Expand Your Circle of Female Friends With These Fun Ideas
We’re all familiar with the tradition of exchanging heartfelt cards on Valentine’s Day, but how do people celebrate Galentine’s Day? For that matter, what is Galentine’s Day?
Popularized on the TV show Parks and Recreation in 2010, Galentine’s Day is February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. On the show, Leslie Knope and her gal pals celebrate each other over brunch — and her character’s famous love of waffles and homemade gifts.
Since that episode premiered, the holiday has taken off in real life, becoming a reminder to celebrate friendships and the important role they play in our lives.
The holiday is a great reminder to reach out and let people know you’re thinking of them. While the holiday is geared towards women, anyone can wish their female friends and acquaintances a Happy Galentine’s Day. (Gentlemen, you can even adapt some of the tips below to connect with your male friends.)
Why not make a plan to expand your circle of friends with these creative ideas this Galentine’s Day?
Reconnect with a Letter or Text
Is there someone you spent time with in your youth — or from a past workplace — that you’d like to reconnect with? Writing them a letter in honor of Galentine’s Day is a simple starting point.
Whether you write your note in a card, on stationary, or over email, keep your message short and sweet. Start by saying something like:
“Have you heard of Galentine’s Day? It’s a holiday for celebrating friendships, so naturally, I thought of you. Remember the time we [reference a time you spent together]? Those were good times. I’d love to get together or chat on the phone with you soon and hear how you are doing.”
If you feel nervous about continuing the conversation , remember you can always use active listening skills to know what to say to help rekindle a relationship.
For women you see or speak with more often, consider sending a text to say Happy Galentine’s Day or post a meme on their Facebook page.
Host a Movie Night
Are there some women in your life you’d like to get to know better? Perhaps some ladies from your neighborhood, faith community, or job?
Invite a few of them over for a Galentine’s Day Movie Night. You can watch a movie featuring special female friendships together at your home or online — here’s how to host a Movie Watch party over a streaming app.
Here are some of our favorites you can stream or find on DVD at your local library:
- Beaches
- Bend it Like Beckham
- Bridesmaids
- Girls Trip
- Mean Girls
- Nine to Five
- Ocean’s 8
- Pitch Perfect
- Steel Magnolias
- Thelma and Louise
- Waiting to Exhale
After the movie, ask your guests to share their thoughts about the movie. You can ask:
- What was your favorite part of the film? Why?
- What did you think of the ending? Did it surprise you?
- Which character did you relate the most to?
To keep conversations flowing after the Movie Night, invite your guests to a movie group on Facebook or Meetup where you can discuss your favorite films and share recommendations of what to watch on your own — or together again at your next movie gathering.
Get Together for Brunch
If you really want to honor Galentine’s Day, brunch is the traditional way to go, whether it’s enjoyed one-on-one or with a group.
Meeting up at a local restaurant is an ideal way to keep the pressure off planning something at your home, plus you never know, you may meet someone who has the potential to become a friend while you’re out.
Showing empathy and offering support to the women in your life fosters connection, bringing you closer and giving you a sense of belonging that lessens your risk of social isolation — on Galentine’s Day and all year long.