Not too long ago, Valentine’s Day often felt like a silent test for those who were single. Candlelit restaurants, heart-shaped decorations, and romance-filled social media feeds subtly suggested that being single was something lacking rather than a personal choice.

But the story has changed. In recent years, many single women have begun reshaping Valentine’s week into something empowering — choosing celebration over comparison. At the heart of this cultural shift is the growing popularity of Galentine’s Day.

The concept gained widespread attention through the sitcom Parks and Recreation, where the ever-enthusiastic Leslie Knope hosted a February 13 brunch to honour her closest female friends. What started as a fictional celebration soon blossomed into a real-world tradition, turning Galentine’s Day into a joyful tribute to female friendship.

Celebrated on the eve of Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s is marked by brunch dates, cosy get-togethers, handwritten notes, shared desserts, and heartfelt conversations that stretch late into the night. It’s a day rooted not in romance, but in connection.

More than just a charming trend, Galentine’s reflects a deeper cultural evolution. It gently challenges the idea that romantic relationships are the ultimate definition of happiness, recognising instead the powerful, sustaining role of platonic love in our lives.

By celebrating Galentine’s, women embrace a beautiful truth: love isn’t limited to romance. Friendship, too, deserves to be honoured, cherished, and celebrated.