By Christine Coppa

Wondering how to best spend Galentine’s Day with your friends? My feature in Brides gives you 12 great options for laughter, warmth, and togetherness. #Brides #GalentinesDay

Journalist Christine Coppa writes,

“Happy Galentine’s Day! And no, that’s not a typo. Sure, it’s a made-up, silly-ish, holiday—but it’s a day to celebrate your platonic friendships—so we say, why not! And for those of us who are not coupled up it’s actually a welcome day to show our best friends some love—and receive some in return.

What Is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 13 to honor friendships. It was created and popularized by Amy Poehler’s fictional character, Leslie Knope, on Parks and Recreation.

The holiday was introduced during the sitcom’s second season in an episode called “Galentine’s Day” in which Knope proclaimed the holiday, “It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” Poehler’s character hosted a group of her closest girlfriends for a glorious feast of waffles, mimosas, and sisterhood. “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style,” she says in the episode. “Ladies celebrating ladies.”

We love the girl power sound of that and ever since the episode aired in 2010, Galentine’s Day has become a staple on everyone’s calendar. Even better, over the years, it’s evolved to be more inclusive and not just reserved for women—guys and gals can get in on the fun of the day.

If you feel like getting in on the action, read ahead as relationship expert Susan Winter shares her advice on how to make Galentine’s Day extra special this year.

Gift an At-Home Spa Day

Hit up the drugstore and purchase a bath bomb, sheet mask, and candle (seriously, think under 10 bucks). Drop off these goodies on your friend’s doorstep with a note that says something like, “Happy Galentine’s Day! Pamper yourself.”

“Encouraging a friend to take care of themselves is an honorable request. It shows you care deeply for your friend—and possibly more than they care for themselves at times,” Winter tells Brides. “You know your friend puts everyone and everything before themselves; this is your way of insisting they give all that love back to themselves.”

Zoom calls, Google meets, emails, Facetime, and texting are all the rage right now—but Winter encourages you to unplug. “Galentine’s Day is a perfect time to go old-school by snail-mailing a card or writing a letter. This thoughtful acknowledgment shows that you took time and energy to devote to your friend and friendship.”

We all lead busy lives between work, school, partners, kids, pets—the endless to-do list. Sometimes there is no time to get off of the hamster wheel, but you should. “Getting outside with your friend(s) is a fantastic cure-all. It takes our eyes off of screens and reconnects us to nature. Walking or hiking, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the serenity all around us clears the mind of its frantic clutter and gives us a chance to talk, or simply be with our friend,” adds Winter.

Send a Digital Slide Show

Do you have a ton of pics of you and your best friend(s) on your phone and/or computer? Creating a slide show of memories to the soundtrack of a special song, like the one you blasted in the car during your high school years is an ideal Galentine’s Day gift. Winter says pleasant memories will warm your friend’s heart and allow them to relive the great moments you’ve shared together. Plus, it’s something they can rewatch, over and over again.

Continue reading the full article, 12 Ways To Honor Your Friends On Galentine’s Day, on Brides magazine online.