For those of you who don’t know, Galentine’s Day is a term coined by the one and only Leslie Knope, from the hilarious TV series "Parks and Recreation." If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend a binge-watch session on Netflix. Galentine’s Day is a very special holiday, celebrated on Feb. 13, to be shared with all of the closest female influences in your life: BFFs, family and coworkers.
Let's face it, Valentine's Day is overrated. Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to escape from all the romantic nonsense of Valentine’s Day and spend quality time with your girlfriends and have the most amazing time of your life. Single or taken, Galentine’s Day is meant to bring everyone together to celebrate the importance of friendship and empower women. As if you need any more reason to cherish girl power over stupid boys, here are a few reasons as to why Galentine’s Day is much, much better than Valentine’s Day:
1. Friendships > Relationships
In the wise words of Leslie Knope, “Hoes before bros. Uteruses before duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.” Live by this mantra. Every girl knows that no matter what situation they’re in, their best girlfriends will always be there for them to offer their shoulder to cry on. Women are a remarkably complex species. The female friendship is a truly amazing thing. You can go months without talking and reconnect as if you were conjoined at the hip the whole time or go from fighting one second to crying over "The Bachelor" together the next.
Let’s face it, guys just don’t understand us. Best friends know each other’s deepest, darkest secrets and take them to the grave. We’re loyal to each other because we’ve all experienced the pain and repercussions of catty girls and gossip. We’ve also all gone through breakups and heartbreak, so girls always know how to pick each other up and give the best advice. When that stupid boy breaks your heart, you know your girls will be there to catch you and supply endless pints of ice cream, a marathon of romantic comedies, a much needed wine night and an endless stream of insults to your now ex-boo.
Your friends have been there for you through all your past Valentine’s Days, both good and bad. They’ve listened to you gush over how great your boyfriend is and helped you devour an entire box of chocolates while crying over how lonely you are. Now it’s time to repay them for everything they’ve done for you! Remember, relationships may fade but friendships are forever.
2. You can talk about anything.
You can’t have a laugh over your most embarrassing moments with your crush, so that’s what girlfriends are for! Whether it’s horrendous hook-up stories or awkward sex questions, no topics are off limits on Galentine’s Day. You might even learn something new and surprising about one of your conservative co-workers that will change your view of them for the better.
And everyone knows that no one brings up humiliating tales from the past like your friend since kindergarten. All of the great stories and memories shared on Galentine’s Day help bring you and your gal pals closer together, and all the laughs act as a great ab workout.
3. Food.
No one knows that you can scarf down an entire
pizza other than your best friends – and they absolutely love you for it.
Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to stuff your face alongside your
favorite girls without any shame or guilt.
So go ahead and order that four-course meal for yourself and eat till your jean button pops – because that’s what Galentine’s Day is about! Treat yo' self. Forget about forcing yourself to carefully pick at the house salad that you ordered on your Valentine’s dinner date and order some endless buffalo wings to ravenously devour with your best friends. No wet wipes, no problem. And don’t forget about dessert!
4. The gifts.
It's just a simple fact of life: no one knows how to give a gift like a best friend. Who cares about the stupid heart-shaped necklace your boyfriend gets you when your BFF will get you a gift you actually want? Plus, you’re guaranteed to receive a gift that actually means something from a girlfriend.
Whether it’s a handmade Pinterest craft or something to signify a memory, a gift from a friend is always sentimental and way more valuable than anything money can buy. Another positive is that your girls know your style – so if they get you clothes or accessories you’ll actually wear them whereas colorblind boys don’t know the first thing about stepping into a Victoria’s Secret.
5. The compliments.
We all want our BFF to treat us the way Leslie treats her beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk ox, Ann Perkins. Everyone knows that girls give the best compliments and we know how to lift each other up. Galentine’s Day is a day dedicated to showering your best girlfriends with compliments to boost their confidence and raise their self-esteem, which is so important in today’s society for girls. You’re guaranteed to leave Galentine’s Day feeling like a million bucks.
6. It was created by Leslie Knope.
Need I say more? Not only is she an all around hilariously amazing human being and waffle enthusiast, but she is also the perfect representation of all things girl power. Plus, no one can rock a pantsuit like Leslie Knope.
In our patriarchal history, women have fought long and hard to make a name for themselves and obtain equal rights and substance in society – the same way Leslie made a name for herself in Pawnee’s government. What better way to make our kick-ass feminist ancestors (and Leslie Knope’s idols) proud than to dedicate an entire day to praising women.
Step aside Cupid, cause Leslie Knope has pled her case and Galentine’s Day is on the rise. It’s the perfect opportunity to let the ladies in your life know how much they mean to you. So what’re you waiting for? Go mark your calendars and make some reservations!
