Boxes of chocolate at the front of the store, red and pink everywhere you look, romantic comedies on all your favorite channels, and people panicking to think of the perfect date. It's that time of year again: Valentine's Day is just around the corner. While some people around you may be basking in their couple bliss, not everyone is feeling the love. This year, singles are taking back February 14th with a new tradition: Galentine's Day.
If you're not someone gushing over the fact that Valentine's Day is approaching, then you're probably single. Which is awesome! You know how to enjoy your own company, you never settle, and you have time to focus on yourself. Overall, being single has many perks that even someone in a healthy relationship can be jealous of. Except not so much on Valentine's Day. Every year, beautiful, confident women are left feeling lesser on "Singles Awareness Day." Maybe it's the red hearts everywhere, or the jewelry commercials, or the insane amount of Instagram couple posts that can make Valentine's Day such a bummer.
But this year, before you sit down alone to watch that sad Nicholas Sparks movie, invite some friends over for Galentine's Day. Coined by the ever-feminist Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation," Galentine's Day is the perfect distraction from all that sappy couple nonsense you've been putting up with. All you need is your girl friends, your sister, your mom, your gynecologist, or literally any cool women that you appreciate.
Galentine's Day doesn't discriminate against the single people of the world, and it doesn't make anyone feel bad. It's basically the single girls' chance to have some fun on the dreaded day of love. It's the perfect excuse to get all your friends together and show them how much you love them. Treat yourself and your besties by going shopping, out to eat, or literally doing anything that makes you all happy. You can turn it into an Instagram moment that rivals even the cheesiest couple post. Use the day as your chance to shower your girls in the compliments you think but don't always say. Your friends are always here for you, so celebrate by showing them some extra love this Galentine's Day.
So instead of panicking, remember that Valentine's Day is just one day a year. It's 2017! Single-shaming should be a thing of the past. Tomorrow, boys will still suck, the couple drama will continue and you'll be happier than ever that you're single. Until then, pull out the wine and celebrate your extra-ness with your best friends. Happy Galentine's Day!
