To paraphrase Yeats: “There are no strangers in the world, just friends you have never met.” We must never stop making friends. That’s why National Make a Friend Day is so important. A new friendship can open you to new experiences. Friends can help us through challenging times. They provide us with the comfort of a safe emotional space where we can be ourselves. Good friends are our biggest treasure. Make a special effort on February 11 to meet (or at least talk to) someone new. Your life could change forever.
National Make a Friend Day timeline
The longest friendship bracelet measures 2,166 feet. Benchmark Senior Living created it.
A survey revealed that Malaysians had the most buddies in online social networks, while Japanese had the fewest. The research spanned 46 countries.
A stark reminder that friendships can turn rather ugly.
Archaeologists found dog burial sites that are 10,000 years old.
National Make a Friend Day Activities
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Flash a smile and say "Hello
Make a friend. In fact, try for as many as you can.
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Revive old friendships
Out of touch with your college buddies? Has it been too long since you talked to your childhood friend? Maybe today's the day!
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Understand that friendship is a sweet responsibility
Friendships need to be nurtured and valued. If you cherish a person, sometimes you have to work at keeping them in your life.
5 Cheerful Facts About Friends
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Animals make the best friends
Studies show that whales have BFFs, while other animals like chimpanzees, baboons, horses, elephants, and dolphins make friends — not necessarily from their own species
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How many friendships last?
A survey shows that only one out of 12 friendships last. But we have nothing to worry about because an average person makes about 396 friends in their lifetime!
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Friends" was not the original name
The show was originally called "Insomnia Café." We like "Friends" much better!
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The "Cheerleader Effect
It's a thing: Hanging out with a group of friends can make you look more attractive.
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We pick them by genes
Odd but true: Very often, friends seem to have a similar genetic make up.
Why We Love National Make a Friend Day
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It encourages us to make new friends
Life can get monotonous and sometimes we need a push to make a new friend. This holiday is a great excuse.
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Friends are important for our emotional health
A Harvard study shows that people with more friends are happier and less stressed than those who have few or no friends.
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It keeps us from being lonely
Life's too long to walk alone; you need a friend or two!
National Make a Friend Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
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2023 | February 11 | Saturday |
2024 | February 11 | Sunday |
2025 | February 11 | Tuesday |
2026 | February 11 | Wednesday |
2027 | February 11 | Thursday |