Every February, the shops turn red and pink, shelves overflow with heart-shaped chocolates, and florists prepare for their busiest day of the year.
While it is my birthday month, I wouldn’t quite say the shops are preparing their displays for me… It’s, of course, because Valentine’s Day is upon us, swiftly followed by the increasingly popular Galentine’s Day — a celebration of friendship popularised by pop culture and embraced by many. While some dismiss these as overly commercialised, superficial festivals, there is a deeper significance to them that feels particularly vital in the world we live in today.
We are constantly bombarded by news of conflict, division, and hardship. The cost-of-living crisis looms large, and for many, day-to-day life feels more challenging than ever. In such a climate, moments of connection and reminders of love and friendship are not just pleasant; they are essential. Valentine’s and Galentine’s Days serve as timely prompts to pause and reflect on the people who matter most in our lives.
Of course, it is easy to get swept up in the consumerism that surrounds us these days. Lavish bouquets, expensive jewellery, and extravagant dinners can create pressure to spend beyond our means. But celebrating love and friendship does not have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, the most meaningful gestures often cost little to nothing at all.
A handwritten note telling someone how much they mean to you. A phone call to check in on a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Offering to babysit for a neighbour so they can enjoy an evening to themselves. Cooking a simple meal together with a loved one.
These small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day in more powerful ways than a dozen roses could. But if you can buy the roses, then do that too – supporting your local independent florist is also a way of showing support and kindness.
For those who are single, Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel isolating, but it need not be. This is where the rise of Galentine’s Day has struck a chord. Originally coined in the TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the love shared between friends. In a society that often prioritises romantic relationships, it is a wonderful reminder that friendship is equally valuable and deserves recognition.
Our relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or familial, are the glue that holds our lives together. They provide comfort in difficult times, laughter in joyful moments, and companionship in everyday life. Taking a day to appreciate those bonds can act as a powerful antidote to the stress and anxiety that many of us carry.
In recent years, we have also seen the importance of community grow. The pandemic highlighted how vital it is to look out for one another. Checking on elderly neighbours, helping someone with their shopping, or simply sharing a smile with a stranger became acts of connection that brought light to dark days. That sense of community care is something we should strive to maintain, and days like Valentine’s and Galentine’s offer a perfect opportunity to do so.
So, this February, let us embrace these celebrations not as obligations to spend, but as gentle nudges to show appreciation. Whether it is your partner, your best friend, your parent, or the elderly neighbour down the road, let someone know they are valued and loved.
Because in a world that can often feel cold and uncertain, a little extra love goes a long way.
