Cherishing Connections: Celebrating National Best Friend's Day

In our journey through life, we encounter many people. Some simply cross our path for a moment, while others we get to know a bit better. Some connections start strong but fade over time, while a few special ones turn into cherished relationships, becoming like siblings or best friends. According to Dr. Tracy Carver, a best friend should be someone who is dependable, trustworthy, honest, and supportive. If you're lucky enough to have someone like this in your life, now is the perfect time to show them how much they mean to you. Today, on National Best Friend's Day (June 8), let's celebrate these incredible people!

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Here at Empath, we believe in nurturing relationships. So, in this article, we'll explore ways to keep your friendships healthy, and share some tips on how to express your gratitude to your best friend. After all, best friends are the family we choose, and they deserve all the love and appreciation in the world.

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Taking care of our friendships and making an effort to be a good friend is essential for building strong, lasting relationships. According to Laura Harris, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, these are six simple ways to keep a friendship healthy:

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1. Keep in touch. While it’s great to have low-maintenance friendships, strong bonds need regular connection. Keep in touch: plan weekly chats, send texts to stay connected, and try to meet up when possible.
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2. Be honest. Being open about your feelings and listening to your friend is important. Expressing yourself, even if it's tough, helps maintain a friendship. Bottling up emotions can harm relationships, so talk openly and work through issues together.

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3. Show that you care. Continuously demonstrate your affection. Simple gestures like treating them on their birthday or sharing funny memes show you value them. Even if you think they already know you care, it's always nice to remind them.
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4. Try new things together. Friendships should be fun! Regularly enjoy experiences together to strengthen your bond. Try new activities, travel to new places, or just mix up your routine. Sharing adventures creates lasting memories.
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5. Support each other. Friendships require effort, especially during tough times. Offer comfort and assistance when your friend needs it. Encourage them to pursue their goals and show that you believe in them.

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6. Appreciate the little moments. True friendships are built on kindness and love. Cherish simple moments like phone calls and coffee dates. Treasure the irreplaceable memories you share.

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Did you know that scientists have discovered how vital friendship is for our mental well-being? Just like exercise is essential for our physical health, spending time with friends can boost our happiness and overall mental health by releasing “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. It's amazing how much they can positively affect us! With that in mind, here are tips on how to say “thank you” to our friends on National Best Friend's Day:

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1. Send your friend a heartfelt message or write them a note expressing how much they mean to you. Share specific qualities you admire about them like their kindness or sense of humor. Also, recount the memorable experiences that you've shared.
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2. Spend quality time together doing activities you both enjoy. Whether it's going for a walk, grabbing coffee, or watching a movie, dedicate uninterrupted time to bond and strengthen your friendship.

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3. Express your gratitude with a warm embrace or a friendly handshake. Just make sure your friend is comfortable with physical contact, and always respect their boundaries.

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4. Do something helpful for your friend to make their day easier or better. It could be as simple as running an errand for them, helping them with a task they've been dreading, or cooking them a meal. Small gestures can make a big difference in showing your appreciation.

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5. Give a thoughtful gift that reflects your friendship or your friend's interests. It doesn't have to be extravagant; it could be their favorite snack, a book they've been wanting to read, or a small trinket that reminds you of them.

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Friendship is a two-way street. It's not just about what we can get from others, but what we can give in return. Yes, maintaining friendships can be challenging at times. Life gets busy, priorities shift, and distances may separate us physically. But with the right friends by our side, the journey becomes a little lighter, and the burdens a little easier to bear.
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In the words of the poet William Shakespeare, "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." So here's to our best friends, the ones who know us inside and out, who stand by us through thick and thin, and who make the world a brighter, warmer place just by being in it. Cherish your best friends, for they are the true treasures in life's great adventure.
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Once again, Happy National Best Friend’s Day!

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References

• ‍NATIONAL BEST FRIENDS DAY | June 8. (n.d.). National Day Calendar. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-best-friends-day-june-8‍
• National Best Friends Day – June 8, 2024. (n.d.). National Today. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://nationaltoday.com/national-best-friends-day/

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