Galentine’s Day is celebrated each year, on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the platonic love, usually among women.
It is a day to celebrate all the amazing female friendships in your life.
As Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope in the TV series Parks and Recreation describes it,
It’s only the best day of the year! Every February 13th, my friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it—breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.
Before diving into the celebration, let’s make sure our friend circle is full of kind, empathetic people—ensure you have people who will expand you, not shrink you. We assume you have let go of your narcissistic friends.
Why are female friendships so important?
In our patriarchal world, women have often been seen as competitors to each other. We’ve engaged in needless competition with other women, adopting a ‘pick-me’ mentality at times in our lives.
However, as we gain more insight into societal dynamics, we realize that this competition serves no purpose.
Men are no longer the ultimate prize. Let’s embrace sisterhood and support each other’s achievements. It’s time to celebrate the successes of our fellow women and draw inspiration from their journeys.
For centuries, women haven’t always shown kindness to each other. Let Galentine’s Day serve as a gentle reminder to break free from these patterns enforced by the patriarchy.
Here are 10 ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day and strengthen your friendship
1. Galentine’s Day Celebration Weekend Trip
Make new memories together to deepen your relationships. It’s an opportunity to spend time solely with each other, free from other responsibilities.
Listening to each other, having fun, and spending quality time together at least once a year can greatly strengthen your friendship. It is a great way to get to know one another better.
Read more about the benefits of traveling with friends below:
https://travelmax.in/uncategorized/does-traveling-together-strengthen-friendship/
https://www.shondaland.com/live/family/a44614025/the-art-of-friendship-how-to-travel-together/
https://www.elitedaily.com/life/friends-travel-together-form-closer-bonds-better-experiences/998329
2. Journaling together on Galentine’s day
Journaling together on Galentine’s Day is another enjoyable activity you can share. You can even do it online by sharing a digital file.
Each of you can respond to the same prompts, fostering a deeper understanding between you and your friends. Remember not to judge, and simply have fun with it.
Read more about the benefits of journaling below:
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-journaling
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/10-benefits-of-journaling-you-shouldnt-ignore/
3. Outdoor Activities for Galentine’s Day
Outdoor activities like hiking and camping are great ways to improve not only your physical health but also your mental well-being. They can serve as excellent bonding experiences.
Engaging in outdoor activities can symbolize overcoming life’s challenges together. Additionally, consider joining a female-led group or activity for a truly empowering all-girls experience.
Read more about the benefits of Outdoor activities with friends below:
https://www.foothillsacademy.org/community/articles/family-friends-and-fresh-air
https://monkeysandmountains.com/hiking-with-friends/
https://www.advnture.com/features/hiking-with-friends
4. Brunch/Dinner/Potluck for Galentine’s Day
Consider renting a venue for a small private party or going out for brunch or dinner, depending on time availability.
You can also try a potluck where each of you brings one dish for the group, making it a memorable day.
Remember to keep your phones off during the meal, and try to spend as much time together as possible while enjoying the food.
You can also try preparing a dessert or dish that symbolizes your friendship, such as a pudding or cake with each layer representing a flavor that each of you likes.
5. Card games/Board games for Galentine’s Day
There are plenty of card games designed for friendships, ranging from conversation starters to getting to know each other better.
It’s a fun way to celebrate your friendship and get to know each other better, understanding how each of you feels about one another.
Alternatively, you can opt for standard board games. Anything that encourages interaction and enjoyment among friends is a good choice.
Try to avoid using devices and focus on being present with your friends.
6. Sleepover as Part of Galentine’s Day
You’re never too old for sleepovers. There are plenty of great slumber party ideas for adults. Simply decide on a place and date and enjoy the comfort of your pajamas.
It won’t cost as much money or time as a vacation, but you can still have just as much fun.
You can sport matching pajama sets, play some nostalgic music, and make great cocktails—the options are endless.
7. Watch Movies/Shows or Read Books Together
Put on a show or movie and watch it together. You can do this even if you are not physically together. There are features like watch parties to watch it online together.
Choose shows or movies that hold meaning for your group, whether it’s nostalgia, comedy, or something all of you can enjoy.
You can also all read the same book or start a book club. Then, you can discuss the book together.
8. Write a letter or a few lines to each of your close friends describing what they mean to you.
You can write a letter or even two sentences about what each person in your group means to you. It doesn’t have to be a whole letter. Each of you can read it out loud or even give it to that person. They can cherish it as a great memory of that year’s Galentine’s Day.
9. Self-Care Day
It could be a fun activity that you can do together: get your nails done together, have manicures and pedicures, apply face masks, get facials, or style your hair similarly.
You could also meditate together, journal together, eat something healthy, or go for a walk.
It could even include body piercing or tattoos, although these may not necessarily be termed as self-care. Figure out what you as a group would call self-care and do things accordingly.
10. Go Through Old Photos/Memories/Places
Go through old memories of your friend group. Look through where it all started. Maybe you can visit the places you used to hang out as a group.
Observe where you started and where you are now.
Have any of your friends left the group? Grieve that as well. It is perfectly normal to outgrow friends.
Hope you have a great Galentine’s Day. No matter how you celebrate Galentine’s Day, focus on cherishing one another and making sure they know how much you value them.
