With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, everyone’s mind is turned to relationships and heart-shaped candies, but what about the more important holiday celebrated just 24 hours before? What about Galentine’s Day?
Most importantly, what is Galentine's day?
Galentine’s Day is a day created by "Parks and Recreation" character Leslie Knope, and it falls on the Feb. 13 every year. While the following day is meant for showering your significant other in overstuffed teddy bears and that expensive heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates, Galentine’s Day is meant for showering your closest girlfriends in love, attention, and waffles, whether you’re single, dating, or Facebook official. But why still celebrate it if you are in a relationship, you ask?
1. Just Another Reason to Go Off Your Diet
With New Year's resolutions in full swing, Lent on the way, and the end of the holiday season, we all need a new reason to break our gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, sugar free diets. While you could always break it on Valentine's Day with your significant other, there is nothing more fun than pigging out on waffles and other sugary treats with your girlfriends and a large bottle of wine. As long as the night ends in a sugar coma, you’re doing it right.
2. There’s No Pressure to Buy Each Other Expensive Gifts
You’ve just spent hundreds of dollars on Christmas gifts, and now, you’re having to buy yet another expensive present for that special someone. Your friends, on the other hand, expect nothing, and will be perfectly happy with a hug, a balloon, or even stale conversation hearts.
3. Stress Free Zone
You’ve spent hours planning on an outfit, watching YouTube tutorials on hair and makeup, and you actually shaved your legs for Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day, on the other hand, calls for sweatpants and messy hair. A time spent with your friends means time without the worry of saying or doing something that could end up being a deal breaker. It also means looking as unpleasant as you please, and this does include unshaved legs.
4. Much Needed Gal Pal Time
Whether you’re in a casual relationship, a brand new one, or long term relationship, you’ve probably donated a lot of time to your significant other, and maybe not enough time to girlfriends. Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to catch up on much needed girl time to gossip about exes and binge watch y’all’s favorite show on Netflix. Who knows, you may learn something new about your BFF.
5. Sisters Before Misters, Uteruses Before Duderuses, and Ovaries Before Brovaries
Your friends were there for you last Valentine’s Day when you were crying over the box of chocolates you bought yourself. They are there for you when you need advice, whether it is important or just about a wardrobe choice. Most importantly, though, they always have your back. You have no idea where your relationship with your significant other will take you, but you can always be sure your girlfriends will be there for you. Return the favor and be there for them, and especially on the most holy of days to celebrate friends, Galentine’s Day.
