NBC’s Parks and Recreation heroine Leslie Knope knows the importance of girlfriends. On the February 2 episode Leslie celebrated Galentine’s Day, a holiday held the day before Valentine’s Day, with a luncheon for her favorite female friends. Following the episode, Galentine’s Day was a trending topic on twitter. The fictional holiday is starting to gain some real celebrants.
According to the UCLA School of Medicine, girlfriends are good for our health. A study conducted by the university revealed that hanging out with female friends releases oxytocin in our brains, which reduces stress. Now that’s something to celebrate. With February 14th right around the corner, it’s time to start prepping!
Forget men! Galentine’s Day is all about showing love to the women who are always by your side. Take some time out from your busy schedule and round up your friends for a girls-only dinner. Invite your girlfriends over for a cupcake decorating party or a movie night. Give all your gal pals a pink rose, which symbolizes friendship. Or even better a chocolate bar.
And don’t forget about the friends who keep you company when you’re away from Scranton. Send out Galentine’s Day Cards to all your long distance friends. Include a gift certificate for your favorite hometown restaurant and make plans for a belated Galentine’s Day celebration.
Don’t waste time being sad about not having a Valentine, surround yourself with your favorite gals and go all out for Galentine’s Day. In the words of Ms. Knope, “it should be a national holiday.”