Valentine's Day doesn’t have to be a lonely holiday when you are single. You can take the day, or the day before, to hang out with your friends for Galentine's Day.
Galentine's Day takes place Feb. 13 each year, the day before Valentine's Day. It was created by the character Leslie Knope in the show “Parks and Recreation," and it’s a day to celebrate your love for your friends. Here are five activities to do with your friends this Galentine's Day.
Watch a movie
There are countless movies to choose from to fit any and every mood for Galentine's Day. If you need a good cry, watch cult classics like "The Notebook" or "A Walk to Remember," which are both movie adaptations of Nicholas Sparks' books, or turn on "Me Before You." If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy, try "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" or "Crazy Rich Asians."
Grab some of your friends, make a blanket fort and find all the junk food you can for the perfect Galentine's Day movie night.
Go out to dinner
While it might be intimidating to go out to a restaurant on Valentine's Day or even the day before, rallying your friends and putting on a cute outfit to go out to eat is a great way to spend your Galentine's Day. Some restaurants even have special events, such as The Venue's Valentine's Day pop-up bar, for the friend group to enjoy. The Venue also has events surrounding Valentine's Day like a speed dating night on Feb. 12, the comedy show "A Night with Stupid Cupid" on Feb. 16 and more.
Whether you're looking for a relaxed, inexpensive meal or a more extravagant one, take the time to grab food with your friends.
Game night
If staying in is the move but you're not a movie person, a game night with the besties is the way to go.
From the classic games like Clue and Monopoly to adult games such as Cards Against Humanity and Girls' Night In, there are plenty of perfect games to play with your friends on Valentine's Day.
You can even spice up the night with themed drinks or order some heart-shaped pizza to snack on while you play.
Five Points
One of the advantages of being a student at USC is going to Five Points, which happens to be the perfect place for a friend's night out on Galentine's Day. While the bars might be packed, the best part of a night out is getting ready with your friends. So, get dressed in your cute, but weather-appropriate, Valentine’s Day outfit and dance the night away. Make sure to be safe and, if it’s a school night, set your alarm for your 8:30 class the next morning.
Spa Day
There’s nothing better than feeling pampered, and with Valentine's Day being the holiday of love, it’s important to love yourself as well. Having an at-home spa day, or at an actual spa day if you're feeling lavish, is a great way to relax with your friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy — drugstore nail polish, face masks and freshly sliced cucumbers are all you need. Take this time to feel refreshed and prepare yourself for the rest of the semester.
Whether you're single or taken this time of year, it’s important to value your friendships and your self-care on this day. There is nothing more fulfilling than spending Galentine's Day with the people that are there for you year-round.