Valentine's Day has this weird reputation for only being about romantic relationships, but I don't see it that way. In fact, even as a married woman, I make time for my friends around Valentine's, and we celebrate Galentine's instead. I've been doing this since high school, and while it's evolved a bit over the years and the friends I share the day with have changed - it's still going strong.






It's worked out pretty well the last couple of years, because hello, Christian Grey. So this year is going to be the same. Fifty Shades Freed comes out on the 9th and the girls and I are already planning to be there that weekend to get a little freaky-leaky and also get some lunch, you know.

(And before you pick about the whole Fifty Shades thing, those were the books that got me back into reading and the third one is preeeeettty exciting, so I'm excited to see it.)






But to get back on track - love isn't just about romantic love. It's about all love. So, use this time to celebrate your friends and family, too - whether it's going out on a girl-date, or having a night in (seriously, one year, one of my girlfriends and I baked cupcakes and played Just Dance for hours, and it was the best time!).






Here are five ideas on things to do with your friends to celebrate Galentine's:


1. Hit up a paint night. My friends and I really enjoyed going - we had Mexican food and wine and painted cows. It was so much. You can typically find a coupon code online to get 30-40% off the regular price.

2. Call me cliche, but I really love the whole dinner and a movie thing (or lunch and a movie). Obviously, see above.

3. Go ice skating. Okay, so you won't see me doing this anytime soon. I've tried, but I chicken out every single time. It may be your thing, though. And February usually means there are still ice skating rinks around to do your thang.

4. Host an at-home craft night. Seriously, this is on my list of things to do. And could be really fun and/or really hilarious.

5. Do some pampering. I've never been to the spa, but I feel like it would be such a perfect thing to do with friends. Massages, manis/pedis, facials, whatever. Just treat yo'self (and maybe your buddies. Or maybe go dutch? Do whatever!)



How do you celebrate your friendships during the Valentine's season?

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