By Molly Chang
In a season that’s so focused on red roses and love letters, many end up developing a love-hate relationship with Feb. 14.
From the velvet heart-shaped boxes of chocolates displayed in See’s Candies, to the variety of beautifully-arranged bouquets being sold at the supermarket, those without a significant other are constantly reminded of their love lives on this special day: Valentine’s.
But, don’t fret any longer. Say hello to an alternative, more joyful day of the year: Galentine’s Day! (AKA Valentine’s Day with the gals.)
Celebrated on Valentine’s Day Eve, Galentine’s Day was introduced to the world in 2010 by none other than the main protagonist of the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation” Leslie Knope.
In this episode, Leslie celebrates the friendships of her closest girlfriends by spoiling them with presents of all kinds, from hand-made mosaic portraits to 5,000-word love letters on why she loves them.
“Every Feb. 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas,” Knope said.
On this day, Leslie liked to gather up her gals for a brunch full of waffles, mimosas and of course, love. But, despite the tradition, there are no set rules as to how Feb. 13 should be celebrated.
Something as simple as a movie night is a great, yet inexpensive way to spend Galentine’s Day. All you need is some popcorn, a throw blanket and a rom-com streaming on the TV. And definitely a box of Kleenex. Or two.
Or, Galentine’s can be the day designated for gossip, face masks and mani-pedis. A day designed for self-care and a trip to the shopping mall.
There are no limits to how this day should be celebrated. What’s important is being there for one another, no matter how time is spent.
While the “Gal” in Galentine’s gives off the impression that the holiday is restricted to ladies and their girlfriends only, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Many spend this day with their best of friends, regardless of gender.
Whether that be your mother, bestie or pet dog, this day is meant for celebrating the people in your life that you are not romantically involved with.
Not only does Galentine’s allow for individuals to recognize and appreciate what they already have in their lives, but it also debunks society’s harsh views of singlehood, especially in the season of Valentine’s.
Society tells us that if one does not have a significant other, they are desperate, and if one does have one, they are perfectly happy with their partner.
And sure, while this assumption could be accurate for some, it isn’t entirely true for others.
For those who aren’t in a relationship, yet are content with that, Galentine’s could be spent by highlighting the friendships in one’s life.
And for those who are going through hard times in a relationship, Galentine’s can hopefully be a day of support and comfort spent with good friends.
Nonetheless, taking a day to celebrate the importance of friendship, whether you’re blissfully singled, or merrily coupled, can strengthen the connections between our gals and pals in our lives.
