Happy Best Friends Day!

Happy Best Friends Day! This year we celebrate National Best Friends Day on June 8, 2014. Best Friends Day is an unofficial Holiday, and although the origin and creator could not be found, its purpose is crystal clear - A day to honor and cherish the relationship you and your best friend have built.

I am an advocate of meaningful friendships. Over the years I have made many contacts, acquired a multitude of acquaintances, and found many fantastic friends that I am very fond of. The contact list in my Android smartphone is filled, but I'm talking about a 'best friend.' The caliber of which you can count on your five fingers - those faithful few that are always there when you need them, like the person that you are thinking of right now.

I don't share everything with everybody. Only my best friends hear my secrets, hopes, dreams and disappointments. I have found that best friends can be good medicine; they're the ones that make you feel happier, healthier, and more alive than anyone else. In fact, during the most traumatic seasons in my life, my best friends have been the ultimate pain killer (with no negative side effects!). They are very, very special people - and today we honor them.

Image Credit: All photos on this lens taken by me, Glenda Motsavage, with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150

Have you taken a moment to let your best friend know how much he or she means to you? Whatever you do, do not let this day pass by without thanking them for all the wonderful times you've had together. There are numerous ways you can express your gratitude to them. If they are local, grab some lunch, go for a walk, or treat them to a movie. If they are across-the-miles (like my best friend is) you can send a personalized eCard or catch up over Skype.

Perhaps your best friend is one of those hard-to-buy-for people and the suggestions above are just way too common for them. That's okay too. I've searched the internet for the best websites for unique friendship gifts, and I've included my top picks at the end of this article, along with the links for your convenience.

My best friend is Lucy. Well, her real name is Donna, but I affectionately call her Lucy. Her all-time favorite television sitcom is 'I Love Lucy,' and she actually has the lines memorized to some of the episodes. I think she's watched them a few hundred times too many, because without a doubt, her actions bare a strong resemblance to that of Lucy Ricardo; hence the reason for her nickname.

My red-haired (well, sometimes it's purple... or green... or something in between!) best friend never sets out looking for folly, but somehow it finds her! Though we plan for our girlfriend get-togethers, it's the unplanned mishaps that make them so memorable. I have come to expect the unexpected! 'I Love Lucy' may have been cancelled decades ago, but I assure you, on occasion I have a front row seat to the Lucy comedy hour. Lucy McGillicuddy's zany, wacky spirit lives on through my best friend.

It's so true that opposites attract. One of us (wink, wink) is an introvert, and one is an extrovert. Lucy loves adventure, I like playing it safe. Lucy is always walking on the wild side, while I'm reserved and, okay... maybe even boring. Her spunk and impulsiveness certainly puts my quiet, analytical mind on overload. But I must admit, I actually enjoy being pulled from my comfort zone and into the realm of the unknown when I'm with Lucy. Excitement surrounds her as she barrels through life! Have you ever had a stomach ache from laughing too hard? Well, that's my life with Lucy.

(Lucy's so crazy, she does anything I ask her to do! In this photo we were shopping in Downtown Disney and I gathered a few items and persuaded her to put them on for the sole purpose of a picture.)

Tried And True!

Although Lucy and I are completely different, our best friend status has remained intact ever since we met 16 years ago. Our friendship was put to the test, however, 14 years ago when my husband and I moved to Florida. How would we continue to grow and nurture our relationship while being 1200 miles apart? Sure, we could call and text and write letters - but we were used to seeing each other every few days. Initially, Lucy was overwhelmed with sadness and concern that I might abandon her for a new best friend. Not a chance. Best friends are hard to find, and I'm quite sure the very best one is already mine!

Choosing the perfect gift for anyone can be tough, but it's a real challenge when the gift is for your best friend. Not just anything will do. It has to mirror your relationship... unique, personal and meaningful. I've included a few that I have given over the years.

Best Friends Are Not Gender Specific!

Best friendships are not just a female thing. Have you ever heard of a bromance? The term is becoming more and more popular, and refers to guy friendships. A bromance is when two males have a [non-sexual] relationship that is as close as a brother. (That's partly how the word was created. 'Bro' signifies brother, 'mance' taken from the word romance.)

The most famous celebrity bromance I can think of would have to be Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. They have known each other and forged a fantastic friendship ever since they were kids. Another good example is the decade-long bromance of Brad Pitt and George Clooney. And how about Steven Tyler and Joe Perry? This dynamic duo have kept the successful rock band Aerosmith together for over 40 years - WOW!

It's hard to believe, but as close as I am to my best friend Lucy, that's how close my husband is to her husband. They are unquestionably best friends; almost like brothers - a true bromance. Since we are Lucy and Ethel, they would have to be Ricky and Fred, right? Yep, that's what we call each other, for sixteen years now.

Long-term friendships are not easy to maintain. Couple that with a long-distance, long-term friendship which could be challenging for some; but the four of us have figured out how to remain best friends even as our lives have evolved. With the miles between us, we cannot spend huge amounts of time together, but now it's quality time over quantity. Sixteen years ago we made a commitment to visit each other at least once a year, and I'm happy to report we have done just that!

When I shop online for a gift for my best friend Lucy, I am compelled to search for the most unique or unusual one that I can find. Something creative and colorful to match her personality. I have included my Top 5 link list of the websites that I have had the greatest success with. You won't find these things in your average store - which is exactly why I love them so much! Happy shopping... and Happy Best Friends Day!

This lens received the certified Purple Star Award on 6/2/14. It was chosen by Squidoo's editor's for having unique, creative content. Want to learn more about the qualifications for the prestigious Purple Star?

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