What is Galentine’s Day and why is it relevant to college women?
Contrary to prevailing opinions, Galentine’s Day was not devised by big-name brands as a commercial ploy or by bitter single individuals aiming to overshadow Valentine’s Day. In fact, the day shares the same sentiment with its sister holiday, as it is a celebration of love and affection. Instead of encouraging women to turn green with envy and flaunt their independence, the holiday prompts everyone, single or taken, to meaningfully acknowledge their friendships through expressions of platonic love.
Dating back to only 2010, the term “Galentine” took the world by storm after fictional character Leslie Knope coined it on an episode of the hit comedy “Parks and Recreation.” According to her, the now widely recognized holiday is, indeed, meant to be a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.” As college women, this event plays a significant role in cultivating and maintaining strong female friendships. It not only spurs a conversation regarding the overall sense of fraternity among women but also reminds us to make time for our support systems by allowing us to show our appreciation by celebrating our connections in ways that are not centered around romantic love.
This type of celebration is so profound for college-aged women because our early twenties are one of the first instances in our lives when we are presented with the chance to choose our friends based on something other than circumstance. In high school, we tend to remain friends with the same people we have known since early childhood out of convenience, or become closest with the individuals we have the most classes with and see most often. While this is not always the case, the adult experience still differs from that of childhood— we choose who to make time for.
How Can We Meaningfully Celebrate Galentine’s Day?
When it comes to honoring the concepts of love and appreciation, it can be difficult for some to think of ways to show affection platonically. Below is a list of five ways you and your friends can make Galentine’s Day special!
- A Pizza your heart
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One foolproof way to any girl’s heart: food. It’s no secret that there are very few people who could pass up a good old-fashioned slice of pizza! If you and your girls are looking for fun dinner plans, then look no further. Creating your own heart-shaped pizza is a fun way to bond and it only takes a few ingredients: flour, pizza sauce, and cheese! Don’t forget about your vegan and lactose-intolerant besties; your local grocery stores are sure to have some dairy-free options available!
- Letters of love
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What better way to show appreciation for your friends than to write down all the things you love about them? All you need is a pen and an envelope to make this Galentine’s present that your friends are sure to remember dearly. If you want to get creative, you could have a contest for the person who writes the sappiest poem about the members of the group!
- Movies and mocktails
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Are you looking for a more relaxing way to celebrate the holiday? A chill movie night featuring all the best female-friendship-centered films and tasty mocktails is the perfect choice! Movies like Bridesmaids, Steel Magnolias, and one of my personal favorites, Someone Great, are all outstanding films that will have you both reflecting on the meaning of your friendships and rolling on the floor with laughter! As for mocktail inspiration, TikTok has tons of how-to videos that feature sparkling drinks (with or without champagne) that include delicious sorbets and edible glitter!
- Get Crafty
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A nod to the champion of commemorating meaningful bonds between Taylor Swift and her fans, the friendship bracelet has become a symbol of connection. Unleash your inner Swiftie on Galentine’s Day and set up a fun bracelet-making event for you and your best friends!
- Self-care soirée
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One of the best ways to show love to yourself is to participate in self-care. While self-care looks different for everyone, some common staples include face masks, nature walks, and listening to music. Engage in some self-care activities alongside your friends this Galentines by throwing a slumber party with an itinerary that features a hike through your favorite trail with a stop for a sweet treat, nail painting, and a dance party to top the night off!
Clearly, Galentine’s Day plays a vital role in the commemoration of female friendships, especially for college-aged women, and should be celebrated! Not to mention, there is no shortage of fun activities that lend themselves well to making the holiday special!