Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! - The importance of close friendships around Valentine’s Day

By: Laxmi Badlani

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship, connection, and the most underrated type of love. Originating from the hit 2010’s show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day was popularized as a day to honor close friendships, especially among young women. Romantic relationships are often what is most talked about when people discuss love. While romantic love can be meaningful and beautiful, it is not the only form of love that exists.

Original Photo by: Gracie Ramos

 Close friendships provide emotional safety, understanding, and companionship in the most powerful ways. Friends witness our growth, support us through challenges, and celebrate our achievements. They remind us who we are when we forget and help us laugh when life feels heavy. The importance of close friendships is backed by both experience and research. Strong social bonds have been linked to better mental health, lower stress levels, and a greater sense of belonging. Friends help us regulate emotions and feel less alone when life gets tough. Whether it’s some words of encouragement, a long conversation after a tough day, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence, these small interactions build emotional strength over time.

Galentine’s Day also encourages doing things with intentionality. In our busy lives, friendships can sometimes become forgotten. Whether it's through a shared meal, handwritten notes, or a simple check-in, setting aside time to celebrate friends reinforces the idea that these relationships matter. It’s not about extravagant plans, but about acknowledgment and appreciation.

Original Photo by: Gracie Ramos

Another powerful aspect of Galentine’s Day is its inclusivity. Friendship-based love is not limited by relationship status, age, or life stage. No matter your relationship status, everyone benefits from meaningful friendships. Galentine’s reminds us that love is abundant and multifaceted, not something that should be narrowly defined or measured against romantic milestones.

With Galentine’s Day just around the corner, it's important to start thinking about how to celebrate. Laugh the night away with your girls in matching pajamas, or do a fun craft like bedazzling hair clips or painting. You can even just cuddle up on the coach and watch a rom-com. No matter what you do, savor the moment. These are friendships that you will always look back on, so cherish the night and make long-lasting memories.

Original Photo by: Gracie Ramos

Ultimately, Galentine’s Day is a reminder that friendship is a form of love worth celebrating loudly. The people who stand by us, grow alongside us, and show up for us again and again deserve recognition. By honoring close friendships, we affirm that love exists in many forms and that the bonds we build with one another are essential to a full, balanced, and joyful life.