Women Celebrate Galentine's Day Over Valentine's

Some women prefer spending the holiday with friends rather than romantic partners.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Christie O'Sullivan of Trinity, Florida has celebrated 21 Valentine's Days with her husband, but her favorite celebration was one she had with a friend before getting married. Many women are opting to celebrate "Galentine's Day" - a holiday focused on celebrating female friendships - instead of the traditional romantic Valentine's Day.

Why it matters

The rise of Galentine's Day reflects a shift in how some women view and prioritize their platonic relationships, especially as they navigate major life milestones like marriage. Celebrating friendships can provide an important source of support and community, particularly for single women or those dissatisfied with their romantic relationships.

The details

Galentine's Day is typically celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day. Women will often gather with their closest female friends to enjoy activities like brunch, exchanging gifts, or simply spending quality time together. The holiday was popularized by the TV show "Parks and Recreation" in the late 2000s, but has since taken on a life of its own as women seek out more fulfilling ways to mark the Valentine's season.

  • Galentine's Day is typically celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day.

The players

Christie O'Sullivan

A woman from Trinity, Florida who has celebrated 21 Valentine's Days with her husband, but enjoyed a Galentine's Day celebration with a friend before getting married.

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What they’re saying

“My favorite Valentine's Day was the one I spent with my best friend before I got married. We got dressed up, went out to a nice dinner, and just had a really fun, relaxing evening together.”

— Christie O'Sullivan (nhregister.com)

The takeaway

Galentine's Day offers an alternative to the traditional romantic focus of Valentine's Day, allowing women to celebrate the important platonic relationships in their lives. This shift reflects a growing desire among some women to prioritize their friendships and find fulfillment outside of traditional romantic partnerships.