National Best Friend Day

National Bestfriend Day History

National Best Friend Day is an occasion dedicated to the celebration of friendships and the special bond shared between a pair of cherished confidantes. This observance pays tribute to the unique connection between individuals who choose to stand by each other through thick and thin, offering unwavering support, loyalty, and understanding. National Best Friend Day encourages people to acknowledge their companions, express their gratitude for one another, and celebrate their bond in a variety of ways.

As a nation known for cultivating meaningful bonds with others – both locally and with those from different cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities – it is no surprise that this occasion has steadily gained popularity amongst the UK population. Indeed, the importance of fostering friendships is deeply rooted in British values, with events such as The Best Friends Ball, which aims to raise awareness of the ongoing need to build friendships within communities and offer a support system for those who have faced adversities in life.

Typical customs and activities taking place on National Best Friend Day in the United Kingdom encompass various acts, from the traditional exchange of heartfelt messages or gifts to the planning of special outings or events to spend time together. British people often take this opportunity to reconnect with loved ones or organise gatherings that reignite the camaraderie between close friends. National Best Friend Day is generally observed worldwide on June 8th, offering a perfect reason to celebrate and strengthen the remarkable connections shared between true friends.

National Best Friend Day facts

• According to anthropologist Robin Dunbar of the University of Oxford, anytime a new close friend or lover enters into your life, it displaces two others in your close circle, typically a family member or friend.
• A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that the average friendship duration among college students was around seven years.
• Research has shown that individuals with strong social support networks, including close friendships, tend to have better mental health, lower stress levels, and improved physical well-being.
• A study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation in 2018 found that 61% of young people in the UK felt that social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, made them feel lonely or inadequate at times.
• A study by the British Heart Foundation in 2018 revealed that nearly one in four adults in the UK spends less than 30 minutes per day socializing with friends or family.

In the News and Trending in the UK for National Best Friend Day

Top things to do in the UK for National Best Friend Day

• Spread awareness about the holiday using the hashtags #nationalbestfriendday, #NBF, #bff and #besties.
• Have a picnic in the park with your best friend. This can be at a park or in any open space so you can both enjoy the great weather.
• Celebrate National Best Friend Day and watch a British film about friendship. Here are our top picks:
  1. Shaun of the Dead (2004) - A British comedy about two best friends, Shaun and Ed, who find themselves in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and fight for survival while trying to save their loved ones.
  2. Philomena (2013) - A British drama about the unlikely friendship between journalist Martin Sixsmith and Philomena Lee, an Irish mother searching for her long-lost son.
  3. Withnail and I (1987) - A cult classic British black comedy about two unemployed actors who go on a disastrous vacation to the countryside.
• Enjoy the stunning landscapes and quaint villages by going for a road trip or hike with your best friend in the Lake District, Peak District, or the Cotswolds.