National Befriend Day

Two friends, one wearing matching friendship bracelets, sharing a warm hug in a park surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.. — National befriend day illustration

Hey there, folks! Are you ready to celebrate National Befriend Day? It's time to break out the friendship bracelets and give your best buddy a big bear hug. We've got all the juicy details on the internet history of this day, so let's dive in and discover why befriending is important. Prepare for a heartwarming journey filled with new friendships, laughs, and maybe even a surprise or two!

When is Befriend Day?

It's national befriend day on the 9th June.

The Internet History of National Befriend Day

Did you know that National Befriend Day started gaining momentum online around June 9, 2015? That's right! The internet embraced this fantastic day with open arms and spread the word like wildfire. People couldn't resist the charm of befriending others, and the online community quickly caught on.

Although we don't have a crystal clear origin story, we can trace the roots of this day back to the simple idea of fostering new connections. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in our own little bubbles. National Befriend Day reminds us to reach out, extend a hand, and make new friends. After all, life is so much more colorful with the diverse array of friends by our side.

Whether it's through social media platforms, online forums, or good old-fashioned face-to-face interactions, National Befriend Day encourages us to break down barriers and create lasting connections. So why not take this opportunity to strike up a conversation with that person you've been meaning to talk to? You never know – they might become your new bestie!

History behind the term 'Befriend'

12th Century

The Birth of the Term

The term 'befriend' emerged in the 12th century from the Middle English word 'befrenden.' The prefix 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' or 'completely,' while 'frenden' meant 'to consider as a friend or to favor.' Thus, 'befriend' initially meant to create a close bond or to treat someone favorably.

16th Century

Shakespeare's Contribution

In the late 16th century, the renowned playwright William Shakespeare used the word 'befriend' in his works, which added to its popularity. Shakespeare's plays, such as 'Hamlet' and 'Much Ado About Nothing,' introduced 'befriend' to wider audiences, solidifying its place in the English language.

18th Century

Standardization of the Term

By the 18th century, 'befriend' had become a commonly used term in English literature. It had evolved to mean forming a friendly association or developing close relationships. The word also gained recognition in dictionaries, such as Samuel Johnson's 'A Dictionary of the English Language' in 1755, further bolstering its acceptance and standardization.

20th Century

Expansion in Modern Usage

As the world entered the 20th century, 'befriend' continued to expand its usage. It became more prevalent in everyday conversation, literature, and various forms of media. The term encompassed the act of making friends or establishing connections, highlighting the importance of meaningful relationships in an increasingly interconnected world.

Did you know?

Did you know that having strong friendships has been proven to increase happiness and overall well-being? It's true! So, celebrate National Befriend Day and let those friendly vibes fill your life with joy and laughter!