Coastin Carl
🤝 National MAKE a FRIEND Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
Do you want to make new friends? Everyone needs friends no matter what stage of life you’re in and for different reasons. But no matter your age there is one thing that’s for certain: being lonely is sad and depressing. For that reason on this day being friendly and making new friends or showing yourself to be friendly can help boost someone’s day. That’s why we have National MAKE a FRIEND Day which is celebrated on the 11th Day in February.
There are so many ways to make friends but often people get intimidated because individuals don’t want others not to like them. So out of social anxiety people hold back on making friends. It’s the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) effect and it’s typically because people, in general, get scared and so the idea of trying to make friends gets avoided completely. Somebody who does this winds up not taking the chance and may become depressed and lonely. The good news is there are many places people can make friends and so taking the chance in making friends is worth it. Having friends creates joy and happiness. It’s very important for your health.
Friends are there for you during the good times. They also lift you up when you have a case of the blues or need moral support. If you’re stressed or have troubling things going on and you need a friendly voice, they’re there to support you. We all want friends to be there to encourage us and share fun times together.
Here’s some advice – always be friendly and positive. Don’t try to force friendships with people who are pessimistic or don’t motivate you and wind up tearing your spirits down. Trying to make friends with the wrong people will just make you feel negative. Avoid being too friendly with people who are not friendly to you. You never “buddy up” to those that are nonsupportive, judgemental, and harsh. Again, don’t make friends with someone who doesn’t accept you for who you are and is fake especially if they push you to do things that compromise your morals or beliefs. Real friends are sincere and want the best for your emotional and physical well-being. Always be polite though and show yourself as friendly even if that person may appear undeserving of your friendliness; they might be having some serious issues and be in need of help themselves.
🤝 HOW to Celebrate & Observe National MAKE a FRIEND Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on National MAKE a FRIEND Day!
💙 BE yourself
Making a new friend can be intimidating but well worth it …
Smile and show yourself to be a friendly and sincere person. If you aren’t being yourself then discredit is what’s in store for you and the person you want to make friends with. Participate in activities you’re passionate about and your positivity and warmth will shine.
💙 SINGLE others out
Join a clique in an activity or hobby that you take part in. Here’s a tip: Don’t try to upstage the clique, instead be the observer of the group to start.
💙 RSVP
Accept invitations that you previously shied away from. If you want to join any social setting, you need to be willing to participate in activities. This will give you an opportunity to get to know people.
💙 GIVE your time
Volunteering is a great way to get to know people like at a soup kitchen or an animal shelter. Animals need friends too! Thanks, Kenzie Lou! Or do something great for the environment like taking a role in cleaning a park. REI stores are known for taking part in such events. In fact, I participated all day in a cleanup of the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park.
💙 SHOW the real You
Oftentimes we’re scared of being REAL with someone and so we put on false pretenses of who we are. But if someone doesn’t like you because you’re afraid of making a bad impression and they’re shallow enough not to give you a chance … do you really want that person to be your friend? Seriously, this world is full of people. Always be friendly and polite. But remember, Papi Proverb #327 tells us how to undermine a friendship through mistrust and selfishness.
💙 RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #NationalMakeAFriendDay, #Friends, #FriendsAreTheBest, #RelationshipHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ National MAKE a FRIEND Day.
LEARN more about Children and FRIENDSHIP
FIVE Fun Facts you never knew about National MAKE a FRIEND Day
- Animals such as dolphins, baboons, elephants, and horses are known to make friends sometimes even with animals, not of their own species. Whales even make BFFs.
- Not having friends is detrimental to your health although some people suffer from depression, social anxieties, and autism. Having no friends will affect your physical and mental health. It’s actually been proven that loneliness can be just as bad as smoking. The more friends you possess and socially outgoing you are can have life-extending benefits.
- Marriage to your “true” friend or best friend is what makes the union last and fosters happiness.
- People who have a good social support group are sufficiently equipped at getting better through recovery.
- The wildly popular television series, “Friends” originally was to be named Insomnia Cafe!
Famous PEOPLE also born on February 11th
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Sarah Palin
American politician, commentator, and author best known as the youngest and first female governor of Alaska and the second female to be a vice-presidential nominee when Arizona Senator John McCain ran for president. Born 1964.
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Taylor Lautner
American actor & model best known for the Twilight Saga film series. Born 1992.
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Jennifer Aniston
American actress of Greek descent best known for playing Rachel Green in the US television series “Friends”. Born 1969.
JENNIFER ANISTON Quote
“It’s impossible to satisfy everyone, and I suggest we all stop trying.”
Future DATES for National MAKE a FRIEND Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 11 | Saturday |
| 2024 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 11 | Thursday |
Why we L💜VE National MAKE a FRIEND Day
Friends are important and bring us joy. They’re glad when we’re happy and help lift us up when we’re down. Maybe start on RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day to make a friend!
MAYA ANGELOU, Letter to My Daughter
“A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.”
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SURPRISE Yourself
We never know when a good friend might be a stranger or someone you already know but rarely speak to that offers up a good or perhaps a great candidate for a friend. Be friendly and you might surprise yourself and wind up starting a valuable relationship. You may never have even spoken to this person except to say things like “hey” and “see ya”. Consider the thought that friendships bring happiness to others. Here is a day to motivate you to make a new friend.
