galentine’s day

[ gal–uhn-tahyns dey ]

“Observed on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day celebrates platonic friendships, usually among women. It originated on the show Parks and Recreation.”

If you haven’t seen the Parks and Rec episode, here is Leslie Knope’s opinion on Galentine’s.

Leslie, I’m with you. A day to celebrate my friendships with some of the women in my life is everything.

This year, my friends came over and we celebrated by making pink strawberry margaritas, making cards for our valentines, eating enchiladas, playing my favorite intimacy card game, and of course, watching a romance movie on the mega bed I set up in my living room.

Whether it’s a crafty night in, GNO, movie night, or brunch– no matter what you do, all that matters is celebrating friendship. Romantic love is everywhere, and I can’t say I’m not a sucker for it, but the fulfillment I get from my friendships is just as important.

This is a love letter to all of the wonderful women that are a part of my life. To the woman who:

offers to do the dishes after I’ve cooked the meal

lugs in her bag of craft supplies, ready to share and exchange

assembles a basket full of her friends’ favorite treats

texts you when you’re sad

goes to a spontaneous show with you

wanders library shelves, both pointing out the ones you’ve read

shares a hair tie

gives her last piece of gum

comments on your posts

talks about her cats

responds to your stories with “Slay”

talks about her dog and it’s many nicknames

calls unannounced

gives you a pair of comfy pants to wear

lets you burrow your cold feet under her thighs

laughs at your jokes

dances when there’s no music

makes you art

sends you Spotify links

scream sings feminine angst music with you

adds stickers to her water bottle

shares a bite for bite

coordinates outfits with you

facetimes you while she does chores

makes room for you and 2 of your friends in her studio apartment

cooks you dinner

makes you laugh ’till your stomach hurts

writes you letters

says “i love you” when she hangs up the phone

To my friends and all of your quirks and all of the small things you do to make me feel special. I see you and I love you.