Some things are worth quibbling over, and one of them seems to be the origins of National Girlfriend Day. Some believe that it started as a way for the greeting card companies to sell more cards. Others claim it was invented in 2002 by authors Elizabeth Butterfield and Kathleen Laing who wrote a book about girlfriend getaways. But who knows? It may have started in a way we’ll never know. The important thing is that August 1^st is a day to celebrate your girlfriends. This year, National Girlfriend Day arrives on a Monday, and, by the time you read this article, it may have already passed. That’s why I’d like to propose that we enterprising women claim the entire month of August to celebrate one another. Who’s with me on this?

All about us

Now, before we get to the many ways we might do so, I feel obliged to clarify that this special day isn’t about boyfriends showering girlfriends with chocolate and roses – that’s what February 14^th is all about. This is a girl thing if ever there was one! I’ve always been fascinated with female friendships, knowing in my heart that I do not know where I would be without them. Our closest girlfriends – as opposed to friends of convenience – are there with us and for us, through thick and thin. They give us a:

• listening ear
• ready-made support system
• reality check
• shoulder to cry on
• buddy to go a little crazy with
• and something dang close to unconditional love.

It’s little wonder that the research suggests:

• The average woman has six best friends in her lifetime (that seems high to me; I mean “best”?)

• 1 in 10 women say they have more fun with their BFF than with their partner

• 25% say their BFF knows them better than their partner ( hmmm…)

• The average female friendship for women over 55 is 23 years

• The average female friendship lasts 16 years (what? Way too low!)

• 47% of women wish they could spend more time with their BFF (count me in!)

Celebrate your girlfriends

They already know you love them but demonstrating that love and celebrating your bond is what memories are made of. See how many of the following ideas you can pursue this month. As you do so, be sure to tell her that you are reaching out in the spirit of National Girlfriend Day and encourage her to do the same with her circle of besties:

• Text or post a photo of the two of you from “back when”

• Buy one of those greeting cards and mail it – the old-fashioned way

• Tell her the three qualities that you most admire or appreciate about her

• Share your favorite memory of the two of you: “Remember that time when…?”

• Send her flowers

• Send her a gift card for her favorite site or store

• Send her a current book on a topic she is interested in

• Make her lunch or dinner

• Have a picnic in a park or local vineyard

• Plan an adventure: shop in a different town, try a new restaurant, take a hike in an unusual location

• Stay with the tried and true: go to your favorite shopping destination, restaurant, hiking location

• Indulge a little or a lot: mani-pedi, facial, massage, spa day? You decide. You’re worth it!

• Gather your girlfriends who hang out together and have a group celebration. My niece Megan invented the “All Day Brunch” which has become legendary back in Connecticut!

• Say “I love you”

And if all of this sounds a bit too frivolous or over the top, remind yourself of the many ways that your girlfriends enrich your life. Priceless, right? Now go for it!