Galentine’s Day is a pop cultural phenomenon that originated from a 2010 episode of “Parks and Recreation”, and quickly gained popularity with social media trends and merchandise. The main focus of Galentine’s is to celebrate the power of female friendship, shifting the focus away from traditional romantic Valentine’s Day. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for everyone to be included, whether they are single or taken, celebrating the importance of friendship. Additionally, the day is a chance for groups of friends to get together, have fun, craft, play games and spoil each other.
For junior Josie Kamas, Galentine’s is an opportunity to “step back from the romantic aspect of Valentine’s Day” and “get a deep appreciation for the friendships that you have formed.”
Taking that step back from relationships during Galentines makes many realize how female friendships are often more supportive and loving than romantic relationships. It’s important to surround yourself with uplifting and positive relationships, which frequently come in the form of close friendships.
“[Girls] understand in a way that a guy will never understand someone,” senior Millie Knoepfle said. “They make you feel better about yourself.”
This reflection period also highlights the role female friends play in people’s lives. Notably, in everyday decision making, as girls often look for their friends to weigh in their opinions before making a final choice. It is natural to mirror the actions of your peers especially when you are purposefully surrounding yourself with people you look up to.
“They have given me confidence that I would never have without them,” Kamas said. “I look to my friends to kind of set an example for myself on who I want to be”.
Knoepfle also sees her friends as a “built-in therapist” and often goes to them first when making an important decision.
In recent years, Galentine’s has gained popularity through social media and many trends have circulated. A lot of Galentine’s celebrations include an exchange between everyone and a popular one is a Jellycat stuffed animal exchange. Everyone gets assigned a secret name and is in charge of getting the appropriate Jellycat for that friend, who is revealed at the Galentine’s party.
“My friends and I did the Jellycat exchange this year and it was so fun seeing how everyone’s Jellycat fit them perfectly,” junior Mimi Castaneda said.
More fun activities for a Galentine’s gathering include decorating cookies, making personalized friendship bracelets or games like “Who’s most likely to”. These shared experiences with your friends create lasting memories and strengthen connections even further.
“My favorite game to play is ‘who’s most likely to’ because it’s fun to see everyone’s opinions and we learn a lot about each other” Knoepfle said.
Aside from spreading Galentine’s trends, social media also creates a support system among girls, giving them easy access to connect with one another. One example for Severna Park High School is the SheLeads Club Instagram page. It’s one of many pages that provides an opportunity for girls to find their community.
“SheLeads recognizes and supports other girls and allows you to find people who have the same interests as you” sophomore Mari Matthews said.
Hopefully this month everyone gets a chance to honor their female friendships, whether it be with a Galentine’s party or a simple hand-written message, everyone deserves to feel loved this holiday.
