Best friends are like family—the ones who know our deepest secrets, share our weirdest laughs, and stand by us through the ups and downs. In the ’90s, BFFs were the go-to partners for late-night phone calls, gossip sessions, and matching outfits. Today, while the essence of friendship hasn’t changed, the way we experience it certainly has. Let’s take a fun trip down memory lane and compare 11 ways BFF relationships have evolved from the ’90s to today.
1. Fights We Get Into
- In the ’90s: BFF fights often started over little things, like forgetting to take care of a digital pet while your friend was on vacation or not returning that favorite CD you borrowed. These fights felt massive at the time but were usually forgiven quickly.
- Today: Adults don’t bicker over Tamagotchis anymore. Instead, passive-aggressiveness has taken center stage. Instead of face-to-face showdowns, the battles move online, with passive-aggressive comments or the cold war of ignored Instagram stories.
BFF fights may look different now, but the silent treatment is as effective as ever.
2. Making Up Afterward
- In the ’90s: Apologizing to your best friend meant passing them a note in class covered with sad face doodles and heartfelt “LYLAS” (Love You Like a Sister). These handwritten notes were the ultimate truce tokens.
- Today: Reconciliation often includes a peace offering of overpriced coffee from Starbucks. A smiling selfie posted on social media seals the deal, and the likes from mutual friends confirm that the friendship is back on track.
While the notes have been replaced by selfies, the relief of making up with your BFF remains the same.
3. Friday Night Entertainment
- In the ’90s: The ultimate BFF outing was a trip to the mall. You’d try on glittery hair accessories at Claire’s, grab soft pretzels, and maybe even sneak into an R-rated movie. The mall was the ultimate playground.
- Today: Going out is overrated. Now, BFFs prefer staying in, binge-watching Netflix series, and sharing a bottle of wine (or three). FriYAY is now a cozy night with takeout, pajamas, and a good show.
Whether it’s the mall or a living room couch, Friday nights with your BFF will always be the best part of the week.
4. Playing Wingwoman
- In the ’90s: Finding love was all about the cootie catcher—an origami fortune teller that predicted your romantic destiny. Afterward, your BFF would set up a “chance” meeting in the hallway, doing her best to keep other girls away.
- Today: Today’s BFFs are all about digital sleuthing. With only a first name and maybe a vague detail, your BFF will scour social media for hours, trying to track down your latest crush.
From cootie catchers to Facebook searches, BFFs remain committed to the ultimate wingwoman role.
5. Squad Goals
- In the ’90s: You and your BFF aimed to form the coolest squad, with each member embodying a different Spice Girl. Whether it was Posh, Scary, Sporty, or Baby, life was all about finding your Spice Girls crew.
- Today: You don’t need a full squad to feel complete. Just one good friend is enough to pull off a “Single Ladies” dance routine, although you might do it in pajamas instead of a sparkly outfit.
Whether it’s a large group or a duo, the heart of the squad will always be the BFF bond.
6. Gossip Sessions
- In the ’90s: Gossip revolved around school drama—like who wore the same scrunchie as you, who “borrowed” your slap bracelet, or who got the last Warhead in the cafeteria. The juicier the gossip, the better.
- Today: The gossip topics have evolved to spoilers from binge-worthy shows, Instagram drama, and deciphering cryptic tweets. Social media has taken center stage in the gossip game.
Gossiping with your BFF has always been a bonding experience, whether it’s over slap bracelets or the latest episode of Euphoria.
7. Helping Each Other Through Heartbreak
- In the ’90s: A breakup called for sugary comfort. Your BFF would bring an extra Cosmic Brownie or pack of Dunkaroos to cheer you up. It was simple, but it worked wonders.
- Today: It’s all about yoga sessions, $5 wine, and getting over the heartbreak with a full-on girls’ night out. If a random guy hits on you, your BFF is there to fend him off with a swift “She’s not interested.”
BFFs are still the best heartbreak healers, whether it’s through snacks or spa days.
8. How We Stay in Touch
- In the ’90s: Staying in touch meant ringing each other’s doorbells and awkwardly talking to parents when they answered the phone. Communication was limited to landline calls and handwritten letters.
- Today: Communication has gone digital. We text, send voice notes, and rely heavily on emojis to convey our feelings. Video calls replace sleepover chats, and TikTok reactions keep the laughter going.
From doorbells to DMs, staying connected with your BFF is now just a tap away.
9. Getting Into Trouble Together
- In the ’90s: Mischief with your BFF meant Ding Dong Ditch, toilet-papering the neighbor’s house, or sneaking prank calls using *69 to hide your identity.
- Today: Getting into trouble is more professional. If your BFF is also your work buddy, you’re probably sneaking out for a long lunch break or getting busted for chatting in a meeting.
From playful pranks to workplace shenanigans, BFFs still love to push the boundaries—together.
10. Sticking Up for Each Other Against Haters
- In the ’90s: Playground bullies were dealt with by running to mom and dad or loudly defending your BFF in front of classmates. It was all about face-to-face confrontation.
- Today: Confrontation is rare. If someone causes trouble, your BFF handles it by posting fabulous pictures of you two on social media to let the haters know they’re not part of the fun.
Whether on the playground or online, BFFs are always ready to defend each other’s honor.
11. Showing Off the Bond
- In the ’90s: Friendship bracelets were the ultimate symbol of a strong BFF bond. You’d spend hours braiding the perfect pattern to make sure your BFF had the best bracelet in town.
- Today: BFFs take it up a notch with matching tattoos, Instagram bios, or even listing each other as “in a relationship” on Facebook for fun. The bond is permanent, and the laughs are too.
From colorful threads to ink, showing off your BFF pride remains a timeless tradition.
Conclusion: BFFs Then and Now—Different Eras, Same Love
While the way we interact with our BFFs has evolved over time, the heart of friendship remains unchanged. From digital pets and mall trips in the ’90s to Starbucks selfies and Netflix marathons today, BFFs continue to be our partners in fun, love, and mischief. The times may have changed, but the bond? That’s forever. Cheers to the best friends who’ve made life sweeter—no matter the decade.
