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“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
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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.
2. Wine and a movie
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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.
3. Brunch with mimosas
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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.
4. Goal-setting
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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.
5. Spa day
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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.
6. Create art projects
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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.
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 ).
