Speaking as the girl who’s worn both hats, the singleton and the practically married-ton; Valentine’s Day for me is a day where every relationship is worth celebrating, romantic or platonic. Whether it’s buying your housemates a funny card, having a cocktail night with your girls or sharing a romantic meal for two; Cupid’s holiday should never be exclusive to couples.
From my single experiences on previous Valentine’s days, watching long-distance couples reunite over flowers and chocolates on the train station platform, as I shove past to get my train home from university; Valentine’s Day for me, was an excuse to get wine-drunk with my housemates and share our romantic conquests, and failures, over a box of M&S chocolates. Although I may be joining the long-distance couples this year, there is something which has forever remained a constant in my celebrations – food.
While the initial expectations of Valentine’s Day celebrations as a couple cast to expensive meals and candle-lit dinners, as a student, I’m not sure I can afford to push my overdraft to its limits this early in the term. This got me thinking: Why is there more pressure on Valentine’s Day when you are in a relationship?
Though the answer might be obvious, regardless I still celebrated Galentine’s just as much as I’ve celebrated Valentine’s in my relationships. Perhaps it’s the type of relationship which makes the difference. Nevertheless, food has always been a way for me to express my appreciation or love towards someone in my life, and this Valentine’s Day will bear no difference, even if it might be more couple-ly than the previous.
As my options currently are a takeaway and Netflix; fish and chips on Penarth beach; a fancy home-cooked meal, featuring steak and chips or heading to the pub, food remains a focal point for celebrations just as much as it did on my Galentine’s festivities. Whilst money may be tight and my student loan may only stretch a box of chocolates worth, the appreciation of a sweet treat is enough to make it worthwhile.
So, whether reservations at Pasture are at the top of your list, or a charcuterie board with the girls, don’t let your relationship status hold you back from showing appreciation for the relationships you do have.
Words by Lucy Gilder
All the love I lack in a romantic relationship is made up from my beautiful friendships with my girlfriends. This is why I am a strong advocate for spending the Valentine’s holiday with them in an annual galantine’s tradition. In a wholesome evening, we celebrate the love and friendship that surrounds us, enjoying homemade food, plenty of wine and listening to music. Last year, we decided to make heart-shaped pizzas decorated with all our favourite toppings. This added to the aesthetic of galantines and complimented the candles burning, glasses of wine and rose petals that scattered the table. I enjoy the ambiance of the evening as it creates a space where I can deepen the relationship with my friends through conversations and laughter. It allows me to truly appreciate the warmth of female friendship in the absence of conventional romance. In particular, the homemade food aspect is also a favourite part of the evening as it creates a personal touch and reinforces the care and thoughtfulness that we share for each other as we create the dishes together. It also wouldn’t be Galantines without the presence of chocolate, so following the homemade pizza is chocolate covered fruit. The food plays a key role in creating cherished memories of the evening.
This year, my friends and I will be continuing our Galantines tradition with spending time in each other’s company, however we have decided to incorporate a few different activities. It would feel out of character to not watch a rom com this love season and in light of the new Bridget Jones film coming out this Valentines we have booked to see that along with a meal in Cosy Club. Although different to the year before, the appreciation of galantines and the sentiment of female friendships will still be celebrated and appreciated.
Words by Abigail Jeanes
I was a little apprehensive when it came to write this article. I can’t put a finger on exactly why, maybe because I’ve never celebrated Valentine’s in my adult life. Or maybe because I’m in my last year of uni and any time spent with friends has to be arranged a month in advance. There’s a lot of emotions surrounding this time of year for me.
My problem with Valentine’s is probably routed in personal hang ups but I just feel that if you’re in a committed relationship, surely the pressure of a day where you have to be so extra to your partner is a bit much? You’re expected to get flowers, and chocolate, and cards, and teddy bears. Wouldn’t it be nicer to give your loved one flowers on a random Wednesday night in October, than, probably fail to meet the societal expectation on an arbitrary day in February.
Galentine’s on the other hand, I love it (in Michael Scott’s voice). How nice is it to have a day to celebrate your closest friends. I’ve never been a person who has thousands of friends, but the ones that I have, I cherish those relationships so deeply. We have Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, where’s Friend’s Day? Because I know one thing for sure, my friends have taught me just as much about life as my mum and dad have. And half of my ‘for you page’ is cutesy pink dinner parties, with great homemade food and all the girliness my early teens were missing.
So, if you were coming to mine for Galentine’s Day, this is what we’re having, because at the end of the day, food is the most important part. When you arrive, we’ll have some Prosecco because it’s been waiting in the fridge all day for everyone. And then while everyone’s arriving there’ll be chips and dip because we’re not monsters. For starter we’ll have a Selection of Bruschetta, some classic tomato ones, some truffle mushroom ones, and then a little out there, some peach and burrata ones. We’ll have a long chat about the goings on in our life – honestly, I cannot believe that your mum said that to you. Our mains will be ready and we’re having a Slow Cooked Beef Ragu with Pappardelle. Exquisite. And then after we’ve drunk the last of the wine, we’ll move to the sofas for a rom-com and dessert. For dessert we’re having Chocolate Tarts with Mascarpone and Raspberries, because I remember my mum making them for one of her dinner parties when I was about 7. She saved me my own tart, and I was in heaven. It was delicious. Then, in the early hours of the morning, you and others have to leave. But we’ve had a great evening, and please make sure you send me that hairdresser’s Instagram.
Words by Poppy Adams
Featured image courtesy of Laura Ockel via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.