International Friendship Day is celebrated on July 30th every year. It's a day to recognize and appreciate the importance of friendships in our lives. Friendships contribute to our emotional well-being; provide support in times of need, and offer joy and companionship. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” is a proverb that says a true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble rather than leaving you to fend for yourself.
The world we live in is harsh. Peace seems to be less of a priority in today's world due to miscommunications, abuse, distrust, prejudice, and cultural strife. There is really no good reason why the world cannot exist in some state of harmony.
History of the Friendship Day
The United Nations is to be commended for its assistance in serving as a reminder to all of us that there is good in the world. The International Day of Friendship was first celebrated in 2011, and it is a unique occasion that fosters understanding and connections across nations, cultures, and even ideologies. Before the UN made its designation, the very first World Friendship Day was proposed in 1958 by the World Friendship Crusade, which is an international civil organization that campaigns to foster peaceful culture through friendship.
UN campaign to spread kindness and unity
Bonding is synonymous with friendship and relationships, and creating such shared links involves more than just having a trait, feature, or activity in common with another individual or group; it also entails encouraging a global commitment to and knowledge of diversity and inclusiveness. Despite our differences, we can still get along. People should not be divided by differences in physical appearance, political viewpoints, musical preferences, or other characteristics. Relationships are more than that, and every July the UN organizes a campaign to spread kindness and unity.
Ways to celebrate friendship day…
Finding common ground can be achieved by celebrating friendships through small gestures like sending a quick letter, getting together for coffee, attending a performance, or visiting the mall. Once more, we are more alike than we think. We also want to propagate any notion that lessens the amount of hate and contempt that exists in the world. We want to believe that there is something that unites us all.
Remember, friendships are a treasure, and International Friendship Day is a wonderful opportunity to cherish and celebrate them!
Spend quality time with friends: Plan a fun activity or outing with your closest friends.
Reach out to old friends: Reconnect with friends you've lost touch with and strengthen your bond.
Celebrate friendships on social media: Share photos, messages, or stories about your friendships.
Plan a friendship-themed party: Host a party with friendship-themed decorations, games, and activities.
Make new friends: Attend social events or join a club to meet new people and expand your social circle.
Show appreciation: Express gratitude to your friends through small gifts, notes, or kind words.
Support a friend in need: Be there for a friend going through a tough time.