Happy National Make a Friend Day!
Today is National Make a Friend Day and we are celebrating by being grateful for those in our lives we call our friends and for the gift of being a friend to someone else. Having a person to turn to, have fun with, and relate to outside of family can help fulfill an important part of our social and emotional needs. The biggest take away we would like you to have on this day is that participating in the many forms of friendship is a sure way to keep your mind, body, and spirit healthy!
Did you know that having or being a friend can…
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise
Types of Friends
It may seem silly to point out, but did you know there are types of friends? As you look at the list below, perhaps a category stands out to you in terms of desiring better connection in or maybe it brings to mind someone in your life who you are thankful for. (Anyone want to make a shoutout to their bestie?!)
Types of Friends:
Lifelong Friends
Best Friends
Close Friends
Social Group Friends (friends you socialize with but with whom you are not particularly close)
Activity Friends (friends with whom you engage in specific activities, such as “gym buddies,” members of your book club or dinner club, church circles, and so on)
Friends of Convenience (the folks with whom you might share carpooling duties, youth sports team parents, neighborhood groups, and so on)
Acquaintance Friends (people at work, people you see each day when you’re walking your dog, folks you know to speak to, but not about anything of consequence or especially personal)
Ways to Make or Be a Friend
Making new friends or staying in touch with current friends can be a challenge. With a little focus and intention on forming and supporting friendships on a regular basis, you will be feeling more connected and seen — and share the gift of helping others feel the same way — in no time!
Ways to Make Friends
Try a new class at your local library, YMCA,YWCA, gym, community center or school
See if there is a Meet Up happening in your area that you are interested in
Attend a religious or spiritual service or gathering
Join a book reading or game club
Go virtual! Global PenFriends has a variety of ways to meet and correspond with people from all over the world
We know that making new friends can often be a daunting and a sometimes awkward activity. Today we honor both your bravery and curiosity around connecting with a new pal or keeping an established social connection growing. We are cheering you — and your health — on as you reflect on and command the navigation of your “friend-ship”.
