When we think of the holiday of St. Valentine, we think of intimate relationships and romantic dates with a significant other. However, another holiday has been more popular in recent years: Galentine’s Day. Guys and gals who are single on Valentine’s Day have been spending the day with their friends instead of being alone on the traditionally romantic holiday.

As a gal myself, I love Galentine’s. Spending the day with my friends without expectations of a date. Having a comfortable, laid back day with my friends is considerably better use of my time compared to being stuck in a stuffy dress with pins sticking out of my hair on a date with a man who doesn’t quite get me like my girlfriends do. Galentine’s is about the empowerment of female friendship. Many women have taken a step back from their romantic relationships to focus on their relationships with their friends as the popularity of the holiday has grown.

In today’s society it is not necessarily looked down upon to be single on Valentine’s Day like it has in the past. It is okay to be single because as a girl you have community. Being single on Valentine’s Day is okay, and it’s nothing to be looked down on. It also doesn’t mean that you’re alone.

As a girl, you are part of a strong community. Everyone has their own experiences, but as women, we are a part of a minority that can connect with our shared experiences, however different they may be. Being able to connect with ourselves and others is crucial, and sharing our experiences is just as important. Galentine’s gives us a good opportunity to do just that.

Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day are both about celebrating people we appreciate and love. It is just the type of love that we are celebrating. Friendship is a big part of life and so is a romantic relationship, but in my opinion friendships are way more important. To me a romantic relationship is only a friendship but a little more physical. The emotional part of a relationship is more rewarding.

Galentine’s day is technically Feb. 13, but even your friends can be your valentines for the official holiday; 60% of US adults think that Valentine’s Day is for all relationships.

But if you think Valentine’s Day is only for couples and decide to mope in loneliness, Singles Awareness Day is the day after Valentine’s Day, Feb. 15.

All in all, being single on Valentine’s Day does not have to be lonely.