While many people wish for Cupid’s arrow to strike them this Feb. 14, my wish is for chocolate, flowers, and good company on Feb. 13, the now infamous, Galentine’s Day, also known as Palentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day began in the fictional world of “Parks and Recreation” where Leslie Knope found a way to celebrate the friends in her life every year the day before Valentine’s Day. The holiday celebrates close friendships, mostly those between women. “Oh it’s only the best day of the year,” Knope declared. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style.”

Valentine’s Day is the day that only comes once a year to proclaim your love and cherish it: a great holiday for many who celebrate it. But, on the other hand, this holiday has become very commercialized and can leave many singles feeling lonely, which is where Galentine’s Day can come in. In an article from Alina Health, members of their team write that Galentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the bonds you have with your friends because “…women often get something out of their friendships with each other that they don’t get from their partners or their guy friends.” They go on to write that celebrating Galentine’s Day will benefit one’s mental health because of the general benefits that friendship has on individuals. This holiday can be for anyone, whether they are in a relationship or not, allowing people to celebrate any type of relationship this February.

The celebrations of Galentine’s Day can span across all different categories. Woman’s Day, a women’s monthly magazine, gives just a couple of ideas for this splendid holiday. Corrine Sullivan, a writer for Woman’s Day, suggests a spa day, karaoke night, pajama party, or a gift swapping event. For a night in, Sullivan recommends heart-shaped appetizers, flowers, or a heart-shaped piñata. A Galentine’s Day celebration does not need to be Instagrammable; anything works as long as unforgettable memories can be created with friends and loved ones. 

You can get away from the commercialization, and sometimes, unwanted romance that comes with Valentine’s Day by enjoying this newer holiday, Galentine’s Day, or you can celebrate the two. Whether celebrated on Feb. 13 or any other day in February, these friendships will not be forgotten.