Valentine’s Day is a day shrouded with love, usually with your romantic partner; yet, this day has been reshaped to celebrate with friends. Galentine’s Day, first started on February 11, 2010, has recently become a day to celebrate your love for your “gals.” Galentine’s Day strengthens non-romantic relationships with your friends, because those may be the ones that psychologically matter most. Friends are the people on which you can rely, and Galentine’s Day is a day to celebrate that. Usually, people bring different food, desserts, and gifts to celebrate.
Galentines day was popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation. In a 2010 episode, the character Leslie Knope explains the celebration by saying, “What’s Galentines Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year” (Parks and Recreation). She then describes how she and her friends leave their partners at home and simply spend time together. The fictional celebration quickly gained attraction, and people began celebrating it every year on February 13th.
The rise of Galentine’s Day shows that love is not limited to romance. According to psychologist Dr. Marisa Franco, “friendship is not just fun – it’s essential for our health and well-being” (Franco). This idea explains why a holiday celebrating friendship is so crucial to so many girls. Friends provide emotional support, advice, and comfort when needed.
Overall, Galentine’s Day has reshaped Valentine’s season into something more inclusive. Instead of only supporting romantic partners, the holiday reminds people that love also exists in friendship. By honoring friends, people recognize relationships that support them every day of the year.
