When we think back to the ’90s, best friendships were all about Tamagotchis, mall trips, and sleepovers with cheesy horror flicks. But today, friendships have evolved into a mix of emojis, social media tags, and Netflix binges. Yet, the core essence of having a “ride-or-die” BFF remains the same. Let’s dive into how BFF relationships have shifted over the years.
1. Fights: From Digital Pets to Passive Aggression
Back in the ’90s, a common BFF conflict might’ve been over a digital pet that didn’t survive your vacation. A single death of a Tamagotchi could ignite silent treatments for weeks! The resolution usually involved heartfelt notes passed in class, filled with scribbled apologies, sad faces, and “LYLAS” (Love You Like A Sister) endings. Today? Things have taken a passive-aggressive turn. No more tear-stained notes—it’s all about snarky comments on Instagram or purposefully ignoring each other’s stories.
2. Makeup Rituals: Notes vs. Coffee Dates
In the ’90s, making up was simple: you’d send your BFF a handwritten note, complete with doodled hearts and smiley faces. It was direct, sincere, and cute. Fast forward to today, and the process involves a Starbucks run and a selfie for proof. A Venti iced latte seems to be the new peace offering, often followed by a reconciliation pic posted on social media to let the world know you’re still “besties.”
3. Weekend Plans: Malls vs. Netflix Nights
The ’90s were all about sneaking into R-rated movies, raiding Claire’s for fake nose rings, and spending hours at the arcade. Today, weekend plans with your BFF require minimal movement—just a comfy couch, a Netflix account, and a couple of bottles of wine. The goal has shifted from sneaking into movies to sneakily binge-watching entire seasons without moving.
4. Wingwoman Tactics: Cootie Catchers to Facebook Stalking
In the ’90s, playing wingwoman meant orchestrating a coincidental run-in with your crush, often facilitated by a paper cootie catcher predicting your romantic fate. Now, it’s all about finding your crush’s social media profile based on a vague middle name and deciphering cryptic captions. The modern BFF has mastered the art of digital detective work, all in the name of love.
5. Squad Goals: Spice Girls vs. ‘Single Ladies’
The ultimate goal in the ’90s? Assembling a crew to imitate the Spice Girls, complete with matching outfits and choreographed dance routines. Today, squad goals have narrowed down to mastering the “Single Ladies” dance with your bestie, but often it’s just the two of you—because, let’s face it, being social is exhausting.
6. Gossip Sessions: Scrunchies vs. Game of Thrones Theories
In the ’90s, gossip was all about school rivalries: who wore the same scrunchie as you, who snatched your slap bracelet, or who didn’t share their Warheads at lunch. Today, gossip revolves around TV series theories or Instagram drama—conversations that happen exclusively through DMs and voice notes.
7. Handling Heartbreak: Cosmic Brownies vs. Manis/Pedis
When your heart was broken in the ’90s, your BFF showed up with extra Cosmic Brownies and tissues during math class. These days, heartbreak therapy involves spa days, manis/pedis, and cheap wine at home, followed by a night out to remind you that you’re still fabulous. The ritual may have changed, but the comforting presence of a bestie has not.
8. Staying in Touch: Landlines vs. Emojis
Remember landline calls where you’d have to speak to your BFF’s parent first before being connected? It was awkward, but it worked. Now, the average conversation involves strings of emojis, GIFs, and a mix of abbreviated texts that somehow manage to convey everything you need to say. A single heart emoji can replace a two-hour phone call.
9. Getting into Trouble: Innocent Pranks vs. Work Shenanigans
Getting in trouble was more innocent back in the ’90s—ding-dong-ditch, toilet-papering a friend’s house, or putting a whoopie cushion on a teacher’s chair. Now, if your BFF happens to be your “work wife,” your troublemaking revolves around arriving late to work because you needed a coffee run first.
10. Defending Each Other: Playground Squabbles vs. Social Media Shade
In the ’90s, defending your BFF meant running to the teacher after someone said something mean. Today, you simply post a bomb photo of you two living your best lives, tagging everyone who wasn’t invited. Modern BFFs prefer silent, strategic wins over direct confrontations.
11. Showing Off Your Bond: Friendship Bracelets vs. Matching Tattoos
Homemade friendship bracelets were the ultimate symbol of your bond in the ’90s. You’d spend hours picking out matching beads and braiding the string to perfection. Nowadays, the commitment is marked by matching tattoos or, for those who aren’t quite ready to make it permanent, changing relationship statuses on social media—because “In a Relationship with My Bestie” is just as binding, right?
Conclusion: The Heart of BFFs Remains Unchanged
While the ways we express and experience best friendships have undoubtedly evolved since the ’90s, the core values haven’t shifted. BFFs are still the people we turn to during our highs and lows. From scribbled notes to heart emojis, the language of friendship may have changed, but the love and loyalty are stronger than ever. So, whether it’s a digital pet disaster or a passive-aggressive comment on a post, the bond with your BFF is here to stay—just in a different format.
