National Ex Best Friend Day

Two friends holding hands with one pulling away, wearing modern casual attire, urban city backdrop.. — National ex best friend day illustration

Ah, the bittersweet memories of an ex best friend. We've all been there. National ex best friend Day gives us a chance to reflect on the friendships that didn't quite stand the test of time and embrace the new connections we've made along the way. So, let's dive into the internet and discover the fascinating history of this day!

When is Ex Best Friend Day?

It's national ex best friend day on the 9th June.

The Internet History of National Ex Best Friend Day

It's always interesting to know how these national days come to be, especially when it involves ex best friends. The origins of National Ex Best Friend Day are quite elusive. The day seems to have sprung up on the internet, with no known official source or organization behind it. It's a unique phenomenon where individuals from all walks of life gather to celebrate and reminisce about the friendships that have come and gone.

On June 9, 2015, National Ex Best Friend Day took the internet by storm. With 283 mentions detected online, it became clear that many people had something to say about the bittersweet memories of their former besties. Social media platforms were flooded with stories, memes, and heartfelt messages, as people expressed both gratitude and regret for the friendships that once meant the world to them.

One might wonder why there is a specific day dedicated to ex best friends. Well, perhaps it serves as a reminder that friendships, like any relationship, require effort and sometimes come to an end. It encourages us to reflect on our past connections, learn from them, and appreciate the present ones.

Did You Know?

Did you know that some ex best friends end up reconciling and becoming friends again? It's true! Sometimes, time heals wounds, and old friends find their way back to each other, creating beautiful stories of reconnection and forgiveness.

History behind the term 'Ex Best Friend'

1990

Emergence of the term 'ex best friend'

In the year 1990, the term 'ex best friend' started to gain recognition. It refers to someone who was once considered a closest companion but is no longer a friend due to a falling out, disagreement, or other circumstances. The prefix 'ex' denotes the end of the friendship, similar to terms like 'ex-boyfriend' or 'ex-girlfriend.' This term became popular as people sought a way to describe the unique and complex relationship dynamics that occur when close friendships dissolve.

1980

Emergence of the phrase

In the year 1980, the term 'ex best friend' started gaining popularity as a way to describe the end of a close friendship. With the increasing use of the term 'ex' to denote the end of romantic relationships, it was only a matter of time before people began applying it to friendships as well. The term quickly caught on and became a convenient way to categorize the end of a once strong bond.

1980

The Birth of the Term

In the year 1980, the term 'ex best friend' emerged to describe the end of a close friendship. It originated as a way to capture the unique pain and complexity of losing someone who was once considered a best friend. This term gained popularity due to its relatability and ability to succinctly convey the complicated emotions involved in the dissolution of such a significant relationship.

1970

The Birth of the Term

In the 1970s, the term 'ex best friend' emerged as a way to describe the end of a close friendship. This was a period when social norms were shifting, and people sought new terminology to express the dissolution of a once-strong bond. The term gained traction as individuals began to explore the complexities of friendships and the idea that they could be temporary or subject to change.

1990

The Birth of Best Friends

The term 'ex best friend' is derived from the original concept of a best friend, which has been around for centuries. The idea of having a special bond with someone you consider your closest companion dates back to ancient times, where friends were revered and celebrated for their loyalty and support.

1990

Introduction of the term 'ex best friend'

The term 'ex best friend' emerged in 1990 and quickly gained popularity. It refers to a person who was previously considered a close friend but is no longer in that role. It became a way to describe the end of a formerly close relationship, often due to disagreements, conflicts, or growing apart.

2000

Initial Coinage

In the year 2000, the term 'ex best friend' was initially coined. This term refers to someone who was formerly considered a close and trusted friend, but due to various circumstances, the friendship has ended. It gained popularity as a way to succinctly describe the unique and sometimes complicated dynamic that exists between two people who were once extremely close.

1980s

The Birth of a Phrase

In the vibrant decade of the 1980s, the term 'ex best friend' was born. The phrase emerged as a way to describe the unique and often tumultuous relationship that develops when a close friendship comes to an end. Friends, once inseparable, became 'ex best friends,' signifying the loss of that special bond.

2000

Birth of the Social Network Era

The term 'ex best friend' originated as a result of the rise of social networking platforms in the early 2000s. With the advent of platforms like MySpace and Friendster, people started categorizing their relationships online. The term was coined to describe the former close friend who had been removed from their friend list or had a falling out in real life.

2005

Rise of social media and 'ex best friend' public declarations

Around the year 2005, the advent of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter provided a new platform for people to share their personal experiences, including the end of friendships. 'Ex best friend' became a common phrase used in public declarations or dramatic posts, serving as an outlet for expressing heartbreak, betrayal, or closure. These public declarations often attracted attention and sparked discussions about the complexities of friendships and the impact of social media on personal relationships.

2004

Explosion of Facebook

In 2004, Facebook was launched and quickly gained popularity among college students. As the platform expanded, it enabled users to create and maintain connections with their friends, including assigning relationship status. The term 'ex best friend' became more commonly used to describe those individuals who were once considered closest friends but were now no longer on amicable terms.

