The Love That Laughs Louder Than Romance

What Is Galentine’s Day and Where Did It Come From?

For the ones who don’t know, Galentine’s Day is celebrated every year on 13 February — the day before Valentine’s. It started in 2010, when Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation decided brunch with her besties deserved a holiday of its own. Since then, it’s grown into something real. A day for celebrating the women who show up when the world gets loud, who laugh until they cry, and who always know when you need a voice note or a hug. It’s not about romance. It’s about the friendships that carry you. And the waffles. Always the waffles.

Why This Day Deserves a Place on the Calendar

There’s something sacred about 13 February. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need heart-shaped balloons or overpriced roses. It whispers, softly but clearly, “I see you. I adore you. Let’s never stop showing up for each other.” Galentine’s Day has become the glitter-glue on the calendar, sticking our moments of togetherness right before the rose-coloured frenzy of Valentine’s. And honestly, I’d take a mimosa-soaked brunch with my girls over a candlelit dinner any day.

The Fictional Story That Became a Real Celebration

The origin story is TV-famous now: Leslie Knope, queen of heartfelt overachievement, gathered her best friends for breakfast and declared it Galentine’s Day. But what began as a fictional plotline spilled into our real lives. Maybe because we were craving more space to celebrate our platonic soulmates. Or maybe because the world finally caught up to the truth: romantic love doesn’t own the spotlight.

What Female Friendship Really Feels Like

Friendships — especially female friendships — are galaxies of their own. They hold multitudes. Inside jokes, pep talks, warning texts about your ex’s new post, late-night tears, last-minute dress zips, shared Spotify playlists. They deserve confetti. And a day. Which is why Galentine’s took off. Quickly, quietly, and with lots of brunch.

A Celebration for Anyone Who Shows Up

It’s become more inclusive too. While it started as a day for women to celebrate women, it’s stretched its arms wider. Today, Galentine’s is for anyone who shows up with kindness and love — the ones who make you laugh when you’re falling apart and dance with you even when there’s no music. It’s about presence, not gender.

How We Celebrate Galentine’s Day Together

Celebrating Galentine’s can look like anything. Waffles and whipped cream. Fondue and fizz. A picnic on the floor with fairy lights. Karaoke in your living room. Matching pyjamas and old movies. A group chat lighting up with throwback photos and voice notes. It doesn’t need rules. Just the people who make you feel like the best version of yourself.

My Favourite Galentine’s Tradition This Year

This year, I made friendship bracelets with little charms that mean something only we would understand. One had a tiny sun. Another, a paintbrush. One just said “YES.” And I wrapped them like treasures, because that’s what these women are. On the table we had charcuterie roses (yes, that’s a thing), chocolate strawberries, and a playlist of songs that defined our decade of friendship. It was silly. And serious. And perfect.

Heartfelt Gift Ideas That Say ‘You Matter’

Gifts on Galentine’s don’t have to be big. They just have to be real. Think:

• A candle that smells like your last holiday together
• A scrapbook of notes from each friend
• A handwritten playlist
• A Polaroid framed with glitter
• A basket of inside jokes turned into objects

Looking Ahead to Future Galentine’s Days

And if you’re wondering what comes next? More of this. More celebrating friendship out loud. More giving it the same energy we give romance. More brunches. More traditions. Maybe next year it’s a hike or a sleepover or a spa night. Maybe it’s just a letter.

But whatever it is, I’ll be there. With my girls. With waffles. With heart.

What Galentine’s Day Means to Me

Because Galentine’s Day reminds me that love isn’t just a date night or a bouquet. Sometimes it’s a group of friends clinking glasses, saying, “I’m glad I found you.”

And that’s everything.

With love,
Ella Bloom