International Friendship Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is an occasion to stop 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 is a shoulder in a difficult moment, laughter until tears, a long silence that does not need explanations. On June 8 (an unofficial date, but widely celebrated), we say "thank you" to those who have made us better.When and how the holiday was bornInternational 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 analog of Valentine's Day for friends. But the idea did not 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 30 (later the UN approved this date). But at the same time, the tradition of celebrating friends on June 8 was established. In Russia, the holiday is popular thanks to social networks: 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 8.Why do we need friendship: evolution and psychologyFrom 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 the level of cortisol (the stress hormone), strengthens the immune system, helps recover faster after illnesses. Psychologically, friendship gives us a sense of belonging, security, the ability to share joy and sorrow. Without friends, we become v ... Read more