Now before you get all patronize-y and tell me I’m bitter about not having a date for the world’s most hated holiday, let me just explain you a thing. I hate Valentine’s Day for many reasons, but its eve is my favorite day of the year. What’s more special than gathering your favorite group of gal-pals together in solidarity? So get your waffles at J.J.’s Diner, write a 5,000 word essay about why your BFF is awesome, needlepoint a pillow with her face and a headline from the day she was born on it, hand-crochet some flower pens, grab a mimosa, and pass the Bechtel test because it’s only the best day of the year, you beautiful tropical fish!

By the time you read this, Galentine’s Day will be over, but here are some reasons why you should totally celebrate it anyway.

1. Leslie Knope invented it, duh!

If there’s one fab lady who supports #galpals more than Taylor Swift, it’s Leslie Knope. From her wall of inspirational women to inventing an entire day just for her lady friends.

2. Breakfast food? Breakfast food.

Question: Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food? Answer: People are idiots. My suggestion would be the Knope classic waffles and whipped cream; but, you can also ask for all the bacon and eggs your favorite diner has, too. I don’t know about you, but breakfast food sounds much more appealing than a bouquet of roses.

3. Ladies celebrating ladies, what’s better than that?

Not to be fake deep, but…girls rule and boys drool. Sorry, boys. It’s a scientific fact, and you can’t argue science.

4. More compliments to make your friends’ little hearts flutter.

Because let’s face it, all your gals are rainbow-infused space unicorns.

5. You and your friends follow the same code.

S.O.’s are great and all, but your gals would do anything for you.

6. Galentine’s Day may be far superior, but it’s not anti-Valentine’s Day.

Even if your BFF is obsessed with their S.O. and can’t wait for their V-Day plans, your friendship deserves a day, too. You don’t have to complain about exes or buy a piñata shaped like their face…unless you want to, of course. But Galentine’s Day is all about uplifting your gals and not tearing them down.

7. You can also treat yo’ self!

Because you are more important than someone who broke your heart.

8. But honestly, every day should be Galentine’s Day.

“We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.” – Leslie Barbara Knope

Go forth and celebrate your ladies, you poetic and noble land mermaid!