1995

Rise of 'ex best friend' in pop culture

By the mid-1990s, the term 'ex best friend' started appearing in popular culture, particularly in movies, TV shows, and music. It became a relatable concept for many people, as it highlighted the emotional complexities and inevitable changes in friendships over time.

1995

Media portrayal

By the mid-1990s, the phrase 'ex best friend' started appearing more frequently in popular media, including movies, TV shows, and books. This further solidified its place in everyday language and culture, as people could easily relate to the concept of having a close friendship fall apart. The media portrayal of 'ex best friends' often showcased the emotional turmoil and complexity of these broken relationships, resonating with audiences on a personal level.

1990

Pop Culture Influence

During the 1990s, the term 'ex best friend' became more prominent in popular culture, particularly in movies and television shows. This increased visibility brought the concept to a wider audience and helped solidify its place in everyday language. These portrayals often depicted the emotional turmoil and personal growth that come with losing a close friend, resonating with viewers who had experienced similar situations.

1990s

Popularization in Media

During the 1990s, the term 'ex best friend' gained significant popularity, thanks in large part to its depiction in various forms of media. Films, TV shows, and books commonly featured characters discussing their 'ex best friends,' portraying the complexity and emotional impact of such relationships. This portrayal helped cement the term in popular culture and its usage became more widespread.

1930

Introduction of the 'Ex' Prefix

The addition of the 'ex' prefix to 'best friend' began gaining popularity in the 1930s. This linguistic shift was likely influenced by the use of the 'ex' prefix to denote the end or termination of a romantic relationship. By applying this prefix to the term 'best friend,' individuals were able to express the idea that a significant friendship had come to an end or had been broken.

1990

Pop Culture Influence

Throughout the 1990s, popular culture began to embrace the idea of 'ex best friends.' Movies, TV shows, and books started to explore the concept, showcasing characters experiencing the loss and heartbreak of a former best friend. These portrayals helped solidify the term in the public consciousness and furthered its recognition as a relatable experience.

2007

Cultural Capture

Around the year 2007, the term 'ex best friend' started gaining cultural capture and became more widely used. This coincided with the rise of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, where individuals could easily share their personal experiences and frustrations. People began using the term to express feelings of betrayal, disappointment, or the loss of a once cherished friendship. It served as a convenient way to express the complex emotions that accompany the end of a close relationship.

2005

Online Communities and Social Media

With the rise of online communities and social media platforms in the mid-2000s, the term 'ex best friend' found new avenues for expression. People started sharing their stories and experiences of lost friendships on blogs and forums. This allowed individuals to find solace in the online world, connecting with others who had gone through similar experiences. It also contributed to the normalization of the term, as it became a commonly used phrase to articulate the end of a cherished friendship.

2010

'Ex best friend' in popular culture

By the year 2010, the term 'ex best friend' had permeated popular culture. It started appearing in songs, movies, and television shows, reflecting the universal experiences of friendship breakups and adding depth to storytelling. Artists and writers began exploring the emotional turmoil, nostalgia, and personal growth associated with losing a best friend. The term became a relatable reference point for audiences and contributed to the understanding and normalization of this unique type of relationship change.

2000

Growth of 'ex best friend' in online discussions

With the advent of the internet in the early 2000s, online forums and social media platforms became spaces where people could openly discuss their experiences with 'ex best friends.' The term gained traction in online discussions, allowing individuals to share their stories, seek advice, and find support from others who had gone through similar friendship breakups.

2007

Rise of Friend Lists

In 2007, Facebook introduced the concept of 'Friend Lists,' allowing users to categorize their friends based on different criteria. This feature enabled individuals to organize their connections into different groups, including best friends, close friends, and acquaintances. The term 'ex best friend' gained even more prominence as people started designating former best friends to a separate category.

2000s

Internet and Social Media Influence

With the advent of the Internet and the rise of social media platforms in the 2000s, the term 'ex best friend' found a new outlet for expression. Online communities and forums provided spaces for people to share their experiences and seek support after the dissolution of a close friendship. Social media platforms played a significant role in allowing individuals to label former friends as 'ex best friends' in their profiles and posts.

1960

The Emergence of 'Ex Best Friend' in Pop Culture

During the 1960s, the term 'ex best friend' started appearing more frequently in popular culture, particularly in books, movies, and television shows. This increased usage helped to solidify the term in the public consciousness as a specific designation for a former close friend, emphasizing a level of intimacy and significance in the relationships that had ended.

2012

Popularization by Media

By 2012, the term 'ex best friend' had been popularized by various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and music. Examples of fictional narratives exploring the concept of an 'ex best friend' emerged, resonating with audiences who could relate to the experience. This broader exposure further solidified the term's place in popular culture and ensured its continued usage.

2005

Internet Era

With the rise of social media platforms and online communities in the mid-2000s, the term 'ex best friend' found a new platform for expression. People started sharing their experiences, frustrations, and reflections on the internet, using the term to connect with others who had been through similar situations. The term became a common topic of discussion and allowed individuals to find solace and support in the shared experiences of friendship loss.

