What is National Girlfriends Day? History, tradition, and more are explored

National Girlfriends Day is celebrated every August 1 in the US. This day celebrates how important female friendships are, whether they're just friends, family, or romantic partners. It shows how much women value emotional support, shared experiences, and long-lasting connections with each other.

National Girlfriends Day has gained in popularity and recognition in many countries. Although it is not a state holiday, it is generally regarded as a day on which one can reconnect with the important women in one's life. Sometimes, it is also used to pay tribute to sisterhood as women have supported each other through good and bad, from personal to professional to social matters. Some use this day to think about friendships that may either have grown or moved away in an almost counterbalancing way, creating a space both for happiness and reflection. 

The Origins of National Girlfriends Day

National Girlfriends Day has an interesting history. One popular story is that authors Kathleen Laing and Elizabeth Butterfield created it in 2002. They say it began with their book "Girlfriends Getaway." At first, people celebrated it on September 20, but later it moved to August 1.

There is another interesting story linked to the day. A woman who calls herself Mistress Susan claims she came up with the idea in 2004. She describes herself as a wellness concierge. She says she made the day to celebrate her closest friends and their deep friendships. A third source credits Allie Savarino Kline and Sally Rodgers with starting the day. They pushed for it in 2006 on their website Sisterwoman, which no longer exists. Even though people tell different stories about how it began, the holiday has grown more popular as time has passed.

How National Girlfriends Day is Celebrated? Tradition explored

Rather than focusing on romantic relationships, National Girlfriends Day takes a broader perspective: it is deemed a day for women to celebrate each other regardless of their bond, whether that is best friends, sisters, colleagues, or romantically involved with each other. The day has no hard and fast traditions, meaning that whoever wants to observe this special day may do so according to their preferences.

Often, it is celebrated by either going out or engaging in the company of friends: brunch, dinner, wine nights, pottery, or dance classes are all valid alternatives. Quiet nights in with baths, facials, and pondering the great friendships one holds dear are also appreciated. Long-distance friends usually keep in touch through text messages, video chatting, or even snail mail.

 Whether through a grand gesture or a simple message, National Girlfriend Day continues to emphasize the importance of valuing the relationships that contribute to emotional well-being.