- Relationships
Sure waffles and mimosas work...but try these ideas, too!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/friends-cheering-d512fb188a3944278ada2463cca02d0e.jpeg "12 Ways to Honor Your Friends on Galentine’s Day (1)")
Happy Galentine’s Day! And no, that’s not a typo. Sure, it’s a made-up, silly-ish, holiday, but it’s a day to celebrate your platonic friendships. So we say, why not! And for those of us who are not coupled up, it’s actually a welcome day to show our best friends some love—and receive some in return. Over the years, it’s evolved to be more inclusive and not just reserved for women. Guys and gals can get in on the fun of the day.
What Is Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 13 to honor friendships. It was created and popularized by Amy Poehler's fictional character Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, who described as "ladies celebrating ladies."
If you feel like getting in on the action, read ahead as relationship expert Susan Winter shares 12 ways to make Galentine’s Day extra special this year.
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Gift an At-Home Spa Day
Hit up the drugstore and purchase a bath bomb, sheet mask, and candle (seriously, think under $10). Drop off these goodies on your friend’s doorstep with a note that says something like, "Happy Galentine’s Day! Pamper yourself."
“Encouraging a friend to take care of themselves is an honorable request," Winter says. “You know your friend puts everyone and everything before themselves; this is your way of insisting they give all that love back to themselves.”
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Write a Letter
Zoom calls, Google Meets, emails, Facetime, and texting may be your go-tos, but Winter encourages you to unplug. “Galentine’s Day is a perfect time to go old-school by snail-mailing a card or writing a letter. This thoughtful acknowledgment shows that you took time and energy to devote to your friend and friendship.”
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Go for a Walk or Hike
We all lead busy lives between work, school, partners, kids, pets—the endless to-do list. Sometimes there is no time to get off the hamster wheel, but you should. “Getting outside with your friend(s) is a fantastic cure-all. It takes our eyes off screens and reconnects us to nature. Walking or hiking, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the serenity all around us clears the mind of its frantic clutter and gives us a chance to talk or simply be with our friend,” Winter adds.
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Cook a Meal Together
With endless food apps at our disposal, plan ahead to create a feast with your friend. Winter notes cooking together inspires conversation and relaxation. You’re a team doing and eating something you both love.
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Have a Zoom Happy Hour
If 2020 and 2021 taught us anything, it’s that we can still stay in touch and have fun while we do it. Send out a Zoom invite in advance. Tell your friends to block off an hour or two on a specific date. They should have their favorite drink or mocktail, plus a snack on hand. Winter says to let the evening unfold like a regular happy hour, only virtually. Talk, drink, snack, and catch up.
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Schedule a Mani-Pedi
When you book the appointment, explain that you are coming with your best friend and want to sit next to each other during the services. “It’s the perfect way to chat and relax,” Winter notes.
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Send a Friend Lunch
Whether your friend is working remotely or in an office, surprise them with their favorite lunch. Salad, sandwich, pizza, soup—it’s all considered comfort food when it comes from your bestie, right? “Sending a meal to your friend is a novel way to show that you care about them.”
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Stream a Friend-Themed Film
Nothing says friendship like a movie night at home. So whether you watch Beaches, Mean Girls, or Bridesmaids together on the couch or stream the same movie at the same time, texting through it—it’s a great way to connect, according to Winter. Don’t forget the popcorn.
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Have a Slumber Party
Book a hotel suite, or invite your friends over—who cares if you’re an adult? “Slumber parties are fun no matter how old you are,” Winter says. And yes, please play Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, and break out the Ouija board. Detoxifying face masks and junk food are a must.
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Engage in Retail Therapy
The plan: Go shopping together and set a dollar limit. Treat each other to a little something special, whether it be a new scarf, bangle, or perfume. “The act of being together is what counts. And the token gift is an added bonus.”
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Learn Something New Together
Learn to crochet trendy, chunky blankets and show off your progress via texts, or take an in-person or online homemade pasta cooking class. The goal is to learn something brand new together. You’ll have each other’s backs and a lot of fun in the process. Bonus: Whatever you end up learning and/or creating will serve as a friendship memento.
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Send a Digital Slideshow
Do you have a ton of pics of you and your best friend(s) on your phone and/or computer? Creating a slideshow of memories to the soundtrack of a special song, like the one you blasted in the car during your high school years is an ideal Galentine’s Day gift. Winter says pleasant memories will warm your friend’s heart and allow them to relive the great moments you’ve shared together. Plus, it’s something they can rewatch over and over again.
