Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? This February 14, best friends at San Dimas High School can celebrate Galentine’s Day by spending quality time together whether at home, or local hangouts exchanging snacks, sharing laughs, and enjoying fun activities that create lasting memories. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the valuable bond of friendship.
Galentine’s Day, typically celebrated on Valentine’s Day, has become increasingly more popular among high school students as a way to shift focus away from couples and towards friendships. Many student students said the holiday creates a relaxed environment where everyone can feel included.
Senior Maiya Gutierrez said Galentine’s Day allows friends to show appreciation for one another in simple but meaningful ways. “We could have lunch together at a cute cafe and make bouquets for each other and little cards to show our appreciation,” Gutierrez said. She also suggested watching romantic comedies together while hanging out. “It reminds you that love applies to all relationships, and to cherish and celebrate the love you have for people even if it’s just friends or family.”
Junior Jessica Abdelmalak said celebrating with friends can help students feel supported rather than isolated. “Some fun and different things. My friends and I could go on a hike and find a nice spot to have a picnic, spend the day at the beach or hang out at a friend’s house” Abdelmalak said. She recommended setting up a small picnic with snacks, drinks and music. “Spending Valentine’s Day with friends makes the day more enjoyable because you feel supported and happy instead of lonely.”
Sophomore Stella Bjork said Galentine’s Day activities can be both fun and creative. “Fun things to do with friends for Galentine’s Day could be watching a romantic movie like The Notebook while painting or doing arts and crafts,” Bjork said. She also mentioned spa days and baking enjoyable options. “Spending time with friends makes Valentine’s more enjoyable because you get to hang out and make memories with people you enjoy being with.”
For many students Galentine’s Day helped remove the pressure often associated with Valentine’s Day. Instead of focusing on expectations or relationships, students were able to enjoy time with friends and create lasting memories.
As the holiday continues to grow in popularity, Galentine’s Day has become a reminder that love does not have to be romantic to be meaningful. At San Dimas high school students proved that friendships deserve to be celebrated just as much.
