Growing up in the ’90s, we all had that one best friend—someone we’d stay up late on the phone with, gossip about how strict our parents were, and plan matching outfits together. Fast forward to today, and while a lot has changed, the core of best friend relationships remains the same. You’re still up late chatting with your BFF, gossiping, and sometimes, unintentionally matching outfits. The only real difference? We’re older now and enjoy a bit more wine with our catch-ups.
Best friends are like the siblings we never had—or maybe we did have siblings but didn’t quite click with them. While your siblings might have stolen your favorite toys or ran around wearing your training bra (hypothetically, of course), your best friend was the one making prank calls with you and comforting you when your crush was holding hands with someone else on the playground.
Whether it’s the ’90s or today, one thing is for sure—we wouldn’t be who we are without our best friends.
1. The Fights We Get Into
’90s: Your BFF swore she’d take care of your Tamagotchi while you were away, but she let it die. You couldn’t look at her the same after that.
Today: Adults don’t exactly fight like that anymore. Instead, we leave passive-aggressive comments on Facebook or “forget” to like each other’s Instagram posts.
2. How We Make Up
’90s: After a fight, you’d pass notes in class, full of frown faces and “LYLAS” (Love You Like A Sister).
Today: Now, making up means treating each other to $12 Starbucks drinks and posting a smiling selfie together to show the world all is forgiven.
3. Friday Night Fun
’90s: A typical Friday night involved hanging out at the mall, buying fake nose rings at Claire’s, and sneaking into an R-rated movie.
Today: Going out? Not likely. A night in with Netflix, comfy blankets, and a bottle of wine sounds like the perfect FriYAY.
4. Playing Wingwoman
’90s: After your cootie catcher revealed your soulmate, your BFF would set up a chance encounter in science class while keeping other girls away.
Today: Every BFF knows the best way to help you find love—hours of stalking him on social media armed only with his middle name.
5. Squad Goals
’90s: Life was all about finding three more girls to recreate the Spice Girls with.
Today: You only need one more person to nail the “Single Ladies” dance. But let’s face it, your BFF is more than enough.
6. Gossiping
’90s: Gossip revolved around who showed up to school with the same scrunchie or who took your favorite slap bracelet.
Today: The latest tea is probably all about Game of Thrones or some celebrity drama.
7. Supporting Each Other Through Heartbreak
’90s: Your BFF would always bring an extra Cosmic Brownie to school to help you through a breakup.
Today: Heartbreak relief involves yoga, manis/pedis, cheap wine, and a night out where your BFF blocks unwanted attention.
8. Staying in Touch
’90s: You’d ring each other’s doorbells or call their house phone, hoping their parents wouldn’t answer.
Today: Who needs words? Emojis are how we communicate now.
9. Getting into Trouble
’90s: Mischief meant Ding Dong Ditch or TP-ing the neighbor’s house.
Today: If your BFF is also your coworker, you’re probably getting in trouble for showing up late because you stopped for coffee on the way to work.
10. Sticking Up for Each Other
’90s: Playground drama meant running to Mom and Dad for backup.
Today: A classy night out and posting a bunch of pictures online is how we let the haters know they weren’t invited.
11. Showing Off Your Bond
’90s: Friendship bracelets were the ultimate symbol of your BFF bond.
Today: Matching tattoos are a possibility, but a Facebook relationship status update is just as hilarious—and less permanent.
