I’ve always had a soft spot for Valentine’s Day. I see it as yet another opportunity to show love in an open, cheesy, bright and fun sort of way! Don’t get me wrong, as a love-sick teenager I placed a lot of expectations on this Hallmark holiday and I look back and cringe on how much I pressure I put on myself and the boyfriends I had during the month of February – all two of them – one of whom is now my husband. When people complain about the commercialization, idealization, and forced romance element of Valentine’s Day, I get it. The year Margaret was born, my in-laws were in town when she was a few weeks old and offered a date night. We decided to take them up on two hours to ourselves out of the house and planned to celebrate with rare steak, sushi, and a dirty martini – things I hadn’t had in almost a year! When we got to the restaurant, and were squeezed into a section full of tables and chairs that had literally been rented so they could stuff the walls of the place, we realized we’d accidentally booked ourselves a dinner during the week of Valentine’s day. We had fun because, let’s face it, at four weeks postpartum this was already a special treat. But I remember the squished, rushed, frantic “celebration of love” happening around me was less sensual and more stressful. That year for actual Valentine’s Day we ordered take-out and ate at home with new baby Margaret nestled in her swing beside us. Full of love and high on hormones I knew Valentines Day would be the best, no matter what we did from here on out. Growing up my mom would surprise us with Valentine’s treats and decorations and I remember how special it made me feel and love passing that on to my girls.
Besides loving on my family I also love the chance to love on my friends! I remember watching the episode of Parks and Rec, one of my all-time faves, and seeing Leslie and Anne celebrate “Galentine’s Day”. It reminded me of once in high school when I had just broken up with Curtis (our one and only break-up that was pretty devastating, but necessary) and my best friend Susan met me in the parking lot of school on Valentine’s morning with a gift for me- the cutest little sleep shorts with multicolored embroidered hearts. She said she knew it could be a tough day for me and wanted to show me some love! It meant the world to me and further shaped how I saw Valentine’s day from there on out. I’ve since discovered that Galentine’s Day is actually intended to be its own day on February 11, but I think whatever you call it, whenever you do it, having another reason to celebrate your girlfriends is a must!
So here are some fun options for your gal pals! Whether you get them a little something, write a sweet note, or call them to say “thank you for being a friend” (and please tell me you read that to the tune of the Golden Girls opening theme song) show some love to the ladies in your life!
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