National Girlfriends Day — 1 August

What is National Girlfriends Day?

Ladies, it’s time for some real talk.

Romantic partners will come and go. Jobs are won and lost. But no matter what happens, your girls will be there in a crunch.  Today is National Girlfriends Day, an annual event that rolls around every August 1.  It’s a time to honor your “ride or die” crew of homegirls! So, why do we love our girlfriends so much? Because they’re like sisters but without any of the growing-up baggage. Plus, when times are tough, your girls will let you vent and when you’re done; they will offer up the support you need to get through.

Spa days, weekend retreats, pajama parties complete with wine and nachos are even better when your girlfriends join in the fun.  This year on National Girlfriends Day, spend some delicious time gossiping about lovers past, present and future. Discuss your hopes and dreams in a really safe space, the circle of sisterhood.

National Girlfriends Day History

Every year on August 1, National Today workers face the same question: Why does National Girlfriends Day celebrate platonic female friendships, while National Boyfriend Day’s all about romance? That’s a good question. (Even better than the one about the “12 Days of Christmas.” Do they start on December 13? Christmas Day? Somewhere in between? Answer: Christmas Day.) Now then, since women have battled blatant sexism throughout recorded history, it’s little wonder female friendships have grown so strong. Do the math. When society’s against you, there’s strength in numbers. Men, for the most part, remain oblivious to this sort of thing — constantly wondering how and why women develop such strong same-sex friendships.

Jennifer Lopez: “Oh my God, my girlfriends are everything to me.”

Ever hear of David Carney? He’s the skateboard magazine writer who coined the term “bromance” — a much-needed word to describe the awkward emotional bond straight men have for each other that no one seemed to mention until the turn of the century. Carney was on to something, of course. Men need each other the same way women need each other — only women aren’t afraid to hold hands and host sleepovers. Men can learn something from this. “Honey, Phil’s coming over to spend the night. We’ll be upstairs in our pajamas giggling about Tom Brady.” Imagine that.

Jennifer Aniston: You know when I feel inwardly beautiful? When I am with my girlfriends and we are having a “goddess circle.”

Galmances happen all the time. Witness the slew of TV shows documenting their every stage. While somewhat difficult to stomach, especially during the incessant bickering between Bethenny and Carole over Carole’s on/off boyfriend Adam (Bethenny called him “a bit of an operator”), these girls demonstrate a level of commitment and passion with one another most men can only dream about. Suck it up, gentlemen, and commence the all-male dinner parties. And no take-out!

Oh brother.

National Girlfriends Day Related Holidays

National Boyfriend Day

This October 3 holiday traditionally celebrates the romantic/physical bond between unmarried women and men (or men and men) (or motorcycles and men) — rather than the emotional/spiritual friendships between women. Boyfriends, on this day, expect something nice to happen — as if it’s their second birthday or something. In reality, boyfriends should just probably pipe down and appreciate their girlfriends more.

National Couples Day

National Couples Day is a fairly recent day celebrated on August 18. There’s also a Couples Appreciation Day on May 1. The idea is for couples to honor the strength of their relationship with each other. To celebrate, a couple might exchange heartfelt cards with each other or give special gifts that have significant meaning to each person in the relationship. If it’s a married couple, they might renew their vows.

National Wife Day

Not good at math? You can still understand this:  1 Girlfriend + $20,000 Wedding = Wife. Remember, marriage won’t make a weak relationship any better. Do us all a favor and seek counseling instead. On the other hand, strong, mature, healthy relationships can survive anything — even 35 years together. Wife Appreciation Day falls on September 15. Think of it as a second anniversary — for her! She might need one.

Read more: Relationship holidays