Galentine’s Day

For several weeks whenever I walk into a drugstore in Queens I'm subjected to an explosion of everything pink and red, this could only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day is around the corner.

The funny thing about Valentine's Day is that most of my adult life I have recognized the holiday as romantic in nature, but in recent years with the inclusion of friendship, I’ve come to appreciate Valentine’s Day as a general day of Love. In fact, I send Valentine’s Day cards to close family and friends (yes, I do!). 

Recently I got to thinking, how many women and men go out of their way to celebrate special people on this day. A lot, it would seem from an online search. One celebration which resonated with me the most was: Galentine’s Day.

What is Galentine’s Day, you ask? This term was coined a few years back by Leslie Knope - a fictional character from the popular sitcom Parks and Recreation. Leslie declared, “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.” What a great concept.

In the spirit of Galentine’s Day I’m channeling Leslie Knope and suggest ways to celebrate:

* Brunch date with gal pals – send Evite

* Eat waffles – a Leslie Knope must!

* Exchange gifts – who doesn’t want gifts?

*Consume fizzy drinks – ok, so I’m partial to Merlot, but even I’ll drink a sugar-laden frou-frou drink for my lady friends

Whether you are taken, or happily detached, I’m sure you too can appreciate a different type of celebration. In fact, how about we declare February 15th Bromance Day?

Maria Cox

Source:

www.npr.org

www.hgtv.com