While the English language may be one of the most expressive languages in the world, it seems that we are lacking good vocabulary in one category, and that is the language of love.
However, the Greeks did not have this problem. They had words for all types of love. However, today, I want to focus on one type of love in particular: philia, or the love associated with friendship.
I know many people who could honestly say that they have loved more deeply in their friendships than they have with any romantic relationship. We need our friends, and it's important to celebrate our relationships with them.
There are many family-oriented holidays out there, and that's wonderful! However, when thinking of friend-oriented holidays, two come to mind right away: Galentine's Day and Friendsgiving.
For most people, these holidays occur the day before their respective "official" holidays. So Galentine's day is February 13th and Friendsgiving is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Thursday. But, if you want to celebrate either of this holidays at a different time in the Season of Love or the Season of Giving, go ahead! Nobody's stopping you.
In particular, I think that given our current sociopolitical climate, Galentine's Day is extremely important. Coined by Leslie Knope on Parks and Rec, Galentine's Day is a holiday about "ladies celebrating ladies"
Although even if you are not a lady, you can think of a lady you would like to celebrate on Galentine's Day---maybe your mom (she did raise and birth you after all), a great teacher you had, or your very best friend. You can celebrate her awesomeness by something as simple as sending her a text saying that you appreciate her. A little goes a long way!
It's also just a good time to celebrate the friends you have, female or not.
If you haven't bought the Valentine's Day candy that's omnipresent in every store just for yourself---yet---you know you're gonna end up giving in and succumbing to the pressure of a heart-shaped cardboard box of chocolates before Feb 14th arrives, so you might as well share that box with your bestie.
I know so many people who celebrate Friendsgiving, and it is wonderful. I mean, it's basically Thanksgiving twice, but at least one of them is with your friends (and hopefully includes fewer unpleasant political conversations, but you know now!)
If you're a cook, baker, excellent host, or just love to eat alot, Friendsgiving is probably the Friend-oriented holiday for you.
However, who says you can't practice those skills in February?
Whether you're more into Galentine's Day or more into Friendsgiving, the choice is yours. The important thing is that you show them you care.
