The Only Valentine You Really Need is Your Galentine

While the rest of the world is losing it over heart-shaped everything and last-minute dinner reservations, we’re here to talk about an actually important holiday: Galentine’s Day.

As Ruby and Megan put it best on their latest episode of The Ins & Outs with Ruby & Megan, Galentine’s Day is “the day where we celebrate friendship and all kinds of platonic love, which is so important.” And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from our Gen X sisters (the ones who survived programming VCRs without YouTube tutorials), it’s that the women in your life are your lifeline—not your competition.

The Only Valentine You Really Need is Your Galentine

A Little History Lesson (Because We Love Context)

Before you assume this is just another Hallmark holiday designed to make single people feel less bad about themselves, let’s rewind. Galentine’s Day came to us from the brilliant mind of Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler’s character in Parks and Recreation). In a now-iconic 2010 episode, Leslie threw an elaborate brunch for her lady friends on February 13, complete with waffles, mimosas, and heartfelt appreciation. It was pure, unfiltered estrogen-fueled joy.

And because women know a good thing when they see it, Galentine’s Day transcended television and became a real-life celebration. No tacky greeting cards needed—just your ride-or-dies, good food, and a well-placed “I love you, bitch.”

The Power of Female Friendships

In their Galentine’s Day episode, Ruby and Megan get real about the importance of friendships, especially when romantic relationships come and go. “This last six months has been rough—really next level,” Ruby admits about her breakup. “And I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all of those people.”

This is the stuff that actually matters. A good partner is great, sure, but a strong support system of women? That’s priceless. We’re talking about the friends who let you ugly cry over FaceTime, the ones who send you “you up?” texts (but in a totally non-creepy, emotionally supportive way), and the ones who hype you up when you’re doubting your worth.

And while some people still insist on seeing other women as competition, Ruby and Megan are here to remind us: “Why does not having one type of relationship negate any of the others?” In other words, being single isn’t the same as being alone. When you’ve got your girls, you’re never “single.”

How to Celebrate Galentine’s Day Like a Pro

How can you actually make this unofficial-but-should-be-official holiday a thing? Ruby and Megan have some thoughts:

1. Brunch, Baby, Brunch:

The classic, can’t-go-wrong way to celebrate. As Megan puts it, “If you’re not eating something covered in syrup and carbs, are you even doing Galentine’s Day right?” The answer: No. Waffles, French toast, and mimosas should be in heavy rotation.

2. Plan a Self-Care Sesh:

“Finding ways to feel good in yourself is key,” Ruby notes, and what better way to do that than a big self-care day? Think: face masks, wine, and the kind of deep conversations that make you feel like Oprah.

3. Hype Up Your Besties:

No, really. Text your best friend right now and tell her she’s amazing. Ruby and Megan touched on this when they talked about self-worth and knowing your standards, and that goes for friendships, too. “I think as you get older… there’s just so much more,” Megan reflects. “Which I get frustrated at because I’m like, I’ve been celibate now for so long, I’d just really like to hook up with someone, but I can’t get past just like… if it’s just looks.” Translation? Depth matters, and that goes for friendships as well. Celebrate your people.

4. Have a Nostalgic Movie Night:

Think Bridget Jones’s Diary, Clueless, or Sex and the City. As Megan hilariously points out, “Any 90s sitcom or rom-com, I’m just amazed at their housing. Like, you have an entry-level job and you live in this bougie two-bed flat?” Unrealistic expectations aside, these movies remind us that female friendships are the real love stories.

5. Host a Game Night or a Roast Session:

Nothing says love like absolutely destroying your besties in a game of Cards Against Humanity. Or, if you’ve got the right group, a light-hearted roast session can be hilarious. Just make sure everyone can take a joke (and that you don’t accidentally ruin friendships over an Uno game).

Don’t Forget the Mamas, Sisters, and Work Wives

Galentine’s Day isn’t just for your friends. Show some love to your mom, sister, aunt, or even your coworker who always has an extra tampon when you need one (true hero behavior). Take your mom out for coffee, send your sister a playlist of songs you used to scream-sing in the car, or bring your work wife her favorite overpriced oat milk latte. Small acts of appreciation go a long way.

Women Supporting Women is the Real Flex

At the end of the day, Galentine’s Day is about lifting each other, not tearing each other down. Ruby wisely says, “Just because someone’s giving someone else love, it’s not taking away from the love they’re giving me.” So go ahead and plan that brunch, buy your bestie some flowers, and send that unhinged TikTok that reminds you of her. Love isn’t just for romantic relationships—it’s for all the women who keep us sane, support our questionable life choices, and remind us that we’re never truly alone.

And if nothing else, it’s an excuse to drink mimosas before noon. Cheers!