Friendship day this year fell on 2 August.

Personally, whenever someone talks about Friendship Day, I think of the times back in high school where we celebrated Friendship Day in place of Valentine’s Day because the national school system didn’t encourage dating among its student body. I also think of the times long ago where I prayed every night that I’d have at least two real friends to walk with me through life, and lately, I have been thinking of how surreal it is that some of my friendships have lasted for more than seven years.

Most of us by now have at the very least one or two close friends while others may have more than a few. But what makes a friend, a friend?

1. The knowledge that they always have your back.

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Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania identified that we choose our friends based on this unconscious notion that they will support us in times of need (Elite Daily, 2014).

We need to know that friends will not only defend us when we are wronged, but will also have the guts to shout at us and pull us back when we make a hasty move that could possibly harm us.

2. The ability to understand each other, and forgive each other when you don’t.

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Some people boast that they share everything in common with their friends. But truth is, we don’t. If you have been friends long enough, one day you will find something that you both disagree on. Dealing with this can be a delicate matter, especially if you are disagreeing with something close to your heart. Try and understand one another. No disagreement is worth more than a good friendship.

3. That spark of mischief.

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Otherwise known as being your partner in crime, The Fred to your George. What is life without a little fun? And who is a better friend than one that adds to the fun.

Fun can come in many shapes and sizes. For some it is pulling pranks, for others it is just laughing about the latest movie plotline and creating a new one together. Another group of friends may consider road trips as their form of adventure.

What is yours? Take this excuse to do it together.

4. The ability to adapt and grow together.

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Most of us are familiar with the findings stating that friendships that last for more than 7 years are most likely to last a lifetime. This is because they believe everyone would have gone through at least one major change by the end of 7 years. So if your friendship was able to adapt and evolve along with the major changes each of you face, whether it be going to different universities, going overseas, or even working in different companies, congratulations – you have achieved something that even some of the smartest people could not. You deserve a #friendshipgoals badge.

5. Someone you can borrow stuff from.

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Yes. Lend me your ideas, lend me your ears, lend me that top, that pen, that hair band, book, chocolate. I think a sign of friendship is when you can borrow things and be ok with it. You’re pretty much family. But return it someday!

So Friendship Day may have passed, but the need to celebrate it hasn’t. So take some time. Message that friend you haven’t seen in years, message that friend who bugs the daylights out of you in lectures, feed that perpetually hungry friend of yours. Do something to appreciate one another. Happy (belated) Friendship Day.