Eleven years ago, the United Nations chose this day as International Friendship Day. Apparently the idea had been around for a long time, but in 2011 they made it official–July 30 is a day to celebrate friendship and community.
Coincidentally, I already had plans to spend some time today with a few of my friends. But knowing it was designated a day to honor them made that time together a little more special. We played Scrabble (I actually won one game, which is practically unheard of) and I reflected on what these ladies meant to me.
![AdobeStock_513820228 [Converted]](https://myworldwithwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/adobestock_513820228-converted.png)
If I need someone to drive me to the doctor’s, Deb is there. If I’m looking for an honest critique of my writing, Madlyn is there. Both have taken care of my cats when I’ve visited my mom. They would have done it for free, in fact, Deb did several times, but now I insist on paying them. They will be there for me when I get bad news, and I will do the same for them.
Without my friends, I’d be lost. The only family I have in the area is a second cousin who reached out to me once, promised to invite me to dinner, then never followed up. My family is either two thousand miles west of me , a thousand miles east or 700 miles north. I talk to them frequently, but rarely see them. I depend on my friends for day-to-day support and conversation.
So on this special day I say to all of my friends, “thank you for being there, for the role you play in my life.” Happy International Friendship Day.
Image Credits: Heart in Hands, © Volha Hlinskay–stock.adobe.com, International Friendship Day, © Basratstock–stock.adobe.com
My World With Words 
Happy International Friendship Day, Belinda. Friendship is definitely a beautiful thing to celebrate. 😊❤️
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Yes, it is, every day of the year–but I’m glad there is a day set aside for us to contemplate what our friends mean to us!
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Friends become family and I am all for that. Happy International Friendship Day!
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You too! You’re right, I have friends with whom I have a stronger bond than family.
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It’s so neat to hear you have those friends nearby. And like you said, sometimes bonds with them can be stronger than those with your very own family. We’ve got neighbors who we consider good friends, and are so grateful to have them in our lives.
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It’s good to have people in your life you can rely on as well as have fun with!
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This is a really good post. We are created for relationship. Acknowledging their impact on your life strengthens the bond. We truly do need to let our friends and family know what they mean to us. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you! I’m with you about being created for relationship. We need the strength others bring into our lives.
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