National I Care About You Day – October 25, 2024

U.S.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
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We celebrate National I Care About You Day on October 25 so plan something special for your friends and family! This is the day where we honor everyone in our life for no other reason but to tell them we are grateful. Although this holiday was most recently launched in 2016, this day is highly popularized through social media tags and post shares. Scroll down to learn more inventive ways on how to celebrate those who make life more beautiful.

History of National I Care About You Day

Let’s be honest: We could easily make a case that National I Care About You Day should sit atop a list of the most important days of the year. Why? Though it was only started in 2016, what other holiday more perfectly speaks to the human condition? Money’s nice to have. Vacations are fun. And driving around in a new car makes us feel good — temporarily. None of it matters at the end though. Without love (both romantic and platonic), friendships, and/or family — we’re doomed.

Humans are wired for relationships. We thrive when we’re connected and feel lonely (or worse) when we’re disconnected. No amount of money can make your emotional pain heal. But friends can. Or at least they can help. So many of us crave “novelty,” but by its very definition, it can only last for a limited time. Suddenly you don’t even realize you’re driving that (once) new car. And ancient ruins begin to look the same starting around day 5 of your trip to Greece. Material things can’t possibly do what other people can do.

The health experts at Northwestern University have pinpointed some of the positive effects of healthy relationships. For instance, being in a committed relationship is linked to less production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Good relationships can promote better healing, as research suggests married people who have undergone heart surgery are three times more likely to survive the first three months after surgery than single patients.

Healthy relationships set the perfect tone for an overall healthy lifestyle. They give us a greater sense of purpose. It’s natural for humans to want to feel needed, and like they’re part of something bigger. And it can even extend our lives! Research indicates that having healthy social relationships makes a bigger impact on avoiding an early demise than taking blood pressure medication or being exposed to air pollution. One study even suggests that a lack of social relationships has the same effect on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Ugh.

So reach out on October 25th. It will make your life better and may make someone else’s better too.

National I Care About You Day timeline

2002

Unity in uncertain times

When a Kenyan warrior studying at Stanford heard of the attacks on the Twin Towers, he sent word back home to the Masai Tribe, who were inspired to donate 14 of their cherished cows to the U.S Embassy to pay homage.

2005

Post-hurricane help

Israel, among other countries, admitted thousands of displaced college students after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, providing shelter, tuition, and stipends for all newcomers.

2010

Global cleanup

After a BP oil rig triggered one of the greatest ecological disasters to date, countries including Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan donated equipment, assistance, and direct aid in order to help.

2019

A precious gift

USA Today reports a pair of high school football players in Memphis gave a bag of clothes to a fellow student who lacked the resources to buy them. “When I saw people laugh at him and bully him, I felt like I needed to do something," says Kristopher Graham, one of the players. The boy’s response? "You guys are the best guys of my entire life.”

National I Care About You Day FAQs

Is today National Boyfriend Day?

National Boyfriend Day falls on October 3. It’s a day to let your boyfriend know how much he means to you. National Boyfriend Day reminds everyone with a boyfriend to take special notice of that special someone and how they make your life better.

Is there a National Kissing Day?

Many people use a simple kiss on the cheek or forehead as a greeting or a way to show affection or respect, but a kiss can also be super romantic.

Is National Girlfriend Day Real?

National Girlfriends Day falls on August 1. It’s a time to honor your “ride or die” crew of homegirls! So, why do we love our girlfriends so much? Because they’re like sisters but without any of the growing-up baggage. Plus, when times are tough, your girls will let you vent and when you’re done; they will offer up the support you need to get through.

National I Care About You Day Activities

Throw a Party for Everyone
You can invite your favorite pals over for a movie marathon, or a game night. Go big or small, it does not matter, as long as everyone you want to honor is present for a good time.
Send out cards to loved ones
Handwritten notes are so rare, but they never go out of style. Writing intimate words of inspiration and love will last a lifetime. This gift is not only for family members and friends, but even that one co-worker who makes the workplace inviting.
Shout your love to the world
Just use the hashtag “#NationaliCareAboutYouDay” and read all the other emotional posts online with your friends. This, along with a good meal, is a sure way to bond with those you care about the most.

5 Famous, But Unlikely Friendships

Writers unite
Once considered scholarly competitors, fantasy writers J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis developed a long-term friendship, supporting each other’s writing efforts and religious observances.
Solidarity sisters
Marilyn Monroe was so moved by Ella Fitzgerald’s voice, that she lobbied for Fitzgerald to perform at popular nightclub “The Mocambo." Meanwhile, the two stars bonded over their life stories and an appreciation for music.
Jack & Frank
President Kennedy and Frank Sinatra were once close friends who occasionally took vacations to Las Vegas and New York.
"Eighth wonder"
Helen Keller had a long friendship with Mark Twain after meeting him through an associate; the two spoke highly of each other, so much so, that Twain praised Keller as the eighth wonder of the world.
Pen Pals to the End
T.S. Eliot embarked on a pen pal friendship with Groucho Marx after requesting a mailed autograph; their letters spoke of their love for cigars, cats, and puns, and continued on for years, until they met only once before Eliot’s death.

Why We Love National I Care About You Day

A chance to reconnect
We all can be a little guilty of not keeping in touch with friends for whatever reason. However, celebrating this holiday will give you the chance to reach out to those you have not spoken to in a while. There is no greater feeling than being told you matter, and bonus points if you both make plans to meet.
Giving or receiving appreciation
Life is hectic, but one word of encouragement or appreciation can change everything. National I Care About You Day allows for people to be vulnerable, joyful, and blissful. Whether giving or receiving appreciation, taking time on this day can lift spirits and increase morale wherever needed.
Opportunity to make new friends
The start to any solid relationship is an incredible first-meet. Remember, the chance to appreciate the people we admire in our lives is one conversation away. This holiday offers the perfect opportunity to create new bonds for years to come.