Heart-shaped candies, life-sized stuffed teddy bears, luscious red and pink roses, sappy Instagram posts and the phrase “I love you” become a little more frequent by couples around this time to honor Valentine’s Day traditions. But what about all the single people?
I, myself, am single around this so-called “holiday” this year, however I wouldn’t say I’m bitter about it. I have been on both sides of the relationship spectrum each Feb. 14 of my college years, and I make the most of it either way. Single or taken.
While some couples may have been stressed planning dinner reservations for the 14th, I found this time to be spent with the people I truly care for instead. I don’t have a significant other to stress over them asking me to “be their Valentine” or rushing to find little gifts to show my appreciation more than I usually would.
So instead, Galentine’s Day is what I celebrated. If you haven’t heard of this alternative for Valentine’s Day, it derived from a hit television show called “Parks and Recreation.” In the second season of the show, the 16th episode was centered around one of the character’s favorite February traditions: Galentine’s Day. Since then, the idea has taken off.
While it started as a fictional tradition, this celebration didn’t just become a twist to help fill a void for the singles on Valentine’s Day. Instead, it has produced a whole new meaning for all the gals.
According to Urban Dictionary, Galentine’s Day is “February 13th, the other half of Valentine’s Day, when you celebrate your love for your lady friends! Single or not, it’s a special day when gals assemble with their female bffs and celebrate life.”
It’s no secret that Valentine’s can appear superficial with all the materialistic things, or trying to impress your partner with showering acts of what you think love should look like. However, Galentine’s Day gives power to the ladies to bring sincerity back into the picture.
Galentine’s isn’t wrapped around gift giving or planning extravagant dinners, it is simply just enjoying the friendships appreciated the most. However, some women have the tradition of going to brunch Feb. 13 to celebrate and lift one another up.
Even though Galentine’s Day was originated to celebrate other gals, it can still be a way to celebrate all friends, regardless of gender. So to all gals and pals, find ways to celebrate your friends with sincerity during this Valentine’s season.
Courtney Weekley is a senior communication & media major with a concentration in public relations.
