On June 8th, friends across the country will pause to celebrate National Best Friends Day—a heartfelt occasion dedicated to honoring the people who walk beside us through life’s highs and lows. Whether you have one lifelong confidant or a circle of close companions, this day offers the perfect chance to recognize the beauty and power of true friendship.

Why National Best Friends Day Matters

Friendship is a fundamental human need. As Henry Ford once said, “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” These special relationships support our mental and emotional well-being and often help shape who we become.

This sentiment is echoed in ancient wisdom as well. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17), a timeless reminder of how true friends stand by us in every season of life.

National Best Friends Day was created to acknowledge these irreplaceable bonds and encourage us to pause and celebrate them, whether in big or small ways.

Ways to Celebrate (Near or Far)

If you and your best friend live near each other, the options are endless:

• Grab coffee at a favorite local café

• Take a scenic hike or picnic outdoors

• Host a cozy movie night or game night at home

• Tackle a bucket list item together for an adventurous twist

If distance separates you, technology can help bridge the gap:

• Plan a virtual hangout or watch party

• Send a heartfelt message, voice memo, or letter

• Mail a care package filled with shared memories

• Share a social media tribute using #BestFriendsDay

What matters most is your intention. Whether it’s a ten-minute call or an entire day spent together, the act of reaching out shows your best friend how deeply you care.

Make It Meaningful

Many people get creative on this day to make lasting memories:

• Exchange or create friendship bracelets

• Recreate favorite photos or revisit the place you first met

• Make a scrapbook or digital timeline of your friendship journey

• Write letters to each other that can be saved and opened in the future

Establishing traditions on Best Friends Day can turn it into a personal annual holiday, complete with your own customs and rituals.

Beyond June 8: Friendship Year-Round

National Best Friends Day isn’t the only time to honor friendship. Other observances, such as International Friendship Day (July) and Best Friends Month (September), provide additional opportunities to reflect on your relationships throughout the year.

The National Day Archives even includes an entire category dedicated to friendship-related celebrations, proving that friendship isn’t just something to be acknowledged once a year, but something to be nurtured continually.

So, whether it’s June 8th or any day of the year, take a moment to say, “Thanks for being my person.”