Impala and red-billed oxpecker, South Africa

© Matrishva Vyas/Getty Image

You've got a friend in me. Friendship Day

Friendship is like a good cup of tea—comforting, uplifting and best enjoyed with others. That's why International Day of Friendship, celebrated on July 30 every year, is a perfect occasion to honour the bonds that keep us going. This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. The goal? To inspire peace, bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding through friendships.

From exchanging friendship bracelets to sharing social media posts and messages, people have come up with their own special traditions to appreciate their pals. This is a good day to reflect on the many ways friendship impacts our lives, much like the symbiotic relationship between the impala and the red-billed oxpecker, pictured here in South Africa. Both these animals get something out of this relationship: the oxpecker gets food by eating ticks from the impala's skin, while the impala gets to stay clean. This animal duo showcases nature's version of companionship. So, reach out to your friends to express gratitude and simply say, 'I appreciate you.'