We all had that best friend in the ’90s—the one we whispered with on late-night calls, swapped gossip about strict parents, and “accidentally” matched outfits with.
Fast-forward to now and the core hasn’t changed much: you still stay up talking, still spill the tea, and still show up twinning (totally unplanned, of course). The difference? We’re older…and the wine budget is bigger.
Best friends are the siblings we never had—or the upgrade when our actual siblings stole our toys and wore our training bras on their heads (cough happened to a friend…).
Your BFF was your prank-call partner and the shoulder you cried on when your playground crush held hands with someone else. We wouldn’t be who we are without them—back then or now—even if the rituals evolved a bit.
1. The Fights We Get Into
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In the ’90s: She swore she’d keep your digital pet alive while you were on vacation…and then it died. Trust: shattered.
Today: Instead of shouting it out, we go stealth—passive-aggressive Facebook comments and strategic “not liking” on Instagram.
2. How We Make Up Afterwards
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In the ’90s: No smartphones, so peacemaking meant a folded note slid across a desk—frowny faces, i’s dotted with hearts, and the closer “LYLAS.”
Today: A truce looks like a $12 Starbucks run and a smiling selfie to reset the vibe.
3. Friday Night Entertainment
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In the ’90s: Hit the mall, snag fake nose rings at Claire’s, then sneak into an R-rated movie. Rebels.
Today: Why leave the couch? Queue a Netflix binge and uncork a bottle (or 12). FriYAY secured.
4. Playing Wingwoman
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In the ’90s: After a cootie catcher crowned your soulmate, you staged a “casual” collision in science class while your BFF ran interference.
Today: Modern recon = a 14-hour Facebook deep dive using nothing but his middle name.
5. Squad Goals
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In the ’90s: Recruit three more besties to live your Spice Girls fantasy.
Today: Two’s enough for the “Single Ladies” choreo—and honestly, your social battery agrees.
6. Things We Gossip About
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In the ’90s: Catastrophe = your nemesis wore the same scrunchie, nabbed your slap bracelet, or handed out Warheads to everyone but you.
Today: The discourse probably circles back to Game of Thrones…still.
7. Getting Through Heartbreak
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In the ’90s: Your BFF slid you an extra Cosmic Brownie and sat with you at lunch.
Today: Yoga, manis/pedis, $5 wine, then girls’ night—where she kindly tells randos to move along.
8. How We Stay In Touch
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In the ’90s: You rang the doorbell. Or called the landline and prayed her dad didn’t pick up. Peak awkward.
Today: Full conversations, zero words. Emojis do the heavy lifting.
9. What We Get In Trouble For
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In the ’90s: Mischief was innocent: Ding Dong Ditch, TP’ing the neighbor’s house, whoopie cushion under the music teacher’s chair.
Today: If your BFF is also your work wife, expect at least one “you’re late” a week after a spontaneous Starbucks detour.
10. Sticking Up For Each Other
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In the ’90s: Playground drama? You…told Mom and Dad.
Today: Less confrontation, more curation—a fabulous night out followed by a flood of Facebook photos so haters know they didn’t make the guest list.
via Bustle










