Image: rawpixel.com from Pexels
For many single women across the world, February 14 can be an unwelcome reminder that their single status is not something to celebrate. Hell, it can even be positioned as something to be ashamed of. As someone who has spent MANY a Valentine’s Day solo or with friends rather than with a ‘significant other’, the fact that single people are ignored or sidelined at this time of year is frustrating, to say the least. But thanks to Leslie in Parks and Recreation, celebrating female friendship on February 13 (or Valentine’s Eve) could be set to overtake ‘traditional’ Valentine’s Day celebrations.
With female friendships playing a more significant role in our lives than in the past, as geographic mobility is easier and the concept of friends as family is more relevant than ever (I’m a prime example of this, having moved from the UK to Australia 10 years ago), it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the roles that our girlfriends play in our lives, and how important these friendships are to us.
And with an estimated 40% of the population being single, brands are starting to recognise this, too. Events such as Handpicked Wine’s Galentine’s Day tasting in Sydney’s Chippendale, as well as women holding their own Galentine’s Day parties, meet-ups and celebrations, and even buying gifts and Galentine’s Day cards for each other are all bringing female friendships to the fore.
Even if you don’t celebrate Galentine’s Day today, we should all be thankful for our female friendships and the love, support, fun and happiness they bring us. So thank you, my friends!
Will you be celebrating Galentine’s Day? I’d love to hear what you’ve got planned in the comments below.
