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International Day of Friendship 2024: 10 Simple Ways to Build Friendships

Friendship is one of the most cherished relationships in life. It enriches our experiences, provides support, and adds joy to our everyday lives. This year, let’s celebrate the International Day of Friendship on July 30th by exploring simple yet impactful ways to build and nurture friendships. Whether you are rekindling old connections or creating new ones, these tips will help you strengthen your bonds and enjoy the beauty of friendship all year round.

Make Time for Quality Conversations

One of the most basic ways to build strong friendships is through meaningful conversations. Set aside time to catch up with your friends, whether it’s over coffee, a phone call, or a video chat. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest in their lives. Quality conversations can deepen your connection and understanding of each other.

Plan Fun Activities Together

Shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen friendships. Plan fun activities you and your friends enjoy, such as hiking, cooking together, or exploring new places. The excitement of trying something new or enjoying a favorite pastime together can bring you closer.

Friendship activities

Show Appreciation and Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to strengthen friendships. Let your friends know how much you appreciate them. It can be as simple as sending a heartfelt message, giving a small gift, or writing a thank-you note. These gestures show that you value their presence in your life and are thankful for their friendship.

Be Supportive and Understanding

Life has its ups and downs, and being a supportive friend during challenging times can make a big difference. Offer a listening ear, lend a helping hand, or simply be there to provide comfort and encouragement. Understanding and empathy are key to building trust and deepening your friendship.

Practice Acts of Kindness

Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on friendships. Surprise your friend with their favorite treat, offer to help with a task, or give them a compliment. These thoughtful gestures show that you care and are thinking about them, strengthening your bond.

Stay in Touch Regularly

Consistency is crucial in maintaining friendships. Make an effort to stay in touch regularly, even if it’s just a quick message to say hello. Keeping the lines of communication open helps you stay connected and shows that you value the relationship.

Share Your Interests and Hobbies

Sharing your passions and hobbies with friends can bring you closer. Whether it’s a love for books, a hobby like painting, or a passion for sports, involving your friends in your interests can create common ground and enjoyable experiences.

Be Honest and Authentic

Authenticity is the foundation of true friendship. Be yourself and encourage your friends to do the same. Honest communication fosters trust and allows for a deeper connection. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, and create a safe space for your friends to do the same.

Celebrate Milestones and Achievements

Celebrate the big and small milestones in your friends’ lives. Whether it’s a birthday, a job promotion, or achieving a personal goal, acknowledging and celebrating these moments together strengthens your friendship and shows your support.

International day of friendship

Build a Community of Friends

Expanding your circle and building a community of friends can enrich your life. Introduce your friends to each other and organize group activities. This not only strengthens individual friendships but also creates a supportive network where everyone can share and enjoy together.

The International Day of Friendship is a wonderful reminder to cherish and nurture the friendships in our lives. By making time for meaningful conversations, planning fun activities, showing appreciation, and being supportive, we can build strong, lasting bonds.

Let’s celebrate friendship not just on this special day, but every day, and enjoy the happiness and fulfillment it brings to our lives. At 365give, we believe in the power of giving to create lasting positive change. This International Day of Friendship, we invite you to take our Friendship Challenge. Together, we can spread love, joy, and kindness, one friendship at a time. Join our community of givers and make a difference today!

Ready to start giving? Sign up for a 365give program today. Or look at these blogs for further reading on giving and friendships:

How Social Connection Increases Happiness & Health: The Human Impact Theory

 

7 Gives That Build Social Connections and Strong Friendships

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Tammy was born and raised on the North Shore of Vancouver and has always believed in supporting the community. She spent years in non-profit work advocating for girls and women in sport and physical activity and then moved on to fundraising for Big Sisters. She currently works from home as a freelance writer while raising her kids. Always passionate about children and youth and giving back to the community, Tammy found a perfect fit with 365give.

Lin is a dedicated and enthusiastic intern at 365give, where he brings his passion for giving and community engagement to the forefront. Currently a student at Vancouver Community College, Lin is committed to making a positive impact through his work and studies. Originally from Myanmar (Burma), Lin brings a unique perspective and a deep sense of cultural appreciation to the 365give team. His experiences and background contribute to his understanding of the importance of kindness and community support.
At 365give, Lin is focused on creating meaningful content, writing blog posts, social media posts, and initiatives that inspire others to give back and spread joy. His journey has been filled with learning and growth, and he is excited to continue making a difference with 365give.

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