2005

The rise of social media

The advent of social media platforms like Myspace, Facebook, and later Instagram and Twitter played a significant role in popularizing the term 'ex best friend.' As people became more connected online, it became easier to track the ups and downs of friendships. Friend lists and follower counts made the notion of 'ex best friends' more visible, and users often employed the term to describe former friends they had severed ties with digitally.

Present

Continued Relevance

Today, the term 'ex best friend' remains widely used and relatable across diverse cultures and age groups. It symbolizes the bittersweet memories, the lessons learned, and the emotional impact that losing a close friend can have. Whether spoken, written, or shared online, the phrase continues to serve as a powerful descriptor of a unique and significant relationship that has come to an end.

2020

Common and Recognized

As of 2020, the term 'ex best friend' has become commonly used and recognized across different age groups and cultures. It has permeated everyday conversations, online discussions, and even academic research on human relationships. The term encompasses a range of experiences, from natural drifts in friendships to more dramatic falling outs, capturing the complexities and nuances of human connections.

2012

Recognition in psychology and self-help literature

In 2012, the concept of 'ex best friends' received recognition in psychology and self-help literature. The field of psychology started exploring the impact of losing a close friendship on one's well-being. Self-help books and articles offered guidance on how to cope with the loss, heal, and potentially rebuild or form new friendships.

2010

Mental Health Awareness

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on mental health and well-being. This increased awareness has led to a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of losing a close friend and the grief and healing associated with it. The term 'ex best friend' has become a means of expressing the emotional journey and acknowledging the complex emotions that arise from the end of a significant friendship. Through therapy, self-reflection, and support networks, individuals have learned to navigate the challenges and find personal growth following the loss of an ex-best friend.

2016

Internet memes and humorous content

Around 2016, the internet culture embraced the concept of 'ex best friend' and turned it into a source of humor. Memes, jokes, and humorous content emerged, playfully exaggerating the emotional rollercoaster one might experience when losing a close friend. This shift in tone allowed people to find solace, lighter perspectives, and solidarity with others who had gone through similar experiences. The term 'ex best friend' became a relatable way to bond over shared stories and provide comic relief in moments of heartache.

2010

Psychological Implications

In more recent years, researchers and psychologists have begun to delve into the psychological impact of losing a best friend. Studies have shown that the loss of a significant friendship can have similar emotional consequences to the end of a romantic relationship, including feelings of grief, betrayal, and loneliness. The term 'ex best friend' has become instrumental in academic discussions surrounding friendship dynamics and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships.

2010

The age of viral content

In the 2010s, the rise of viral content and internet memes further cemented the idea of 'ex best friends' in popular culture. Memes, gifs, and relatable content permeated social media platforms, providing humor and catharsis for those who had experienced the pain of a lost friendship. The phrase 'ex best friend' became a meme in itself, allowing people to share their experiences and connect with others who had gone through similar situations.

1980

Psychological Exploration of Friendships

In the 1980s, there was a growing interest in the field of psychology regarding relationships, including friendships. Psychological studies and research delved into the complexities of friendships, including the end of close friendships. This increased focus on friendships and their dynamics likely contributed to the popularization and acceptance of the term 'ex best friend' as a valid and recognized category.

2010

Introduction of Unfriending

In 2010, 'unfriending' became an official term on Facebook, referring to the action of removing someone from a friend list. This marked a shift in online relationships, and the term 'ex best friend' was associated with the act of unfriending a once-dear friend. It became a cultural phenomenon as people began talking about their 'ex best friends' both online and offline.

Present

Continued relevance and expression

Today, the term 'ex best friend' remains a commonly used expression to refer to a former close friend with whom one is no longer in contact or has a strained relationship. It has become a part of contemporary language, representing the complexities and changes that can occur within friendships over time. Whether through personal experiences, media representations, or online interactions, the term continues to resonate with people and serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of relationships.

2014

Popularization of the Term

By 2014, the term 'ex best friend' had become widely recognized and used beyond the realm of social media. It found its way into conversations, popular culture, and even mainstream media. The phenomenon of losing or drifting apart from a best friend became more relatable, and the term 'ex best friend' encapsulated the emotional weight associated with such relationships.

Present

Common Usage and Popularity

In recent years, the term 'ex best friend' has become increasingly prevalent in everyday language. With the rise of social media and the ability to connect with friends from different stages of life, the concept of losing or outgrowing a best friend has become more relatable. The term provides a succinct way to describe the complexities and emotions associated with broken or faded friendships, serving as a reminder of the impact that friends have on our lives and the significance of those bonds.

Present

Continued Relevance

Today, the term 'ex best friend' continues to be widely used in everyday language. It has transcended its initial popularization and has become deeply ingrained in our cultural lexicon. Whether encountered in conversations, social media posts, or personal reflections, the term remains a succinct and relatable way to describe the end of a once-close friendship.

2017

Social media unfriending and 'ex best friend' online

The rise of social media platforms allowed users to actively remove or unfollow friends, leading to virtual 'ex best friends.' People started referring to those they had once considered close friends but had intentionally disconnected from on social media as their 'ex best friends.' This trend further popularized the use of the term in online conversations.