National Make A Friend Day

Two people, one wearing a cozy sweater and the other in a summer dress, sitting on a park bench, laughing and holding hands while feeding ducks in a picturesque park setting.. — National make a friend day illustration

Hey there, friend-in-making! Guess what’s coming up on the calendar? No, it's not National Hug a Cactus Day (though wouldn't that be a prickly situation?). It's National Make a Friend Day! Who says we're too old to make new friends? Not I!

When is Make A Friend Day?

It's national make a friend day on the 11th February.

Introducting National Make a Friend Day!

Breathe in the friendship vibes and rejoice, because February 11th is all about making connections, folks. We've recorded a peak of 3153 mentions online around this day in 2020, enough to fill a small town with chatter!

A Sweet History Wrapped in Kindness

The exact history of National Make a Friend Day is a bit fuzzy (like a plush teddy bear). We don't have an exact inventor of the day or a written record from the stone age about it, but that won't stop us from celebrating. It was likely initiated by some kind soul wanting to spread a bit of kindness around in this big ol' world.

How to Celebrate?

This day is all about extending your friendship feelers out there. Reach out to someone new at work or in your neighborhood, give a smile to a stranger on the street, call your pen pal from 3rd grade with whom you've lost touch (do people still have pen pals?). Oh, and of course, Social Media could be your canvass for conquest in friend-making!

No Limit on Friendships

National Make a Friend Day reinforces a simple fact – there's no shrink wrap on your friend count. No 'You've reached your Friendship Limit' popup will appear. The more, the merrier!

History behind the term 'Make A Friend'

1940

The Emergence of the Term

The term 'make a friend' originated in the 1940s, during the surge of popularity of personal relationships and social networking. As people started to acknowledge the importance of friendships and connections, the phrase 'make a friend' began to gain traction.

1950

The Rise of Friendship Psychology

In the 1950s, the field of friendship psychology emerged, shedding light on the importance of human connections and the impact of friendship on mental well-being. The phrase 'make a friend' gained a deeper meaning, emphasizing the process of intentionally cultivating and nurturing friendships.

1970

Social Skills Training

During the 1970s, social skills training programs gained popularity. These programs aimed to teach individuals the necessary skills to build healthy and lasting relationships, including the ability to 'make a friend.' The phrase became synonymous with actively learning and practicing social skills for the purpose of establishing new friendships.

1990

Internet and Online Friendships

With the advent of the internet in the 1990s, the concept of 'making a friend' expanded beyond face-to-face interactions. Online communities and social platforms allowed people to connect with others from around the world, leading to the rise of online friendships. 'Make a friend' now included the idea of forming connections through digital means.

2010

Friendship in the Digital Age

In the 2010s, social media became an integral part of daily life for many people. 'Making a friend' took on a new dimension, referring to the act of connecting with others through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Online friendships became more prevalent, and the phrase started encompassing both virtual and offline relationships.

Did you know?

Did you know that scientists have found that making a new friend can actually inject your brain with a happiness hormone called oxytocin? That's one friendship fact that could make anyone smile!