I Was Single On Valentine's Day

This year, I was single on Valentine’s Day. In fact, I was single on Valentine’s Day last year, as well. And the year before and the year before. The thing is, I don’t really date. I never have. I don’t go on dates, I don’t really do relationships in general. I don’t usually have the time for that, and it’s just not something that interests me. Plus, I have heard too many horror stories to even entertain the notion. Relationships are messy, complicated and kind of heart-breaking in the end. Now, that might sound a little cynical, but I think it’s better to save yourself from the heartache and pain in the long run. People let you down. It happens all the time. And you know what I have always found? When it does happen, your friends are there for you in those moments. Friends can let you down too, sure, but all in all, they tend to stick around longer. And that is why I love spending Valentine’s Day with my friends. This year was no different. Galentine’s Day has been a thing for a few years. Yes, Galentine’s Day. Single women are spending Valentine’s Day with their true soulmates: their best girl friends. Because what could be better than that?

As we all know, friendship often takes a backseat to romantic love. We see this everywhere, all the time. In pop culture, movies, TV shows and just life in general. We are taught that romantic love is what we should all strive for. That getting married or being in a long-term relationship should be everyone’s goal. But what if not everyone feels that way? What if some of us prefer to be single and surrounded by our friends instead? Friendships are essential to life. Our friends’ love can sometimes literally save us. I know I have felt that way countless times. And they sometimes break your heart just as much as a romantic relationship. I have cried over friendship breakups much more than romantic ones. And I have felt more loved by my friends than pretty much anybody else in my life.

This year for Galentine’s Day, myself and a couple girlfriends had dinner together. Our friend cooked us a meal, we brought the wine and the chocolates and we drank and chatted for hours… and it was most chilled Valentine’s Day I could have asked for. I have spoken about my friends many times, both here and on Medium, and I could not stress enough how much I appreciate and value them. Their love, support and friendship means the world to me and spending even twenty minutes with any of them makes my day.

That’s what I think Galentine’s Day should be a thing. Like, a thing thing. Luckily, it looks like it’s heading that way. More and more women are doing this and it warms my heart. It even has its own Wikipedia page and everything! And if that isn’t rock solid, foolproof evidence that something is legit, I don’t know what is. There is even an anti-Valentine’s Day trend going around. And a Malentine’s Day, where men spend the day enjoying each other’s company. And I think all of that is great. Now, don’t get me wrong: I have nothing against Valentine’s Day itself, you understand. I think it’s wonderful that people get to spend February 14th with their significant other, having a romantic meal and whatnot. I think it’s beautiful. It’s just that I love that we’re at this stage where this is a valid, cool, exciting alternative. And one that I hope to be enjoying for many years to come.