Every year, women from all over get together to celebrate Galentine’s Day: a moment to commemorate female friendships. Popularized on social media, this day is recognized as an occasion to drift away from the standard celebration of romantic relationships on Valentine’s Day and appreciate the love, support, and smiles that sprout from friendship.

At Bishop Gorman, students recognize the value of Galentine’s Day and what it entails. “Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships because good friends will always have your back when a romantic relationship doesn’t go smoothly,” said Samantha O’Hanley ‘27.

The holiday signifies more than just a brief hangout with friends; cherishing previous memories and looking forward to making more is what the occasion is really about. “In my opinion, the purpose of  Galentine’s Day is to celebrate the friendships and memories that have been created over the years, and reflecting on what has happened and what will hopefully come in the future,” shared Hannah Shahoian ‘25. 

It’s true that friendships create a firm foundation for an individual’s interactions and future decisions. These bonds set significant examples for loyalty and connection. While romantic relationships can be fun, friendships are of a similar if not more value. “Romantic relationships can be subject to change, but friends are supposed to be there for you always,” said Shahoian. “The platonic connections between friends that are established at a young age create a foundation for us, and teach us how real friends should act. Yes, having romantic love in your life is important, but having friendships who care for you and have your back is just as important.”

Whether celebrating with brunch, small gifts, or just quality time, celebrating Galentine’s Day is a reminder that there’s more to love than romance. Young women’s friendships hold an essential place in their lives and February is the perfect time to cherish them.