National Girlfriend Day is celebrated on August 1st every year. It is a day to celebrate the special bond of friendship between girls, whether sisters or mothers, classmates or co-workers. The day was created in 2004 by Mistress Susan, who runs a luxury website, as a chance for gal pals to express gratitude to each other. The day is not a holiday in the sense that you get the day off from work, but it is a bonding occasion for women and girls to spend time doing fun things together and showing appreciation for their friendship.

There are no specific traditions or customs associated with National Girlfriend Day, but it is a good excuse to do something extra special for that extraordinary woman in your life. Here are some ways you can celebrate this day:

• Do something special for your partner to show them how much you care and love them. Maybe surprise your partner with a gift and dinner? Or take them out to see their favorite band perform or arrange for a romantic lunch picnic in the park.

• Don’t have a partner? Why not celebrate your girlfriends with a girls night out or a girls only party.

• Watch Girlfriends, an American sitcom that follows the lives of four friends.

• Be sure to let your fellow girlfriends know how special or important they are to you. If you can, go out to lunch, take a walk, or have a drink together with your girlfriend. Otherwise, engage in social media to connect in ways only girlfriends can!

So, if you want to celebrate National Girlfriend Day, mark your calendar for August 1st and plan something special for your girlfriends or that special woman in your life.