February brings us Galentine’s Day. The term was coined on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation when Leslie Knope, the fictional Deputy Director introduced the term. “It’s like Lilith Fair without the angst. Plus frittatas.” Galentines refers to plutonic “girlfriend” relationships. Galentine’s Day is usually celebrated on February 13.
I first heard the term several years ago when one of my single female friends was distraught about not having a male partner with whom to celebrate Valentine’s Day. That year, she gave me a box of chocolates, each shaped like frogs, that said “you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.” It was funny … and fun.
Fast forward to 2025. Galentine’s Day has become almost as popular as Valentine’s Day. Retail establishments market self-care products, restaurants offer specials, branded greeting cards, and gift items can be found everywhere!
Our local domestic violence organization has an annual Galentine’s Day fund raiser on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. No program. Tickets get you a breakfast with mimosas, photo booth, and the opportunity to purchase women-focused products and services. The event is two hours to honor and enjoy female acquaintances and friendship in a vibrant, happy atmosphere while helping a serious cause.
Another organization which is women-centered is offering a screening of “The M Factor: Shredding the Silene on Menopause” as a Galentine’s Event, later in the month.
Women often forget the importance of having female friends. The sheer joy of being with other women elevates your life, especially as we retire and continue to age. More importantly, having friendships yields happier, more productive lives. Galentine’s Day is the ideal time to honor our friendships and remind each other how valued our relationships are. Even after I moved my mother from her home town into my home, her 80s and 90s-year old girlfriends kept in touch.
Celebrating friendships can be low-key or you can go all out. You can invite ladies for charcuterie and a glass of wine, go to brunch, play games, have a sleepover in a hotel – be creative! Find ways to enjoy your girlfriends. And even if you are not a party planner or don’t have the energy to host friends, you can make phone calls, send a card, or craft an email. Use this as a time to reconnect!
Galentine’s Day has become so popular that other “groups” are getting on the celebration bandwagon. Palentine’s Day is a gender neutral version and Malentine’s Day is for men to celebrate their friendships.
Yet we ladies know, the best day of February is Galentine’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate our friendships with women of all ages, all stages. Happy Galentine’s Day, Friends!
Silver Sage Sisters 