Every year, it's the same thing: boxes of chocolate, little teddy bears, flowers and jewelry crowd the aisles of almost every store in America. For some, the reminder of being single can be depressing and make the holiday uncomfortable, but others choose to embrace their relationship status and celebrate with friends. Even those in relationships find time during the holiday to spend with other people they love besides their significant other making the holiday a celebration of friendship and love.
According to National Today, the tradition of Galentine's Day stemmed from an episode of the popular show "Parks and Recreation," which aired in 2010. Traditionally celebrated on Feb. 13, Galentine's Day then spread across the U.S. as an opportunity for "gals" and others to celebrate this holiday of love with their friends.
It is important to acknowledge that although the holiday was originally intended for single women to celebrate, since then, Galentine's Day parties have been celebrated by all genders and regardless of relationship status.
Adisyn Dorman, a freshman studying pre-nursing, said she and her roommate would watch "The Bachelor" on their projector to celebrate Galentine's Day this year.
She said celebrating this holiday centered around friendship was something she had been doing for years. Her basketball team in high school would often organize a dinner and a movie to celebrate.
Dorman said that although she has a boyfriend to celebrate the traditional version of Valentine's Day with, they will not be able to participate in the festivities in person together. So, spending time with her friends will help her stay in touch with the holiday.
Dorman said she thinks it is important to participate in traditions like Galentine's Day to spend time with friends and take time to appreciate her friendships.
"Valentine's Day is normally for significant others, but I think it's cool to show your friends that you do really love and care for them," she said.
Bella Jade Galakoutis, a freshman studying sociology and criminology, said for her Galentine's Day festivities, she and her friends will enjoy a day full of self-care.
She said the schedule includes getting their nails done, putting on face masks and baking, among other activities centered around pampering and treating oneself.
Galakoutis said when she was living in Connecticut, her friends would often celebrate by getting manicures and getting coffee or dinner together.
She said she finds it essential to celebrate the holiday with friends in order to show them how much they mean to her, and that although this holiday was usually based around romantic love, it could also be observed through friendships.
"It's important because those are my girls," Galakoutis said. "They've been there for me through everything and I think it's important to have that day where you appreciate each other and do things for each other."
Ayomide Ayorinde, a freshman studying pre-nursing, said she had already had a Galentine's Day celebration with her friends where they watched "The Bachelor."
She said it was her first time celebrating Valentine's Day and that she wasn't particularly excited about it, but she enjoyed her time, adding that she just went with the flow.
Ayorinde said that although celebrating Galentine's wasn't very exciting for her, she thinks it is important to spend time with friends and show care for the people around you
"I think it's important," she said. "It's just like relationships, but just about people you care about and love."
gc183621@ohio.edu
