9 Ways to Make Women’s Friendship Day Count
In 1999, the smart ladies of the Kappa Delta sorority christened the third Sunday of September as Women’s Friendship Day. Fifteen years later, women everywhere have taken time to give thanks and spend time with those female besties who’ve been there through thick and thin. Now, in celebration of friendship, here are nine ways to show your girlfriends just how special they are to you.
1. Instagram some throwback pics.
There are some photos that should be left in the past (for myself, that includes anything in my “nu rave” phase). But if you’ve been friends for a long time, dig up some throwback pics from the beginning of your friendships and share them with the world. Laugh about the amazing haircuts, reminisce about a perfect wild night, or just take time cherishing the moments when life was a lot simpler. So much of Instagram is about NOW NOW NOW that we forget to share the memories we made before smartphones were tethered to our fingertips.
2. Make friendship bracelets.
My best friend and I went to a local art fair and purchased simple, elegant friendship bracelets. We’ve been through it all for a majority of our lives, so it made sense to pay tribute to that bond. If you’re low on funds or if you just want to channel some tween nostalgia, head to your local craft store together and spend the afternoon making friendship bracelets to signify where you’ve been and where you’re going together.
3. Geek out face-to-face.
Where would we be without all of the forms of communication the geniuses of Silicon Valley have given us? Take advantage of video chat technology and catch up with a friend across the country (or across the globe) with Skype, Google Hangouts or FaceTime. When one of my good friends moved to Argentina, we regularly scheduled time for Google Hangouts. It is easy, convenient and—best of all—free!
4. Fix a meal together.
It doesn’t have to be difficult (or even healthy for that matter), but fixing a meal together is one of the most enjoyable ways to bond with your girls. And since it’s the weekend, there’s likely a local farmers market nearby where you can pick up fresh ingredients to make the meal of your dreams.
5. Try a weird activity.
What’s an activity you’ve heard about, but never taken the time to try? Now’s the time. Always wanted to learn how to make bitters for your cocktails? Sign up together for a bitters workshop and each of you can bring an ingredient you think the other will love. Looking to get a little more flexible? Try a trapeze course and literally support each other high above the crowds.
6. Send her a hand-written letter.
Your friend won’t get this today, but it’ll be a nice little surprise for later in the week. My friends and I always cherish little pieces of mail that are not just bills. Tell your friends how much they mean to you, put it on a cute piece of stationery and drop it off in your nearest mailbox. Even the little things can make a friend’s day.
7. Start an email chain.
Every Monday, my friends and I start a long chain of cute animal pictures and GIFs. It’s a great way to start the week on a positive note and who doesn’t love puppies? Your chain doesn’t have to be about cute animals. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a literal chain. Create a shared Pinterest board and post images of potential trips, places to get drinks or cute outfits inspired by your friends.
8. Recreate your favorite childhood activities.
What’s something your friends used to do when you were kids, but you’ve left behind as you’ve gotten older? Take some time today to indulge in your past fun activities. Experiment with makeup (especially now that you’ve got money for better tools). Put on a fashion show. Play tag in a local park. Whatever you do, just make sure it’s low pressure and that you’re having nostalgic fun!
9. Pay it forward.
Too busy to plan anything distinct? Try doing an extra favor for your pal. The older I’ve gotten, the busier my friends and I find ourselves. Sometimes in that rush to get everything in our adult lives done, we neglect to take time for each other. Is your friend a new mother? Offer to babysit so she can catch a nap. Is your friend swamped at work? Pick up her dry cleaning or run other weekend errands. It doesn’t have to be anything major. But as someone who frequently finds myself overbooked, it’s the little things from those around you that ultimately count.
