Galentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14th, alongside Valentine’s. But whilst Valentine’s tends to celebrate romantic love, on Galentine’s we appreciate our pals.
This celebration was first referenced in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, but the term (and day) is now used to celebrate friendship. Because love isn’t just abut your partner.
Personally, I’m inspired by my friends daily and throughout 2020 and 2021 I’ve seen a strength in those around me that I didn’t know existed. That’s why I think that 14th February should be about Galentine’s. It’s about sending a message, or dropping a voice note, to say “you’re great and you’re important to me”.
Let’s celebrate our support systems. Reach out to the woman who your kids call “auntie”, to those that have virtually held our hands throughout this pandemic and to the friends that have showed us random acts of kindness. Bake them a cake, buy them dinner, or simply phone them up.
I for one could not have got through the last twelve months without the women in my life. So I’m using Galentine’s Day to recognise them.
To all the bossy women out there, I see you, I hear you and I’m telling you now; you’ll make a huge difference to somebody’s life. It might be a romantic partner, it might be your best friend, perhaps it’s the kid that lives next door.
You’re inspiring somebody. And you probably don’t even know it.
Happy Galentine’s Day. Please continue to be your unapologetic self.
