A Love Letter to Galentine’s Day

February has arrived and  — to the excitement, and dismay, of many — Valentine’s Day lurks just around the corner.

The romantic holiday evokes visions of chocolates, bouquets and life-sized teddy bears wrapped in pink bows. While these proclamations of love may seem innocent and gratifying, they’re a far cry from the holiday’s supposed essence. 

This materialistic notion of love appears to be more of a marketing opportunity than one for connection. Consumers are expected to spend $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, surpassing the $25.8 billion spent in 2024, according to the National Retail Federation. 

Fortunately, the holiday’s bouquet of financial burdens, relationship pressures and false affection are being cut short by a rising dark horse — Galentine’s Day. 

The unofficial holiday first entered the lexicon after the character Leslie Knope — in Season 2, Episode 16 of the comedy series “Parks and Recreation” — declared the day before Valentine’s Day a celebration of girlhood.

“Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style,” Knope said. “Ladies celebrating ladies.” 

At its core, Galentine’s Day is intended to celebrate female friendship. The holiday’s ethos is preserved through quality-time-based traditions such as potluck-style gatherings and communal movie nights — an impressive endeavor considering the sea of companies trying to capitalize off the holiday with gift lists, greeting cards and Galentine’s-themed apparel.

While these celebrations come with costs of their own, money spent on experiences instead of material possessions provides a greater return in overall happiness, according to the Integrative Medical Institute of Orange County. 

Pouring time into friendship has benefits that stretch beyond happiness. A study on the impact of female friendships on empowerment and support systems found participants thought female friendships were a source of intellectual validation and personal development, according to Women and Therapy.

These women also reported receiving more support from friends than their partners. A notion that affirms the significance of friendships and demonstrates the importance of Galentine’s Day — a holiday dedicated to championing the benefits of strong women-centric communities outlined in the study. 

Although the holiday’s origins are rooted in female friendships, Galentine’s has expanded to friend groups of all kinds. The broader celebration of friendship feels like a breath of fresh air compared to Valentine’s Day’s limited scope.

In the realm of love-centered holidays, it’s often argued gratitude should be shown everyday rather than just once a year. Although daily reminders of affection are nice, an annual reminder to prioritize non-romantic relationships is always appreciated. In Western society, romantic relationships often take precedent. So, when it comes to indulging in extra time with loved ones, consider celebrating the unsung friendships that come without the price tags and pressures of Valentine’s Day.