Here’s Why “Galentine’s” Day Is So Much Better Than Valentine’s Day
By: Amy Faux
I know what you’re thinking: “Here we go, another single girl professing about female independence and not needing a man when she’s really just upset that she doesn’t have a hot date for Valentine’s day”. Well, not true. If you and your significant other have awesome plans for the day and you’ve spent a ton of money on cards, chocolates, reservations and gifts then all I have to say is: good for you! This is for anyone who is away from his or her significant other, is single, has an “it’s complicated” title or just doesn’t believe in the merit of the day. I personally don’t believe in Valentine’s Day because you should be showing that you love someone every day and not just on a single designated calendar date. But hey, there’s that single girl mentality coming through.
Thanks to Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation we have this wonderful term of “Galentine’s Day. Even though it’s traditionally celebrated on the day before Valentine’s Day, my friends and I celebrate it on the 14th. It’s such a relaxing and carefree day that I don’t know why everyone doesn’t celebrate it. Here are the 5 reasons why Galentine’s Day is so much better than Valentine’s Day:
Saves money
Between the presents, the food/reservations, the clothes, the cards, the lingerie and whatever else people buy, that’s a lot of money. According to US News, Valentine’s Day spending for this year is approaching $19 billion as of earlier this week. That’s expensive. US News also reports “the average person celebrating Feb. 14 will shell out $142.31, with $96.63 going to a spouse or significant other and the rest split among family members, friends, co-workers, pets, children’s classmates or teachers or other recipients. Guys will shell out an average of $190.53 this year, while women will spend $96.58 on gifts.” I don’t know about you but I can barely afford Chick-fil-a when my meal plan runs out let alone all of those expenses for one day.
Food is better
Now I’m going to be honest, I’ve never been taken out for Valentine’s Day so I don’t know where the “norm” is for dinner dates, but all I’m going to say is pizza is bae. Instead of going to some fancy restaurant where you get small portions of over-priced cold meals, why not chip in and get something that everyone loves: PIZZA! And you know what’s better than pizza? Pizza in heart shapes. My friends and I did this last year. We ordered pizza from a restaurant that was offering specialty shaped heart pizzas for no extra cost. It was a fun and cute (and tasted way better than rubber chicken).
Who cares what you wear
Speaking of going out to eat, it constitutes a certain dress code, especially on Valentine’s Day. I know how long it can take women to get ready on a normal day, but when you’re trying to look good for your significant other, it could take hours. First you have to find the perfect outfit: something sexy, not too revealing but will definitely get their attention; has to be appropriate for the restaurant yet shows off your figure. Next you have to find shoes to match. Then it gets down to the make-up and the hair products and yadda yadda yadda. For Galentine’s Day, you could show up in sweats and a t-shirt and no one is going to bat an eye at you. I might even stick to pajamas this year. But it’s cool because at Galentine’s Day, no one judges.
Don’t have to shave
Don’t get me started on grooming. It’s a pain. But hey, if you are expecting some special extra curricular activities after dinner then you shave everything. Let’s be honest, what girl actually enjoys shaving? I don’t know of any of them. Now obviously keeping everything under control and maintaining good hygiene is something completely different. What I’m saying is the time you spend shaving could be spent having an extra glass of wine while letting your five-inch long leg hair hang free at Gal’s night.
Wine
Is there really anything I have to say here? Gal’s day is centered around a girl’s true love: wine. The more the merrier! Everyone gets a bottle! (Or two!) There really isn’t much in life that’s better than getting wine drunk with your best friends, watching movies, eating pizza and hanging out in PJ’s.
Valentine’s day is a beautiful holiday full of love and romance, but the fact is, not everyone wants to or can celebrate it. For those that do, right on! You go out with your significant other, buy them the best gift ever and have a great night. And while you do that, I’ll be over here drinking wine with my best friends and counting my blessings ($$$). But, that’ll be after we have a contest to see whose leg hair is longer.
Cheers to everyone on this Galentine’s Day! You may not always have a valentine, but you will always have your galentines!