International Friendship Day is not just a date on the calendar. It's an opportunity to pause in the endless race and remember those who make up our personal universe. In an era when the word "friend" on social media often means nothing, and the number of followers has replaced the quality of communication, this day reminds us that true friendship is not a like. It's a shoulder in a difficult moment, laughter until you cry, a long silence that doesn't need explanations. On June 8th (an unofficial date, but widely celebrated), we say "thank you" to those who have made us better. When and how the holiday was born International Friendship Day has no single "founder" like the UN. It emerged in the United States in the 1930s as a commercial idea: card producers tried to create an equivalent of Valentine's Day for friends. But the idea didn't take off, and the holiday remained local. However, in 1958, Dr. Arturo Bravo, a Paraguayan philanthropist, proposed celebrating the World Day of Friendship on July 30th (later the UN approved this date). But at the same time, the tradition of celebrating friends on June 8th also became established. In Russia, the holiday is popular thanks to social media: on this day, people post photos with friends, give small gifts, gather in groups. There is no official day off, but cafes and parks are filled with laughing groups in the evening of June 8th. Why do we need friendship: evolution and psychology From a biological point of view, friendship is an evolutionary survival mechanism. In ancient times, it was impossible to survive alone. But modern science confirms that friendship prolongs life. Studies show that people with strong social connections have a 50% lower risk of premature death than loners. Friendship reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), strengthens the immune system, and helps recover faster from illnesses. Psychologically, friendship gives us a sense of belonging, security, the ability to share joy and sorrow. W ... Read more