Best friends have always been the people who stick with us through thick and thin, knowing all our secrets, sharing endless laughs, and standing by us no matter what life throws our way. Back in the ’90s, BFFs were practically inseparable, whether it was through late-night phone calls on the house landline, coordinating matching outfits for mall trips, or bonding over the latest boy band obsession. Fast forward to today, and while the heart of friendship hasn’t changed, the way we experience it has evolved a lot. Let’s take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane and explore eleven ways BFF relationships have changed from the ’90s to now.

Back in the ’90s, fights between best friends usually started over small things, like forgetting to feed your BFF’s Tamagotchi while they were on vacation or not giving back their favorite Spice Girls CD. Those little arguments felt huge back then but were usually forgiven just as quickly. These days, people aren’t arguing about digital pets anymore, but passive-aggressive behavior seems to have taken over. Instead of face-to-face confrontations, conflicts play out online. There are the not-so-subtle comments on social media or getting ghosted in the group chat. No matter the decade, the silent treatment is still as powerful as ever.

When it came to making up after an argument in the ’90s, it was all about passing a folded note in class with sad face doodles and a heartfelt “LYLAS” scribbled at the bottom. That note was the ultimate peace offering. Today, patching things up usually means showing up with an overpriced latte from Starbucks and snapping a cute selfie together. Post it to Instagram, and once your mutual friends start liking it, everyone knows things are back to normal. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a digital post, that sense of relief when you make up with your bestie is timeless.

Friday nights in the ’90s were all about hitting the mall. You and your BFF would spend hours trying on butterfly clips at Claire’s, sharing cinnamon pretzels, and maybe sneaking into a movie you were definitely too young to watch. Nowadays, going out on a Friday night often means… not going out at all. Instead, it’s all about staying in, ordering takeout, popping open a bottle of wine (or two), and binge-watching the latest Netflix series in matching pajamas. Whether it’s a busy mall or a comfy couch, Friday nights with your best friend have always been the highlight of the week.

In the ’90s, playing wingwoman meant using a cootie catcher to predict your crush and then staging a “random” meeting at their locker. Your BFF would block out the competition and make sure you got your moment. Today’s wingwomen are high-level investigators. Give them a first name and a blurry photo, and they’ll track your crush down on Instagram in no time. Whether it’s old-school matchmaking or modern-day social media sleuthing, BFFs always have your back in the game of love.

Squad goals have also transformed. In the ’90s, you and your BFF worked hard to build the perfect girl gang, each of you channeling a different Spice Girl. It was all about having a full crew. Now, it’s quality over quantity. One close friend is all you need to perfect that “Single Ladies” dance routine, even if you’re wearing sweatpants instead of sequins. Whether it’s a group or a duo, the BFF bond makes any squad complete.

Gossip sessions have always been prime bonding time. Back then, it was about who borrowed your slap bracelet without asking or who got the last Warhead at lunch. Today’s gossip covers spoilers from the latest streaming hit, decoding cryptic tweets, and unraveling Instagram drama. No matter what’s on the table, gossiping with your BFF has always brought you closer.

Heartbreak healing has leveled up, too. In the ’90s, your bestie would show up with Dunkaroos and a shoulder to cry on. Now, it’s yoga, wine nights, and girl power anthems blasting on the ride to your favorite bar. Whether it’s sugary snacks or spa days, BFFs still know how to fix a broken heart.

Staying in touch in the ’90s meant knocking on your friend’s front door and hoping their parents wouldn’t answer the phone when you called. Letters and notes were your go-to. These days, texting, voice notes, emojis, and TikTok videos keep you connected 24/7. The method may have changed, but keeping in touch with your bestie has never been easier.

Getting into trouble together hasn’t gone away—it’s just changed venues. In the ’90s, it was Ding Dong Ditch and prank calls with *69. Now, it’s sneaking out for an extra-long lunch break or sharing a laugh during a work meeting when you both should be paying attention. BFFs are always partners in harmless crime.

When it comes to standing up for each other, things have gone from playground face-offs to online solidarity. In the ’90s, you’d confront a bully on the spot. Today, your best friend posts glowing photos of the two of you, letting the haters know you’re thriving without them. No matter where it happens, defending your BFF is non-negotiable.

And of course, showing off your bond has gotten an upgrade. Friendship bracelets were once the ultimate symbol of your connection, but now it’s matching tattoos, creative Instagram bios, or listing each other as “in a relationship” for laughs. Whether it’s woven threads or ink, showing off your BFF pride is here to stay.

In the end, while the way we connect with our best friends has evolved, the love, loyalty, and fun have stayed the same. From mall trips and Tamagotchis to TikToks and lattes, BFFs remain our partners in crime and our greatest cheerleaders. Times may change, but the bond of best friendship? That’s forever.