“Galentine’s Day,” a term coined by “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope, is all about “ladies celebrating ladies,” as Knope puts it. Despite your current relationship status, take your best girl friends out on Saturday to try one or all of these activities to celebrate the love of sisters before misters.
Pampered and polished
As the semester progresses and students get busier, nail care falls to the back-burner, and after hiking around campus five days a week, our feet aren’t in the best shape, either. By mid-February, nails are in desperate need of some pampering and polishing. Bring your gals with you, and gab and gossip as your hands are massaged and manicured to perfection.
USC Nails was voted “Best Nail Salon” by Best of Carolina in 2015. They are located on the corner of Blossom Street and Santee Avenue — an easy walk from campus. Capital Nails & Spa, located on Assembly Street, is another short walk from campus, with manicures starting at $12.
Gowns with your gals
The days of high school prom are over, and, for most of us, our weddings are still far away as well. This means that we might not be attending a formal event anytime soon, but do not let this stop you from going to the nearest department store and trying on the best gowns they have.
Pick out the prettiest and the weirdest gowns at the store, and try all of them on with your friends. Laugh at the ones that look utterly ridiculous and be prepared to shed a few tears when you find one that flatters you perfectly but is at the price level of a small mansion.
Spas and sleepovers
If you and your friends don’t feel like going out, fear not. Galentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to have a stereotypical movie and spa sleepover with your best friends. Slather your faces in purifying masks, put on your favorite pajamas and watch some chick flicks. However, you might want to avoid “Titanic,” “The Notebook” and any other romantic tear-jerkers. Instead, watch movies like “Mean Girls,” “Clueless” or “Sisters,” and the only tears you shed will be tears of laughter.
However, don’t forget — the only men invited to your sleepover are Ben and Jerry.
Brunch with friends
Breakfast foods do not have to be limited to a certain time of day. Just like the women of "Parks and Recreation," go to your favorite restaurant that serves breakfast food all day long and treat yourself and your friends. Gift exchange is optional, but what matters most is meaningful conversation. Remember to thank your girls for their companionship and remind them why that friendship means so much to you. In a culture where women are so often pitted against one another and taught that they are in constant competition, compliment your friends for being the truly unique individuals that they are. Value what each friend brings to the table — literally and metaphorically. There is no power like girl power.