People usually tend to think that Valentine’s Day is only about the love shared romantically with partners. But, what about re-envisioning the day to branch out, celebrating platonic love and appreciating shared friendships?
Half of a Heart…
Studies support this idea. According to research, approximately 44-50% of U.S. adults and teens are single on Valentine’s Day, representing over 120 million people who are not married or in a committed relationship. Data has also shown that roughly 23% of single people spend the day with friends, 26% treat themselves, and 19% go on a date. So, are there other options than being alone during such a “romantical” month? Yes.
Beyond “Romantic-Only” Traditions…
Celebrating alone should NEVER be an answer to a holiday. What about sharing love and appreciation platonically with the people loved most? To honor, appreciate, and strengthen platonic bonds–often as an alternative to the romantic focus of Feb. 14–Palentine’s/Galentine’s Day is gaining momentum for the single(s) who still want to celebrate and mingle with their best friends…without a significant other. This non-official holiday welcomes people and friends on Feb 13, leaving Feb. 14 to the lovebirds.
The “Gal” replacing “Val”…
Leave it to the sitcoms to joking introduce an idea that is later taken more seriously. Originating from a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, character Leslie Knope referred to it as “Ladies celebrating Ladies.” Thus, on Feb. 13, the non-official holiday has become dedicated to female friendships and their close bonds. It is dedicated to “uplifting one another” with non-romantic meaning behind the activities, such as brunches, mani-pedis, sleepovers, gift exchanges, gift baskets, and many more “girly” things with the gals. Instead of a sweetheart making a poster with flowers and candy, count on the gals to be there to help through such sticky situations!
“I would definitely celebrate with my friends and feel happy that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romantic lovers or relationships,” confides Avery McFarland, a current Sophomore at Elkhart High School. She also shares possible activities she would do, such as an “arts and craft day, complete with “little picture frames with collages with stuff that reminds us of each other.”
Pal-entine’s …
Same as with Galentine’s Day, Palentine’s is also celebrated on Feb. 13…but with a unique twist on the name, creating a more exclusive meaning. Guys or gals–or a combination of the two–simply hangout together for a gender-neutral version of celebrating platonic friendships, love, and appreciation. The endless list of activities they can consider include grouped dinners, co-ed games, movie marathons, card exchanges, and many more related groupie-things, same as the Galentine’s. Hey, this day could even be for guys who would like to celebrate with their pals for a day. Whether single or taken, this could be a getaway day for the guys and their pals, while their gals (friends or otherwise) are enjoying their own Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13, as well!
“I would enjoy a Palentine’s Day if it was an official thing,” says Sophomore Aryani Rodriguez. “ I do love spending one-on-one time with my gals, but I also like to be inclusive with others.” While some may say that one-on-one time is easier than dividing one’s attention, Rodriguez somewhat disagrees. “The best way to do [celebrate] would be in a group!” Concluding her opinion on the topic, she adds, “I feel, with these ideas, it’d be a way to feel special and loved–even if you don’t have a significant other.”
