What Is National Make A Friend Day?

National Make a Friend Day can drive awareness of the power of making a friend. Friendship may not be as valued in society as other forms of love and connection, but it can have various benefits for mental and physical health. Whether you have many friends or are looking to make your first friend, there can be a few ways to celebrate this year's event and make friends that last. If you struggle to make or maintain friendships, consider scheduling an online or in-person therapy session for professional support.

What is National Make A Friend Day? 

National Make a Friend Day generally occurs on February 11th each year and offers an opportunity to make an effort to make new friends. This holiday is unofficial, and its origins are unclear. However, making a friend can be a way to expand your social circle and learn new perspectives and stories. Anyone at any phase of life can make a friend, which is what this day typically aims to promote. 

Why participate in National Make a Friend Day

Friendship can come with various mental and physical benefits. When you make a friend, you might experience the following: 

• Reduced stress

• Improved physical health 

• Reduced inflammation in the body

• Happiness 

• Reduced loneliness 

• Improved overall well-being 

• A sense of social support 

• A longer lifespan

The purpose of National Make A Friend Day: health benefits of friendship

Friendship can be the biggest treasure in someone’s life, and studies have looked at the benefits of friendship on mental and physical health. One study examined 38 research articles from 2000 to 2019 surrounding adult friendship and well-being. It showed that one’s number of friends, positive experiences with friends, respect for autonomy, and efforts to maintain friendships were most positively correlated with well-being and mental health. 

Another study from 2021 found that friendship can be linked to physical health in different cultures worldwide. Friends may also encourage healthier behaviors, such as exercising, caring for oneself, and making positive choices.

Choosing healthy friends who respect boundaries and make healthy choices in their own lives can contribute to your well-being. 

Exploring different types of friendships 

In general, there is more than one way to make friends. Some people may remain acquaintances, only seeing each other occasionally and not entering a profound friendship. Others may look for a best friend, someone who can be around through thick and thin and act as a chosen family member in good times and bad, in times of smiles and in times of crying. People can have casual friends, close friends, college buddies, and lifelong friends, depending on how they connect with others and what role the person plays in their lives. 

The natural basis of friendship

Friendship plays a significant role in the lives of many, and humans aren’t the only animals that make friends. Other animals, including dogs, cats, and birds, can also make friends. Because friendship tends to be innate in survival and connection, it can be the basis for building a safe social system. 

How to make new friends this National Make a Friend Day

Making new friends as an adult can be difficult, especially if you’re not connecting with people at work or through your family. Below are a few strategies for making more friends as you celebrate National Make a Friend Day. 

Join a club or meetup group 

Joining a club or meetup group may be a helpful way to make friends because the club is already established and meant for socializing. If you have a specific interest, joining a club can allow you to discuss your interest with others who relate and enjoy this hobby or interest and can help foster a sense of community. You might find groups for the following categories in your area: 

• Fandoms for movies, TV shows, video games, and other interests

• Rock-climbing and hiking groups 

• Nature groups 

• Political and activism groups 

• Groups for marginalized identities, such as LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC groups 

• Groups for making new friends 

• Writing clubs 

• Book review clubs 

• Groups for exploring your city or tourism 

• Travel groups 

• Dinner or lunch groups for trying new foods

Regardless of the theme of the group you join, it can be a helpful way to make friends who have similar interests or experiences. When you join, try to compliment others, and start conversations by asking other group members about themselves. The first time you attend the group, you may have a chance to make a positive first impression. 

Go to local events

If there are events in your area you’re interested in attending, you might choose to go alone with the intention of making new friends. At the event, consider looking for other people who are attending alone. Invite those people to enjoy the event with you, and you can create a group of people who are attending alone so everyone can make new friends. After uniting the group, consider starting a group chat online to keep in touch with your new friends. 

Talk to people online 

Online forums, social media platforms, and chat rooms can be beneficial places to meet new friends. You might also meet them through live streams on platforms like TikTok or Twitch. However, when making friends online, be cautious about what you discuss with strangers. Follow the following internet safety tips to stay safe: 

• Use unique passwords for each account 

• Use two-step verification for logins on social media

• Don’t give your credit card information to anyone 

• Don’t buy gift cards or other online gifts for someone you don’t know 

• Video chat or call a new friend to confirm their identity before meeting 

• Use popular websites to talk to new people 

• Block people who harass or bully you online 

• Take screenshots for proof if you are being harassed online 

• Don’t give out your full name, address, or other personal details online

In addition to safety rules, follow internet etiquette by being kind to people you meet, asking for consent before flirting if you’re just friends, and respecting others’ decisions to block or unfriend you if they are uncomfortable.  

Join a friendship app 

Some dating apps offer a “friendship” option, such as Bumble, which provides the “BFF” option to swipe on people to make good friends. On these apps, you can find people with similar interests and write a short bio on your profile so others know what you’re looking for. Joining an app made for making friends enables you to talk to people online before meeting them in your area.  

Compliment others and spread positivity

According to Harvard Business Review, compliments and gratitude can create a positive environment and improve mental health and well-being. To make a new friendship, consider complimenting people you meet with unique, personalized, and kind comments that are not focused on appearance. 

For example, you might say the following: 

• “I love your ideas! You’re so smart!” 

• “I just noticed you have such a bright smile!” 

• “Your positivity lights up the room!” 

• “I can tell you’d be an amazing friend!” 

• “I wanted to tell you that your energy is so much fun!” 

• “You have a beautiful way of connecting with others.” 

• “I love how confident you are!” 

These compliments generally take aspects of someone’s personality or essence and show them that they are seen, which can help you connect with someone over shared humanity.

Join a support group 

If you are struggling with a mental health condition, such as social anxiety disorder, joining a support group may be beneficial to step outside of your comfort zone while still receiving support and an opportunity to socialize.

Support groups can deal with topics ranging from mental health conditions and addiction to specific life challenges, such as being diagnosed with a terminal illness or going through a divorce. Whatever your circumstance, search online for support groups near you. If you don’t have a local support group, you can also attend groups online through a Zoom support group. 

Strengthen your conversation skills

Starting a conversation with someone you don’t know can seem intimidating. Below are a few tips for creating and keeping the conversation flowing.

• Make eye contact

• Smile when you talk

• Pretend to be confident, even if you don’t perceive yourself that way

• Ignore thoughts about how others perceive you 

• Talk to people as if you are already acquaintances to establish familiarity

• Tell a joke or a funny story in good taste

• Ask questions about their life 

• Avoid intense or personal topics initially 

• Give the other person time to talk and respond to your questions 

• Actively listen when the person is talking to you 

• Be kind and empathetic

• Give people a chance to show you a second or third impression, as people may not be themselves when you first meet them 

Addressing social anxiety and social challenges

If you’re struggling to make friends due to social difficulties, challenging times in your life, or a mental health condition like social anxiety disorder, you’re not alone. Making friends can be scary, and it may seem like there are hundreds of social rules to follow. In these cases, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist to learn new methods of socializing and communicating.

Seeking support in online therapy

If social anxiety or other barriers stop you from reaching out for face-to-face support, you can also consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Through an online platform, you can connect with a therapist via phone, video, or live chat sessions, giving you control over the session type that makes you most comfortable. In addition, you can join weekly group sessions, which may be helpful for making friends online. 

Research indicates that online therapy can be effective in addressing symptoms of social anxiety disorder. For example, one study suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may treat depression, anxiety, and social anxiety and can be as effective as in-person options in many cases.