Why Galentine’s Day is just as important as Valentine’s Day

“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year!”

Leslie Knope, Parks and Rec

First off, let me start by saying I think we should change the name of “Galentine’s Day.” Today should be about more than just celebrating your female friendships; it should include everyone whose friendship you cherish, regardless of their sexual identity. The name, Galentine’s Day, also seems to portray the idea that it is an “anti-men” celebration, but I know that some of my best friendships are with guys and they deserve to be included in these celebrations, too. Thanks to Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec, Galentine’s Day has become more popular amongst friends in recent years. But, I still think it should be more common to invite your male or non-binary friends to all of your Galentine’s Day celebrations. Some of my friendships with guys have actually proven to be stronger than some female friendships I have acquired over the years, and of course, we should celebrate all of our friendships on a regular basis, but having a day to get together and celebrate each other is a great way to be reminded of your love and support for one another.

I know for me, and maybe a lot of other college students, Galentine’s Day can actually be kind of hard. Leaving for college meant the separation of my lifelong best friends. We all ended up at different schools across the country and although we are all still close, this day is hard when I’m surrounded by people with solid friend groups here on campus. I’m not exactly sure why, but for me college has made me much more introverted than I was growing up. Maybe it is the large campus size or the fact that I didn’t join a sorority, but I have definitely found it hard to make friends. Sure, I have friends in my classes and friends in the clubs I have joined, but I don’t feel like I have that solid support like I did in High School. I’m alright with my Galentine’s Day consisting of mailing care-packages to my best friends across the country and ending the night with a group facetime call to catch up, but I would give anything to be with them in person. Nevertheless, I love that Galentine’s Day has become such an important celebration for so many across the world. If you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by your closest friends today, I hope you take the time to show them how much they mean to you.