International Day of Friendship 2022: How Can You Make it Memorable?
"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." – William Shakespeare
From famous writers like Shakespeare to philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle, every person has talked about the importance of true friends in one’s life, as when your closest loved ones refuse to entertain your 3 am tantrums, your best friend is always there!
But one cannot decipher the emotions connected with true friendship until one has experienced them. This virtue of friendship has been appreciated by everyone alike, and the bond between friends has often found its way to books, literary works and movies.
So, why not dedicate a special day - the International Day of Friendship 2022 to this unmatched bond between friends, right? But when is Friendship Day date 2022? And what can you do special on this day to make it memorable? Read here five such fun ways.
Why and When do We Celebrate International Friendship Day?
You might be confused between numerous dates that when is Friendship Day 2022; International Friendship Day is annually celebrated on July 30. Whereas, in countries like India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and the United States, Friendship Day date falls on the first Sunday of August every year. This year, it falls on August 7, 2022.
International Friendship Day Across the World
But what is the International Friendship Day history? The idea of dedicating a day to the unparalleled bond between friends was first proposed in Paraguay in 1958; however, it is also believed to have originated from the Hallmark greeting cards, by Joyce Hall, in 1930.
In 2011, the United Nations finally officially introduced July 30 to the world as the International Day of Friendship.
International Day of Friendship Celebration: 5 Fun Ways
Since Paraguay celebrated first International Day of Friendship in 1958, the celebrations have undergone a vast change - from greeting cards and friendship bands to WhatsApp messages and Instagram stories. That’s why we have brought you 5 International Friendship Day celebration activities to prove that no matter the mode of communication, the essence of friendship still remains the same.
1. Special Handmade Gifts
You can prepare a small present with your friend’s favourite chocolate or biscuits or their favourite stationery item, and pack it in colourful gift paper with a note containing a heartfelt message. A 'friendship book' for your best friend, with your memorable photos, a drawing, a poem or a story about your friendship will surely leave an indelible mark on them. You can also exchange friendship bands which you can make with colourful beads or their name’s initials.
2. Writing Competition
Teachers can organise an International Friendship Day poetry or essay competition for children as a class activity where they are encouraged to pen down their feelings for their best friend in a rhyming way or an essay. This will encourage children to focus on the meaning of friendship.
3. Do Fun Activities Together
Whether you are two best friends or a group of friends, decide on a fun activity you can enjoy together this International Day of Friendship 2022. You can listen to and sing songs like the famous friendship-based Bruno Mars song “Count on me” or read each other friendship stories of famous people. You can also go out and watch movies that are set on a friendship theme.
4. Hide Friendship Treasure for Future Selves
The best way to create International Friendship Day 2022 memories is to dig them deep and uncover them years later. This will give your future self great joy, revisiting old memories. Find a common ground, accessible to all your friends, and hide your favourite things from your present that you would want your future selves to look back remember. In this digital age, you can also create special videos with each of your friends saying a special message.
5. Plan an Adventurous Day
Teachers or parents can plan a day out for their children and their friends with all the fun and adventure-filled activities which friends can enjoy together. You can go camping or just gather at home and exchange past silly memories of each other so that everyone laughs heartily together. A spooky night out is the best for adventurous friends who fear nothing. You can tell each other ghost stories under the bed covers or out on the balcony!
International Day of Friendship Quotes
Here are some deep International Friendship Day quotes by famous people that will make you realise the importance and beauty of friendship in one’s life.
“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.” - Helen Keller
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.” - Alfred Tennyson
“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” - Aristotle
"The language of friendship is not words but meanings." - Henry David Thoreau
"Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes." - Friedrich Nietzsche
International Friendship Day Facts
Read some eye-opening, hard-hitting friendship day facts below.
An adult has 2 best friends on average.
You are among the 22% of people who live longer if you have a close friendship network.
Babies start recognizing friendships at the tender age of 9 months!
If you quit a habit because your friends did, you are among the 36% of people.
You are 7 times more likely to be productive at your workplace in the company of your close friend.
Almost 57% of teens find a close friend online nowadays!
Conclusion
Thus, always cherish the true friends in your life and never let them slip away because of your ego or other indifferences; such people are gems. Also, loners and introverts, we hear you as well. Friends or no friends - the choice is completely yours! But if you’re trying to make new friends, head out this International Friendship Day 2022, be your authentic self, and we are sure you will make a new connection!
