Every year, this day comes. Flower shops thrive, pink and red colors are everywhere, and love is in the air. This day is Valentine’s day and is celebrated on February 14th. Some people go on dates with their significant others and some buy a tub of ice cream while crying watching romcoms. But why has Valentine’s day turned into such an emotional day? It’s time to normalize v-day into a holiday about platonic relationships too. For all the girls out there (in a relationship or not) “Galentines” is the way to go. This means just getting together with a group of girls, and spending the day with them. Are you guys all heartbroken? Then go buy that ice cream and watch that movie with each other! Want to dress up cute and take Instagram photos to make that boy jealous? Do it with the girls! There is no wrong way to spend Galentine’s, as long as you are together. Community is always the answer when events like this come up. CdM girls especially know how to do it. This year, Galentines was spread over the course of the whole first 2 weeks of February, with many different groups participating! Zahra Abdelgawad hosted her groups’ party, and she says, “My friends are always there for me and deserve so much, so I always try to take every opportunity to express my love and appreciation for them” Her party included a nice dinner in her backyard overlooking all of Newport and the ocean! Sweet treats were everywhere, and the girls had a blast! Avery Zenz’s favorite part was, “Spending quality time with my Galentines!” Zahra’s party was thrown a couple of days before valentines day in order to have pictures ready for the real day to post. A Galentine’s get-together on real valentines day would also work, even though this year it’s on a Monday. Next year, keep in mind this idea as an excuse to wear pink and red and eat sweet treats with your friends!