Why Friendships from the ’70s Were Simply the Best

Friendships in the 1970s had a special kind of magic that is hard to replicate in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Back then, relationships were built on face-to-face interactions, spontaneous adventures, and deep connections that didn’t require constant texting or social media validation. The friendships of that era were raw, real, and filled with genuine moments that created lifelong memories.

So, what made friendships in the ’70s so unique? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the reasons why they were simply the best.

1. No Social Media, No Distractions—Just Real Connections

One of the biggest reasons friendships in the ’70s felt so authentic was the absence of technology. There were no smartphones buzzing every few seconds, no endless scrolling through social media feeds, and no pressure to document every moment for online validation. When you spent time with friends, you were fully present.

Instead of texting, people called each other on landline phones or showed up at each other’s homes unannounced. You had to make real plans and actually follow through. If someone said they’d meet you at the park at 3 p.m., they’d be there—no last-minute cancellations over a text.

2. Hanging Out Meant Actually Doing Something Fun

Friendship in the ’70s wasn’t about sending memes or reacting to each other’s posts—it was about shared experiences. Kids and teens spent hours riding bikes, playing in the streets, going to roller rinks, or just hanging out at the local diner.

Movies were a big deal, and catching the latest blockbuster in theaters with friends was an event. Whether it was watching Jaws, Grease, or Star Wars, the excitement of going to the movies together and talking about it afterward made for unforgettable moments.

3. Music Was a Bonding Experience Like No Other

Music was the heartbeat of friendships in the ’70s. Whether you were blasting Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, dancing to disco hits from the Bee Gees, or rocking out to Led Zeppelin, music was everywhere. Friends would sit for hours listening to records, making mixtapes, and even forming garage bands.

Concerts were an even bigger deal. Seeing your favorite band live was a bonding experience like no other. The feeling of singing along to a hit song with your best friends in a packed stadium was pure magic.

4. Sleepovers and Late-Night Talks Were the Best

Sleepovers were the ultimate bonding experience. Whether it was a bunch of kids sleeping in the backyard in tents or teens staying up all night talking about crushes, dreams, and life, these moments created friendships that lasted a lifetime.

There was something special about whispering secrets under the covers, making prank calls, or watching horror movies that were probably too scary for your age. These memories stuck with people long after the ’70s ended.

5. Summer Meant Endless Adventures

Summer in the ’70s was pure freedom. With no internet or video games keeping kids inside, friends spent entire days outdoors. They explored neighborhoods, rode their bikes to the nearest convenience store for candy and soda, played pick-up baseball games, and swam in local lakes or pools.

If you were lucky, you and your friends might have even built a treehouse or a clubhouse—your own secret hideout where the best plans were made.

6. Handwritten Notes and Letters Meant So Much More

In the ’70s, passing notes in class was the equivalent of texting today. Friends would write each other letters filled with inside jokes, doodles, and silly thoughts, folding them into creative shapes before passing them discreetly.

For long-distance friendships, letters were the only way to stay in touch. There was something incredibly meaningful about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail, knowing that your friend had taken the time to write it just for you.

7. Fashion and Style Were All About Self-Expression

Friendships in the ’70s often meant sharing fashion trends and personal styles. Whether you were rocking bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts, platform shoes, or peasant blouses, what you wore was a statement of who you were.

Friends often borrowed each other’s clothes, went thrift shopping together, and even made DIY fashion statements like cutting their jeans into shorts or decorating their denim jackets with patches. The era encouraged individuality, and friendships flourished in an environment where everyone could express themselves freely.

8. Road Trips and Hitchhiking Adventures

Before GPS and smartphones, road trips were full of surprises. Friends would pile into a car with nothing but a map, some snacks, and a few bucks for gas, setting out on spontaneous adventures.

While hitchhiking was far more common back then (and much riskier than we realized at the time), it was a part of the free-spirited culture of the ’70s. People trusted each other more, and friendships often formed on the road.

9. Everyone Watched the Same TV Shows and Talked About Them

Unlike today, when everyone is binge-watching different shows on different streaming platforms, the ’70s had a few major TV hits that everyone watched together. Whether it was Happy Days, Charlie’s Angels, The Brady Bunch, or MASH*, these shows brought friends together.

People would gather in living rooms to watch their favorite programs, then discuss them at school the next day. TV wasn’t just entertainment—it was a shared experience that connected people.

10. Trust and Loyalty Were Everything

Perhaps the most significant reason why friendships from the ’70s were the best was the deep level of trust and loyalty. There was no ghosting, no fake social media personas—just real people who valued each other.

If you had a fight with your friend, you worked it out in person instead of blocking them. Friends stuck together through thick and thin, and loyalty meant everything.

Final Thoughts: The Magic of ’70s Friendships

Friendships in the 1970s were built on real interactions, genuine experiences, and a deep appreciation for each other’s presence. It was an era of innocence, adventure, and true connection—before the digital age changed the way people interacted.

While times have changed, those who lived through the ’70s still cherish the friendships they made. The memories of bike rides, late-night talks, handwritten notes, and shared music will always remind them of a time when friendships were pure, simple, and simply the best.