Although romantic candlelit dinners and chocolate truffles with a significant other can be amazing, if you have ever thought about celebrating the endless love you have for your girl friends, you might just want to mark Galentine’s Day on your calendar this year. Galentine’s Day was made famous by the hit television show Parks and Recreation, starring Leslie Knope who is eager to “leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and kick it breakfast style… Just ladies celebrating ladies” (Parks and Recreation, Season 2 Episode 16). Here are a few reasons why Galentine’s Day is so much better than Valentine’s Day and why you should be taking out your besties on February 13th this year.
You know exactly what to expect with your friends.
You and your besties have known each other forever, so you know exactly what to expect: what food, what they’ll say, their likes and dislikes. There is no risk of them taking you to a fancy seafood restaurant when you hate seafood, saying something awkward that makes you cringe, showing up late or staying on their phone for the entire date.
You can spend the whole day in a cocoon of love and support.
Whatever activity you and your friends choose to do for Galentine’s Day, it is guaranteed that the day will be composed of real compliments and support from your best friends. More than anyone, your best friends know your goals and what you do to succeed and although you don’t need validation from anyone, a couple compliments never hurt anyone. It always seems a little better fighting your battles knowing that there are some amazing people supporting you and recognizing what you’re going through.
You can talk about whatever you want.
Your best friends and you talk about anything and everything, maybe too much sometimes. There is no need for a first date filter. You can discuss whatever you want over an amazing brunch: boys, periods, politics, how many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy you watched yesterday.
Your friends know exactly what gift to get you.
Yes, that’s right, your bestie just bought you the skirt you’ve been eyeing at the mall for months. There is no need for that fake smile as you accept a necklace you’ll never wear or flowers that you may be allergic to.
You can do whatever you want.
Maybe you want to celebrate Galentine’s Day by dressing up, going out and dancing with your friends, singing amazing ballads to each other or maybe going to brunch. Who knows, maybe you don’t feel like going out and all your besties come over for the sleepover of the year: sweatpants, snacks, karaoke, and movies starring your favorite hot actors (we’re looking at you, Channing Tatum).
You can free your dirty sense of humor.
On most romantic Valentine’s Dates, a “that’s what she said” joke might just not be acceptable. But whispering dirty jokes to your best friend over brunch is not only acceptable, but expected.
A lot of romantic relationships are temporary, but your friends are forever.
Although spending time with a cutie on Valentine’s Day can fun, what if it doesn’t work out in the long run? Who is going to be there to bring you food, tell you how amazing you are, bringing your favorite snacks and trying relentlessly to cheer you up? Your friends. And when the heartbreaker texts you again and you fall back in, who is going to be there to pick you up, again? That’s right, still your besties. Spend a little time celebrating all that they do.
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