National Refriending Day

Friends around a bonfire at twilight, roasting marshmallows and wearing cozy sweaters, with a starry sky in the background.. — National refriending day illustration

Hey there, folks! It's time to celebrate National Refriending Day, a day dedicated to reconnecting with old pals and rekindling those friendships that may have been lost in the shuffle of life. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let's dive into the wonderful world of refriending!

When is Refriending Day?

It's national refriending day on the 9th May.

The Birth of National Refriending Day

Every friendship has its ups and downs. People drift apart, life gets busy, and before you know it, you're left wondering where the time went. That's why National Refriending Day was born - to remind us all that friends are like fine wine: they get better with age.

Back in the early days of the internet, staying connected with friends meant trading AIM screen names and meticulously curating your MySpace Top 8. Every day was filled with pokes, shoutouts, and wall posts that kept friendships alive and kicking.

But as technology evolved, so did our means of communication. We went from lengthy phone calls to quick texts, from MySpace to Facebook, and from emojis to GIFs. While these advancements brought us closer, they also made it easier to lose touch with those cherished buddies from yesteryear.

On May 9, 2016, National Refriending Day burst onto the scene, urging people around the world to reach out, rekindle old friendships, and celebrate the joy of reconnecting.

Ways to Honor National Refriending Day

Now that you know the story behind this fabulous national day, let's dive into some ways you can celebrate with gusto:

Send a virtual hug: Warm someone's heart with a heartwarming video message or an old-school e-card. Let them know you're still thinking of them, even after all these years.
Organize a virtual reunion: Gather your long-lost posse on a video call and reminisce about the good old days. Share embarrassing stories, hilarious anecdotes, and laugh until your cheeks hurt.
Pen a heartfelt letter: In this digital age, handwritten letters have become a rarity. Surprise your old friend with a heartfelt message penned on fancy paper and seal it with a wax stamp. It's like traveling back in time!
Throw a friend-themed party: Host a virtual get-together with a friendship theme. Everyone can dress up as their favorite dynamic duo, share memories, and have a blast. Who said online parties couldn't be fun?

Fun Fact

Did you know that the average person loses touch with about half of their friends over time? National Refriending Day is the perfect opportunity to tip the scales back in the favor of friendship and fill your social circle with joy once again!

History behind the term 'Refriending'

2004

The Birth of Social Networking

In 2004, the term 'refriending' emerged as social networking was gaining popularity. With social networking sites like MySpace and Friendster becoming popular, individuals were using the term to describe the process of reconnecting with friends or acquaintances online. It became a way to stay connected and rebuild relationships that may have faded over time.

2007

Facebook and the Refriending Boom

In 2007, Facebook expanded its reach beyond college campuses and opened its platform to the general public. This marked a significant turning point for 'refriending' as Facebook's widespread adoption led to a surge in users reconnecting with old friends, classmates, and even long-lost relatives. The term 'refriending' gained more popularity and became synonymous with reconnecting on social media platforms.

2010

The Rise of Facebook Friend Suggestions

In 2010, Facebook introduced the 'People You May Know' feature, which suggested potential friends based on mutual connections, shared interests, and various other algorithms. This feature made it even easier for users to 'refriend' people they had lost touch with over time. The term 'refriending' solidified its place in our online vocabulary as people used it to describe the act of reaching out to these suggested acquaintances.

2017

Refriending On Multiple Social Media Platforms

By 2017, social media had expanded beyond just Facebook. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn had become mainstream, each with its own network of connections. 'Refriending' now transcended a single platform and referred to the act of reconnecting across multiple social media channels. It became a way to keep up with people's lives, share memories, and build new connections in the digital age.

Present Day

Embracing Refriending in the Digital Era

In the present day, 'refriending' is an integral part of our social interactions. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with social media, the term continues to evolve alongside new platforms and technologies. Whether it's reconnecting with an old friend, reaching out to a former colleague, or even connecting with strangers who share similar interests, 'refriending' has become a way to bridge gaps and foster relationships in the digital era.