Holiday Celebrations Valentine's Day brings friends, couples together

aarushi BUTE

Red hearts, pink drinks and delectable treats describe the TikTok that served as the inspiration for sophomore Lilah Tegman's Galentine's Day, a platonic Valentine’s Day celebration with friends.

“I saw the TikTok and knew I had to do it with them," Tegman said.

Celebrating ahead of Feb. 14, Tegman and her friends made chocolate-covered strawberries, decorated cookies, had a sleepover and watched a couple of movies.

“For me, Galentine's represents friendship and appreciating everyone I love in a platonic way,” Tegman said.

As someone who used to not like Valentine’s Day, Tegman said spending time with her friends changed her perspective on the holiday. She intends to make this with her friends.

“It’s a holiday to connect, especially because the friend group I’m doing it with I met this year,” Tegman said.

The word Galentine’s Day was coined by fictional character Leslie Knope in the second season of the show “Parks and Recreation,” in

2010.

Sophie Lane, sophomore, celebrated Galentine's Day for the first time last year.

This year, Lane said she once again plans to dress up with her friends and go out for dinner.

“Having small things like this makes me really appreciate my friends,” Lane said.

While new traditions are arising such as Galentine’s Day, Will Everson, senior, said he likes to celebrate Valentine’s Day the old-fashioned way with his girlfriend of two years, Reilly Moroney, senior.

Last year, Everson said they went to a restaurant to celebrate over dinner. This year, he said they’re planning on going to a museum and getting lunch afterward.

“It's just a great opportunity to celebrate being in a relationship,” Everson said. “Having that person and any opportunity to show that person that you appreciate them is always a good thing.”

Everson said he suggests putting yourself out there for Valentine’s.

“Just have fun,” Everson said. “Don't put too much pressure on yourself. And if you want your partner to ask you to be their valentine, make sure that they know that you want that.”

Reilly Moroney, senior, poses with her boyfriend Will Everson, senior. Moroney and Everson have been together for two years, and have enjoyed celebrating Valentine's Day together in the past by doing activities such as going out to eat on the holiday.