There is one word that can bring a smile to your face, conjure memories of great times and signify that, even in bad times, things will be okay—friend. A true friend is a person who is honest with you at all times and, no matter what, sticks by your side with words of encouragement. A friend is somebody you can trust without doubt, has only good intentions and wants the very best for you.

That is certainly a tall order for one person to fill. Let the friends in your life know how special they are—both old and new—and honor them on National Friendship Day on August 6, 2017.

There is one word that can bring a smile to your face, conjure memories of great times and signify that, even in bad times, things will be okay—friend. A true friend is a person who is honest with you at all times and, no matter what, sticks by your side with words of encouragement. A friend is somebody you can trust without doubt, has only good intentions and wants the very best for you. That is certainly a tall order for one person to fill. Let the friends in your life know how special they are—both old and new—and honor them on National Friendship Day on August 6, 2017.

In a proclamation in 1935, the U.S. Congress declared the first Sunday of August as Friendship Day, an annual holiday to honor the importance of friends in our lives. It became so popular that the special day was adopted by several other countries in the world. People mark the date and pay homage to friends in many ways, such as giving cards, sending flowers and meeting to enjoy time together.

Friends can have a history from when they spent every recess together in first grade or met while both played trumpet in the high school marching band. They may have bonded in college while staying up all night studying for final exams or teamed up at work when they completed a project that earned raves. Whether your friend lives in the same town, across the country or on the other side of the globe, let them know how much you appreciate them on National Friendship Day on August 6.

The following are some of the traits that make a true friend worthy of the name.

Accepts You as You Are

A friend does not try to be somebody they are not and accepts you as you are. They are also patient with you when you make mistakes and forgive easily.

Dependable

A friend is dependable and trustworthy with your secrets. They will not let a third person know about your confidences.

Honest

A friend is honest and loyal, not breaking the promises made with you. You are safe and secure with a friend.

Celebrate National Friendship Day with your TRUE Friends

Listens

A friend listens and cares about your needs and emotions and is always there when you need to talk. When you have news to share or a complaint about something, a friend gives you their full attention.

Is There for You

Through thick or thin, good friends are not only there but are the first to come to your aid in times of crisis. Good friends do not call you only to request a favor.

Give You Space

A friend respects privacy, understanding that you have family, other friends and colleagues who are part of your life, too. Building trust and confidence, a friend makes you comfortable enough to share the good and bad times.

Always Keep in Touch

Friends do not wait for you to call them—they make an effort to keep in touch even if it is through a quick phone call or email. They know what is going on in your life and are interested. They clearly care about you.

Do Not Gossip About You

A friend does not talk behind your back. Instead, a friend is somebody you can trust and will not say anything about you or try to damage your reputation. They will let you know when they are concerned and stick up for you when you are in trouble. When a friend does something wrong, they apologize. Friends do not hold grudges.

Happy for You

A friend never gets jealous about your success but, instead, celebrates it as if it was their own good fortune.

Supportive

A true friend is supportive of your goals, knows what makes you tick and helps you become the person you want to be. Friends will not try to change who you are or drag you into situations that make you uncomfortable.

Giving

Friends give more than what is asked. When they see a need, they respond without expecting anything in return and without anyone knowing about it. They are generous with their time, possessions and knowledge and, best of all, they have a generous spirit.

Friendship Quotes

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”
— Unknown

“Friends are God’s way of taking care of us.”
— Unknown

“Friendship is one mind in two bodies.”
— Mencius

“Hold a true friend with both your hands.”
— Nigerian Proverb

“Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.”
— Aesop

“Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.”
— Unknown

“The road to a friend’s house is never long.”
— Danish Proverb

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you.”
— Winnie the Pooh

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
— C.S. Lewis

True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.
— David Tyson

Things to do for National Friendship Day that Don’t Cost a Dime

  • Make a mixed CD of songs they will enjoy.
  • Create a hand-made card with a thoughtful note inside.
  • Give them something from nature that reminds you of them, such as a unique shell or a smooth, but sturdy rock.
  • Give them a book you have already read and write a meaningful note in it.
  • Send them a funny video from YouTube and write, “You make me laugh more than this video. Thank you!”
  • Offer to take care of one of their responsibilities, such as picking their children up from school.
  • Ask them to retell their favorite story.
  • Send them a text that reads, “Thought of you today, and it made me smile.”
  • Tell them which qualities of theirs you admire.
  • Say thank you for something they gave you like inspiration to seize the day or the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Knowing that a true friend will always stand should-to-shoulder with you through the best and worst of times is a gift in itself. They are there to share the weight of your problems and celebrate your achievements–big and small. In every season of life, a true friend can be counted on to help you endure any kind of weather.

Mark the calendar for National Friendship Day on August 6, and let the true friends in your life know how very important they are. Send a card, make a phone call, search for a special gift, write a poem about what their friendship means to you–or any number of creative ways to show them you care. An occasion to honor true friendship will show them how thankful you are for the many gifts they have given you.