Galentine’s: a time for sisterly bonding

Single ladies, listen up! (Sorry, guys)

Valentine’s Day season doesn’t have to be another reminder of loves-lost and non-existent relationship statuses. Instead of waiting for that special someone to come along and fill in the void of flowers and chocolates, celebrate being single with all the other ladies out there on February 13th. What’s significant about that day? Why, it’s Galentine’s Day! Yes, Leslie Knope’s favorite holiday has transcended the realm of television comedy and been popularized in the real world. But how is it celebrated?

Galentine’s Day came to be after airing in the 22nd episode of NBC’s comedy series Parks and Recreation in 2010. Since then, it has become a day to celebrate women: single or otherwise. The feminist movement has taken it up as an unofficial holiday to support their cause for appreciating and empowering women.

But this holiday is not exclusively for the hardcore activists. In the words of Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day is just about “ladies celebrating ladies.” When it comes down to it, friendships are a crucial part of life. Romantic relationships are great, but friends have been through it all and understand each other on a whole other level. Friends tell it like it is. Friendships should be treasured just as much or even more than romantic relationships because there’s no way any sane husband or boyfriend will give their honest opinion about a girl’s outfit all of the time. Loving, brutal honesty can sometimes provide that necessary wake-up call for character improvement to happen.

Take some time and reflect on those meaningful friendships over the years. Who hasn’t been contacted in a while? Who is worthy of reconnecting with? Who’s had a special influence? Who’s stuck it out through life’s trials and tribulations? Who could use some encouragement or an overdue thank-you? These are all the right questions to ask when looking for the proper Galentine’s Day guest list.

To celebrate this newfound appreciation for sisterly bonds, Leslie Knope invited her lady friends out for a fancy breakfast and distributed loving gifts. There was only one rule: no boyfriends or husbands. Whether or not it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner; a movie night, shopping spree, or just a meet up for coffee, show your friends that they’re appreciated. Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to ditch all responsibilities and have a justifiable girls-night-out. So take after Leslie and get a bunch of special ladies together and, in the words of Tom Haverford from Parks and Recreation, “treat yo-self!”



Hannah Vermont is a Staff Writer for The Daily Runner.