Best friends have always been like family. They’re the ones who know your secrets, share in your craziest adventures, and offer a shoulder to cry on. In the ’90s, BFFs were your go-to partners for late-night chats, gossip sessions, and coordinating outfits. While the essence of friendship remains the same, the ways we experience it have changed over the years. Let’s take a look at how 11 aspects of BFF relationships have evolved from the ’90s to today.
1. Arguments We Have
In the ’90s: Disputes with your BFF often stemmed from petty things, like forgetting to feed each other’s digital pets or failing to return a borrowed CD. They seemed monumental at the time but were usually resolved quickly.
Today: The arguments have moved online. Passive-aggressive comments and the cold war of ignored Instagram stories have taken over. Though the format may have changed, the silent treatment remains just as potent.
2. Making Up After Fights
In the ’90s: Apologizing meant passing a handwritten note in class, filled with sad-face doodles and the classic “LYLAS” (Love You Like a Sister). These notes were treasured tokens of reconciliation.
Today: Apologies often come with a peace offering—like an overpriced latte from Starbucks. A selfie on Instagram, complete with smiling faces, seals the deal, and the flood of likes signals the friendship is back on track.
3. Friday Night Fun
In the ’90s: Hanging out at the mall was the ultimate BFF bonding experience. You’d try on accessories at Claire’s, munch on pretzels, and maybe sneak into an R-rated movie.
Today: Staying in is the new going out. BFFs now prefer cozy nights binge-watching Netflix, sipping wine, and ordering takeout. Whether at the mall or on the couch, Friday nights with your BFF remain the week’s highlight.
4. Playing the Wingwoman
In the ’90s: Helping your friend find love meant using a cootie catcher, that origami fortune teller predicting your romantic future. BFFs would then orchestrate “accidental” run-ins in the school hallways.
Today: Today’s BFFs are digital detectives, able to track down a crush on social media with just a name and a vague detail. Whether through cootie catchers or online sleuthing, BFFs remain the ultimate wingwoman.
5. Squad Goals
In the ’90s: You and your BFF aimed to assemble a squad that mirrored the Spice Girls, each taking on a different persona—Posh, Scary, Sporty, or Baby.
Today: Having a huge squad isn’t essential anymore. One solid BFF is enough to pull off a “Single Ladies” dance routine, even if it’s in pajamas rather than glittery outfits.
6. Gossip Sessions
In the ’90s: Gossip revolved around school drama—who wore the same scrunchie, who “borrowed” a slap bracelet, or who snagged the last Warhead at lunch.
Today: Gossiping with your BFF has evolved to include show spoilers, Instagram drama, and decoding cryptic tweets. Social media has become the main stage for sharing juicy details.
7. Helping Each Other Through Heartbreak
In the ’90s: Getting over a breakup meant indulging in sugary snacks like Cosmic Brownies or Dunkaroos, generously provided by your BFF.
Today: Heartbreak healing has leveled up to include wine nights, yoga classes, and full-on girls’ nights out. If a random guy approaches, your BFF swiftly steps in with, “She’s not interested.”
8. Staying in Touch
In the ’90s: Staying connected meant ringing each other’s doorbells or awkwardly chatting with parents when calling the landline.
Today: Communication has gone digital—texts, voice notes, and emojis are the new love language. Video calls replace sleepover chats, while TikTok reactions keep the laughs going.
9. Getting into Trouble
In the ’90s: Mischief meant pranking neighbors with Ding Dong Ditch, toilet-papering trees, or making anonymous calls using *69.
Today: If your BFF is also your work buddy, mischief takes the form of extended lunch breaks or getting caught gossiping during meetings.
10. Defending Each Other
In the ’90s: Facing off against playground bullies meant standing up for your BFF in front of classmates, sometimes by running to mom or dad for backup.
Today: Defense takes place online—BFFs respond to haters by posting fabulous photos together, making it clear that negativity won’t disrupt their bond.
11. Showing Off the Bond
In the ’90s: Friendship bracelets were the ultimate symbol of BFF love, each one meticulously braided to perfection during sleepovers.
Today: Matching tattoos, shared Instagram bios, and playful Facebook status updates show the strength of the bond.
Conclusion: Then vs. Now—Friendship Stays the Same
The ways we connect with our best friends have certainly changed over the years, but the love remains strong. From digital pets and mall trips in the ’90s to Netflix marathons and Starbucks runs today, BFFs continue to make life sweeter. The times may have changed, but the essence of friendship is timeless. Cheers to the best friends who’ve made every moment count—no matter the decade!
