July 30 marks the International Day of Friendship, and honestly, it’s one of those “soft” observances that always makes me pause. It’s a gentle reminder that in a world so often filled with deadlines, notifications, and noise, connection still matters deeply—maybe more than ever.
As a translator and freelancer, I spend a good chunk of my time working solo. My “office” is usually quiet, except for the occasional keyboard tapping and coffee machine gurgling. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that even in this independent line of work, friendship plays a crucial role. Some of the most unexpected friendships in my life have come from professional interactions—whether it’s fellow translators I’ve met online, kind clients who took the time to chat beyond the brief, or content creators I’ve collaborated with who ended up becoming regular check-in buddies.
Friendship, for me, doesn’t have to mean daily chats or grand gestures. Sometimes it’s a quick message from someone who knows exactly how to make me laugh on a stressful day. Sometimes it’s sharing tips, wins, or venting about the trickiest phrase we just couldn’t translate. It’s the people who remind us we’re not alone in whatever we’re navigating—be it work, life, or that gray area in between.

International Day of Friendship isn’t just about celebrating the friends we’ve had since school or those who know our coffee order by heart. It’s also about being open to new connections, to offering kindness and empathy in spaces where it might not be expected. It’s about building bridges—across cultures, professions, and even time zones.
So today, I’m raising a virtual toast to the friends who have stood by me through thick and thin—and to those I’ve only exchanged a few messages with, but who’ve left a mark. Whether we talk daily or just occasionally, whether we’ve met in person or not at all, you’re part of my circle, and I’m grateful for it.
Let this day be a nudge to check in, reach out, or simply say thank you to the people who make the journey a little lighter, funnier, and more meaningful.
Happy International Day of Friendship!
Thanks to Day Translations for sponsoring this post! Make sure to click the link to find out more about the services they offer.
Until next time, take care and stay safe!
XX
