By promoting a culture of self-love and enjoyment, Galentine’s Day brings together many young, single women as they spend time celebrating their love for friends and family.
The concept of Galentine’s Day became more well-known and annually celebrated after the episode “Galentine’s Day” aired in 2010 on the comedy TV show “Parks and Recreation.”
The holiday is set on February 13, the day before St. Valentine’s Day on the 14th.
The holiday can be a beneficial day for those who are single, struggling with a relationship or in a relationship.
According to junior Angela Trinh, Galentine’s Day is a “celebration” of being around “people you love,” regardless of if one is in a relationship.
“Not everyone has a significant other so it can be very hard to celebrate Valentine’s day and people do tend to feel lonely,” Trinh said. “I think Galentine’s Day is a very good way to bring women together and make us feel more powerful, strong and loved.”
Trinh feels that friendships should be appreciated on Galentine’s Day as they are important in life.
“I feel like friends are just the core stability to being happy and overcoming sadness,” Trinh said.
Junior Molly Kreag also feels that it is important to recognize friendship during this holiday.
“I make time for my friends because I love them and I want to see them and I have fun with them,” Kreag said. “There are things that your friends can give you that your significant other can’t.”
Women’s Aid Society participates in Galentine’s Day by making cards and sending them to women’s shelters to help those struggling during this time of year.
“It can be hard being so surrounded by the idea that on this day you need to be in a relationship,” sophomore Emma Horos said. “We just want to celebrate them and kind of lift them up a little bit on a day that might be kind of hard.”
According to Horos, Galentine’s Day can be a good day to open up conversations about relationships and past experiences.
“I think a lot of people probably have a harder day than they would like to admit,” Horos said. “[Galentine’s Day] is a good day prior to say ‘okay I’m just going to try and focus on myself tomorrow’ so it’s not as overwhelming.”
Horos also feels that it is important to prioritize self-love and care during this holiday as well.
When it comes to how self-love is shown, Horos likes to “take a day with friends” and spend time with them.
Senior Ava Beskar feels that another act of self-love can simply be people spending time with themselves..
“I’m a big fan of, even if you’re not in a relationship, taking yourself on dates and learning how to enjoy independent time,” Beskar said. “Going to a little coffee shop by yourself seeing a movie that you want to see is a good reminder that you don’t always need other people around.”
Trinh also takes time for herself to focus on self-love.
“I like to journal and I like to workout and take walks to clear my mind,” Trinh said.
Kreag feels that prioritizing your mental well-being can be an important act of self love during this time of year.
“For me, taking care of my mental health means getting rest so that I can be my best self,” Kreag said.