We all had that one BFF growing up in the ’90s. You know, that special person we’d have late-night phone calls with, gossiping about how strict our parents were, and coordinating outfits with. Fast forward to today, and while the dynamics have changed, the essentials remain the same: we still spend late nights on the phone with our BFF, gossiping, and coordinating outfits (though now we pretend it was a total accident). In truth, maybe things aren’t all that different after all. We’re just older and possibly drink way more wine.
Best friends are like the siblings we never had. Or maybe we did have siblings but just didn’t like them all that much. While your siblings were stealing your favorite toys and running around outside with your training bra on their head (*cough* happened to a friend…), your best friend was the one you’d make prank calls with and the shoulder to cry on when you saw your crush holding hands with someone else on the playground.
Honestly, we wouldn’t be where we are without our best friends. Both back in the ’90s and today, even though times might have changed a bit.
1. The Fights We Get Into
In the ’90s: Your BFF promised to take care of your digital pet while you were on vacation, and then she let it die. You couldn’t look at her the same way after that betrayal.
Today: Adults rarely get into outright fights. Instead, we leave passive-aggressive comments on Facebook and purposely avoid liking each other’s Instagram posts.
2. How We Make Up Afterward
In the ’90s: This was the pre-smartphone era. Making up with your BFF often involved passing a note in class, filled with lots of sad faces, dotting the i’s with hearts so she knew how much you missed her, and ending it with “LYLAS” — “love you like a sis,” for those who might have forgotten that classic abbreviation.
Now: The peace offering typically involves a $12 Starbucks coffee drink and a smiling selfie of you two together, marking the end of the grudge.
3. Friday Night Entertainment
In the ’90s: We’d head to the mall and buy fake nose rings from Claire’s, just before sneaking into an R-rated movie. We were so rebellious.
Now: Who goes out anymore? Not us. Give us something on Netflix to binge-watch and a bottle or two of wine, and we’re set for the night. Can you say FriYAY?
4. Playing Wingwoman
In the ’90s: After determining who the love of your life was using the almighty cootie catcher, you’d stage an encounter during science class while your BFF kept other girls at bay.
Today: Every BFF knows the way to help you find lasting love involves spending 14 hours stalking him on Facebook with nothing but his middle name to go on.
5. Squad Goals
In the ’90s: Essentially, life was about finding a few other girls as cool as you to pretend to be the Spice Girls.
Now: The good news is you only need one more person to do the Single Ladies dance, but you’re not much of a people person these days, so your BFF is more than enough.
