Happy Galentine’s Day!
If you had asked me a few years ago what Galentine’s Day was, I would have stared at you blankly.
I first heard about it while watching Free Rein on Netflix with my daughter. They mentioned “Galentine’s Day,” and I genuinely thought I misheard it. I even turned on captions to make sure.
Nope. It was real. So like any curious woman, I Googled it.
And that’s when I learned the true Galentine’s Day meaning…a day (February 13th) for ladies celebrating ladies.
And honestly? I love that.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day started as a pop culture reference but has grown into something much bigger.
Celebrated on February 13, it’s a day dedicated to:
- Celebrating female friendships
- Showing appreciation to your ride-or-die girls
- Honoring the women who walk through life with you
Valentine’s Day is beautiful
but shouldn’t we be loving our significant others 365 days a year?
Galentine’s Day reminds us to celebrate our girlfriends too.
Why Galentine’s Day Means More to Me Now
I love my girlfriends. My sister. My circle.
But if I’m being honest?
I don’t always tell them that enough.
Small appreciation gifts. Random texts. Handwritten notes. Those are things I can get better at.
Look at some of these cute gift ideas.
So if you get something from me this February… act surprised
If you’re searching for the deeper meaning of Galentine’s Day, this is it for me.
It’s about lifelong friendship.
Dear 17-Year-Old Me,
Pick your friends carefully… and keep them close.
If you do it right the first time around, they will be there for a lifetime.
They’ll see you through:
- Marriage
- Babies
- Girls’ nights at The Melting Pot
- And the unimaginable heartbreak of planning your daughter’s funeral
Your girlfriends will fly in at a day’s notice when your world stops.
They will answer texts at midnight about random thoughts.
Your children will grow up alongside their children.
If you’re lucky…they won’t just be friends.
They’ll become sisters.
Some friends will come and go.
Some will leave and come back.
Some friendships will stretch with seasons.
As boys come and go (and they will), you may lose and gain friends.
That saying “girls come before guys”?
Mostly true.
And when you meet the love of your life (Hey boy hey… Mr. Tribe of Burton 😉), your real girlfriends will know before you do.
Get Over Yourself
You’re not always right.
Neither are they.
You will fight.
You will like the same boys.
Your parenting styles will eventually differ.
Get over it.
The faster you move past pride, the faster you get back to making memories.
Be able to laugh at yourself.
I promise…that embarrassing moment you think ruined your life? You’ll barely remember it at 27.
Find Girls Who Build You Up
If someone constantly puts you down… they are not your friend.
Unless they are gently telling you that the red, white, and blue plaid Guess bell bottoms with white platforms were a mistake.
(They were.)
True girlfriends speak life into you.
They don’t compete.
They don’t tear down.
They build.
You Can Have More Than One Friend
Please don’t believe you have to choose between friendships.
You can be friends with more than one person.
They don’t have to love each other for you to love them.
Find friends who listen.
But also…be a friend who listens.
Most importantly:
Be there.
Even when it’s inconvenient.
Even when it’s uncomfortable.
Even when life changes.
Because Galentine’s Day isn’t really about brunch or gifts.
It’s about loyalty.
Sincerely,
A much wiser 44-year-old
Happy Galentine’s Day
Thank you for letting me be me.
Thank you for staying.
Love you all.
Don’t forget to tell your girlfriends Happy Galentine’s Day.
Maybe even print them a card
So Happy Galentine’s Day to my Ride or Die Girls.
Thank you for letting me be me.
Love you all!
Tomorrow I’ll be sharing how my skin changed over the last few years.
