International Friendship Day – 30th of July

International Friendship Day is coming up! It’s a day widely celebrated across the planet to celebrate the friendships between people, countries, and cultures. It’s a time where individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities, to create a place where we can all coexist peacefully.

This is so important, especially on a global level. Friendships that cross borders can help bring peace and avoid conflict or cultural downfalls. Thinking of other cultures and communities as people just like us is important, regardless of whether they share your same beliefs. International Friendship Day is a time for us to work together to build a culture of peace and understanding among our fellow humans.

Why friendship is so important

• Showing appreciation for your friends and cherishing your friendships is a key part of life. Humans were designed to be social, to be curious, to care for one another. Having friends can bring more happiness into your life than almost anything else. Good friends are not only there for the good times, but the bad times as well. They have a huge impact on your mental health, and can help you relieve your stress in the midst of life’s hurdles.  
• They’re a shoulder to cry on, a lending ear to listen to your problems, or a safe place to run to when you’re overwhelmed with life. It happens to the best of us, but it’s nice to know we have people in our corner to rely on when we have no where else to turn. This is another way that having good friends benefits your behaviors. They can talk you down and lift you up, encourage you when you’re feeling less than able, and help you to set and maintain your goals.
• Good friends help boost your confidence and quiet your insecurities. Having a solid support system plays a big role in your confidence and self esteem, especially when you don’t feel like you can handle things on your own, because you know you won’t have to if you just make a simple phone call. These people push you to be the best version of yourself, while also reeling you in when you’re out of line. It’s a balance, and good friends help balance us.

Celebrate International Friendship Day with Acts Of Kindness

You can celebrate International Friendship Day in a variety of different ways. Something as simple as thanking your friends for such a rewarding and loyal friendship can be refreshing to them. It shows you value them and the time they spend with you. Give them a hug, send them a card or go see a movie together. You may host a little party to celebrate your forever evolving relationship.

You could also buy them a little gift. If you know enough about their personal style, a cute ring or earrings could be a sweet gesture.

A bracelet that matches their favorite outfit or a necklace that compliments their eyes would be a beautiful addition to their collection. Regardless of how you choose to show your appreciation, make sure your friends know they have you on their team now and forever.

Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash