“A faithful friend is the medicine of life” – Apocrypha

You may have heard the song ‘Valentine’s is coming. Where is your boyfriend?’, which circulates among African and Afro-Caribbean communities during this time of the year. #IfYouKnowYouKnow. If you are single or lonely, Valentine’s Day and all of the related content may trigger sadness about a lackluster love life. However, romantic love is not the only important relationship to have. The Greeks grouped love into 4 categories: Agape, or love of mankind, Storge, or the love parents have for children, Eros, or passionate or erotic love, and Philia, or love of equals or friends. Appreciate the various people in your life for the love you may be overlooking this year. In the meantime, let’s get into this Philia, and celebrate one of the best things about this time of year, Galentine’s Day!

The NBC show Parks and Recreation coined the term ‘Galentine’s Day’ during one of their show episodes, where Amy Poehler’s character celebrated Valentine’s Day with her female friends and loved ones. Since 2010, Galentine’s Day has been celebrated on February 13th, with the aim of honoring and uplifting platonic relationships between women.

Here are some ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day:

1. Homemade dinner with friends

( Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels )

There is nothing like a home-cooked meal. Besides, cooking at home usually means more leftovers. Making or sharing a meal with friends is a great way to bond, unwind, and set goals. Alternatively, varying friends can bring their signature dish or bring a Galentine’s Day playlist for the occasion.

Read “The Best Cookbooks by Black Authors for Cultural Recipes”:

The Best Cookbooks by Black Authors for Cultural Recipes

The history of African American cuisine is, in fact, the history of American food. Many of your favorite ingredients and dishes actually have African roots. One of the best ways to apprec… Read More »

2. Wine and a movie

( Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels )

Black television shows and films are making a mark in the film industry. Grab a blanket and binge watch your favorite television show or movie with a friend and an exquisite bottle of wine. Frozen, delivered, or homemade pizza will add a nice touch.

Read “Black TV Series to Watch This Fall”:

Black TV Series to Watch This Fall

Here are some Black tv series to binge-watch while having a night at home this fall. Read More »

3. Brunch with mimosas

( Photo by julie aagaard from Pexels )

Brunch and mimosas are a great and classy way to convene and enjoy the company of people you appreciate. Opt for a homey feel by making brunch at home, with tasty items like biscuits, home fries, and toast, or get dressed up and convene at a local brunch spot.

Read “Meet Imani White, 21-Year-Old Black Restaurant Owner”:

Meet Imani White; 21-Year-Old Black Restaurant Owner

Ms. White joined the staff of the Dew Inn in February of 2021. While only an employee, she did more than wait tables and make omelets–she took pride and found joy in building bonds with … Read More »

4. Goal-setting

( Photo by PICHA Stock from Pexels )

Goal-setting is a great way to motivate yourself and the people around you, as well as have accountability partners. If you have already done your goal-setting for the year, check in with your friends and evaluate the progress you are making. Jazz it up with some sparkling cider and snacks.

Read “The 5 Best Desserts from the African Diaspora”:

The 5 Best Desserts from the African Diaspora

There are a variety of African desserts, some influenced by the foreign civilizations who settled on the continent, and others based on ingredients that are naturally accessible in the area. Read More »

5. Spa day

( Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels )

A spa day is a great way to show appreciation to your body and work out the kinks that can appear due to stress. As COVID continues to affect the economy, it can be helpful to buy items like face masks, mani and pedi kits, nail drying machines, and bubble bath bombs at a convenience store, and treat yourself at home.

Read “7 Black-Owned Nail Brands To Shop For The Hottest Nails This Fall”:

7 Black-Owned Nail Brands To Shop For The Hottest Nails This Fall

Use your dollars to support Black-owned businesses and get trendy, stylish nails at the same time by buying from one of these Black-owned nail brands. Read More »

6. Create art projects

( Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels )

Art projects are great ways to develop your creativity muscle and create something you can be proud of. Book a pottery class or a sip and paint class this Galentine’s Day, or do an arts and craft project at home.

Read “How to Create a Narrative in Documentary Photography”:

How to Create a Narrative in Documentary Photography

At its core, photography is about conserving the human aesthetic and capturing fleeting moments. While many genres are free to experiment with surrealism and abstract expressionism, docum… Read More »

What Galentine’s Day activities do you recommend? Comment below!

Works Cited

https://www.newswise.com/articles/the-four-types-of-love-some-are-healthy-some-are-not

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/02/each-day-is-galentines-day/516408

https://www.essence.com/news/18-must-read-sisterhood-mantras/#365725

Nana Ama Addo is a writer, multimedia strategist, film director, and storytelling artist. She graduated with a BA in Africana Studies from the College of Wooster, and has studied at the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Nana Ama tells stories of entrepreneurship and Ghana repatriation at her brand, Asiedua’s Imprint ( www.asieduasimprint.com ).