Perfect Reply to Happy Friendship Day Wishes

Have you ever received a “Happy Friendship Day” message and stared blankly at your phone, wondering what to say back?
You’re not alone.

A few years ago, I got a message from an old college friend I hadn’t spoken to in years. “Happy Friendship Day, mate!” it read. It was simple, sweet—and utterly unexpected. I wanted to reply in a way that acknowledged the sentiment without sounding robotic or overly sentimental. But what do you say when you’re caught off guard? That moment is what inspired this guide.

In this article, I’ll walk you through authentic, meaningful, and sometimes even witty ways to respond to ‘Happy Friendship Day’—whether it’s from a close mate, a casual acquaintance, or someone you haven’t spoken to in ages. We’ll also cover cultural etiquette, tone variations, and examples that work in real life.

Let’s dive in.

Why Your Response Matters More Than You Think

Friendship Day isn’t just about mushy quotes and colourful bracelets. It’s a reminder of how small gestures—like a timely response—can revive connections and strengthen bonds.

In an age where relationships are increasingly digital, even a simple “thank you” can feel cold if it’s not personalised. Research published by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships shows that emotionally responsive communication improves relationship satisfaction and closeness—even over text.

So yes, how you respond does matter—and saying the right thing can turn a generic greeting into a real conversation.

Understanding the Context Before You Reply

Before you hit send, take a moment to ask yourself:

Who sent the message? (Close friend, colleague, old classmate?)
How often do you talk?
Is this message out of the blue or part of an ongoing conversation?

Your response should reflect the tone of your relationship. Let’s break it down.

Heartfelt Responses (For Close Friends)

These are the people who’ve seen you at your worst and stuck around. Your reply can be honest, emotional, and warm.

Examples:

“Aww, thank you! Honestly, I don’t say it enough, but I’m so lucky to have you.”
“You’ve been with me through thick and thin—grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Happy Friendship Day to you too!”
“Feeling all the feels today. So glad we found each other in this chaotic world.”

Pro Tip: Mention a shared memory.
“Remember when we got caught in that rainstorm after the concert? Still one of my favourite days. Grateful for you!”

Funny and Playful Replies (If That’s Your Vibe)

Not all friendships are mushy. Some are built on inside jokes and mutual teasing.

Examples:

“Happy Friendship Day! You’re the reason I’m not in therapy… yet.”
“You’re the peanut butter to my jelly—and the reason I can never diet. Cheers to us!”
“Thanks! Now where’s my gift? I accept chocolate, memes, or emotional support dogs.”

These lighthearted responses keep the tone fun while acknowledging the message.

Casual and Polite Responses (For Acquaintances or Colleagues)

Maybe it’s someone you met at a networking event or a former coworker. Keep it friendly but simple.

Examples:

“Thanks! Wishing you a lovely Friendship Day as well.”
“Appreciate it! Hope you’re celebrating with great company.”
“Right back at you. Have a fantastic day!”

These are perfect when you want to be respectful without overcommitting.

Reconnecting with Old Friends (The Unexpected Text)

When someone reaches out after a long time, it’s a golden opportunity to reconnect.

Examples:

“Wow, it’s been ages! Thank you, and Happy Friendship Day to you too. How’ve you been?”
“So good to hear from you—hope everything’s going well on your end!”
“I wasn’t expecting this, but it genuinely made my day. Let’s catch up sometime soon?”

According to a 2022 study by the American Psychological Association, reaching out to old friends boosts well-being for both parties. Your thoughtful reply might be just the nudge they needed.

Cultural Notes and Global Etiquette

While International Friendship Day is celebrated on 30 July (as declared by the UN), many countries observe it on different dates:

India: First Sunday of August (most widely observed)
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay: 20 July
Bangladesh & Malaysia: Early August

So if someone greets you on a different date, don’t correct them. Instead, embrace the sentiment. It’s about the feeling, not the calendar.

Templates You Can Personalise

Here are a few plug-and-play responses you can tweak based on your tone:

Warm & Thoughtful:

“Thank you so much! Your message made my day. So grateful for our friendship.”

Sincere but Casual:

“Thanks! Hope you’re having a great Friendship Day too.”

Playfully Sarcastic:

“Oh no, it’s today? Guess I should pretend to be nice to you for the next 24 hours. 😂 Happy Friendship Day!”

Reconnection Style:

“This means a lot—been a while, huh? Let’s not let it be so long next time.”

Backed by Psychology: Why You Should Reply

Responding to social messages like “Happy Friendship Day” isn’t just polite—it taps into core human psychology.

According to Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab, small acts of social reciprocity trigger the brain’s reward system, increasing oxytocin and serotonin levels.

In simpler terms? Saying “thank you” or “you too” literally makes both you and your friend happier.

Actionable Takeaways

Pause before replying – Consider the tone and your relationship with the sender.
Add a personal touch – Reference a memory, inside joke, or shared value.
Match the tone – Don’t send a deep, emotional message to someone who sent a meme.
Use it as a reconnection tool – If it’s been a while, take the chance to restart a conversation.
Don’t overthink it – A simple, warm response often works better than over-polishing.

FAQs

1. Is it rude to just say “Thanks, same to you”?

Not necessarily—but it might come across as indifferent, especially if the sender expected a warmer reply. Try to add a touch of personality.

2. What if I forgot to reply and it’s been a day or two?

Better late than never. A quick, “Just saw this! Thanks and Happy (belated) Friendship Day to you too!” works fine.

3. Can I use emojis in my reply?

Absolutely. Emojis help convey tone, especially in informal texts. Just don’t overdo it.

4. Do I have to reply to mass messages?

If it’s a forwarded message or clearly mass-sent, you can ignore it. But a short reply never hurts—especially if you value the relationship.

Your Turn

Have you ever received a Friendship Day message that made your day—or made you cringe?
Drop your stories in the comments or share how you usually respond. I’d love to hear the creative, sweet, or downright cheeky ways you keep your friendships alive.