Friendship makes the world go round
You may not need a reason to reach out to others, but here’s one anyway.
In 2001, the United Nations declared 30 July the International Day of Friendship.
Don’t worry if you didn’t know that, because it doesn’t have a very high profile. But now that you do know, why not do something about it?
You can start by thinking about the stated ideal behind Friendship Day: that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
Creating world peace and harmony may be beyond our personal remit, but we can certainly work at a local level to create happiness in our own communities – and, especially, to fend off loneliness.
Reaching out to others and creating social connections has never been more important. Despite living in a world more connected than ever through technology, loneliness is a growing public health concern.
Studies show that prolonged loneliness can have severe impacts on mental and physical health, contributing to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular diseases.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, with social distancing measures and lockdowns leading to increased feelings of isolation for many.
Friendship plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of loneliness. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and meaningful relationships provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a buffer against stress.
Friends listen to us, they share in our joys and sorrows, and they help us navigate the challenges of life. Building and maintaining these connections is essential for our overall well-being.
Here are some practical ways to build connections:
Reconnect with old friends: Use this day as an opportunity to contact friends you may have lost touch with. A simple message or phone call can rekindle old bonds and remind both parties of the value of your friendship.
Join clubs or groups: Engage in activities or hobbies that interest you. Joining clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups can introduce you to like-minded individuals and foster new friendships.
Use technology wisely: While technology can sometimes contribute to feelings of isolation, it can also be a powerful tool for connection. Use social media, video calls, and messaging apps to stay in touch with friends and family.
Acts of kindness: Small acts of kindness, such as offering help to a neighbour, writing a thank-you note, or volunteering, can create a sense of community and foster new friendships.
Of course, these things need not be confined to 30 July. We can build, foster and maintain friendships 365 days of the year, every year.
It may take a little courage to pick up the phone and call somebody you haven’t seen or heard from in a long time, but you might just find that they want to reconnect and they, too, have just been shy about making the first move.
Even if you’re nursing some old wounds, perhaps from a past disagreement, it’s worth remembering that the clock is ticking for us all.
International Day of Friendship is both a reminder and a call to action to reach out, connect, and build lasting relationships.
In a world where loneliness is at epidemic levels, the value of friendship cannot be overstated.
By trying to connect with others, we can enrich our lives and make a small contribution to a more compassionate and united global community.
And that would be something worth celebrating.
If you are experiencing loneliness or sadness, talk to someone at Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Related reading: United Nations
