These small, intentional acts show appreciation and strengthen your bond.
Simple Gestures With Lasting Impact
Not all celebrations need to be grand. Sometimes, the most impactful gestures are the smallest—a handwritten note, a shared playlist, or a throwback photo with a caption that says, “I’m grateful for you.”
Want to do something a bit different? Consider:
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Starting a book club of two
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Recreating old photos
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Visiting a spot full of shared memories
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Exchanging friendship journals
Whatever you choose, the goal is to make your friend feel seen, valued, and loved.
Teaching Friendship to the Next Generation
National Best Friends Day is also an excellent opportunity to help children and students understand the value of friendship. Teachers, parents, and community leaders can use:
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Engaging PowerPoint presentations about friendship traits
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Creative writing prompts like “What Makes a True Friend?”
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Posters showing types of friendships and relationship dynamics
These resources help kids develop empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence—the building blocks of lifelong connection.
So as June 8 approaches, celebrate the best friends in your life, and consider helping younger generations learn how to form strong, supportive relationships of their own.
