Throughout my life, I struggled with friendships and finding my “ohana.” In high school, I met my best friends, who I am thankful for because they are the most wonderful friends I could ever wish for. Through them, I’ve since been able to open up to other amazing best friends in my life. Each Galentine I have in my life supports me in bettering myself. As I continue to work on myself and cherish the bonds that fulfill my life, I thought I’d share some vital reminders on Galentine’s Day.
- DON’T LET THE “IDEAL” TIME PREVENT YOU FROM REACHING OUT
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I always think to myself that I should contact my friends more, but when I become overwhelmed with my personal life, months elapse without me checking up on my besties as I wait for the “right time.” Oftentimes, my friends will reach out to me first, and considering how it makes my day, I want to start doing the same for them.
- CHECK IN WHEN YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY
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I am grateful for friends who check up on me; in the past, when I have been unable to hang out with my friends, they would reach out to me to ask how I am doing. Similarly, I constantly try my best to follow up with them so they know I am here to talk whenever they need me. For your Galentines who rely on you for support, offer them an opening and reiterate your adoration for them.
- PLAN GROUP HANGOUTS AND BUILD INDIVIDUAL BONDS
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In group chats, I very rarely suggest plans and instead follow what my other friends come up with. You don’t have to be the group planner, but they will appreciate it when you initiate plans every once in a while. As part of multiple best friend groups, it’s essential to also connect with your friends individually— while I’ll be involved predominantly in the group chat, I’ll again realize I’ve hardly been in touch with some friends in one-on-one conversations.
- SPEND TIME ON EACH OTHER’S HOBBIES
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Along with our similar passions, my friends and I also have defining interests. On a video call with two of my best friends, I recounted this Hindi-language series I love, Anupamaa, and they became invested in the plot as I narrated it to them. Even though they don’t know the show, listening and accepting its importance to me amplified my joy, so even if you have different hobbies, showing interest in your friend’s hobbies will excite them.
- ATTEMPT HANDMADE GIFTS
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Of course, any thoughtful gift will be enough for your Galentines, but I’d advise trying to surprise them with DIY gifts. Two precious DIY birthday gifts I received that continue to embolden me with the assurance of my friends’ love were a “happy jar” and a motivational Tangled painting. A family friend of mine is enthusiastic about baking, and she and her sister once dropped off adorable Christmas treats that they made together, which was a highlight for me and my sister that holiday.
- LET YOURSELF BE MUSHY
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Not everyone is a mushy person, but spans of affectionate moments will deepen your Galentines’ smiles. After hanging out with my friends, I love to send mushy messages to my besties, recapping touching memories and emphasizing how much I cherish our friendship. My high school best friends fondly acknowledge my spontaneous messages as “Subi moments,” and when I read their caring texts, my mushy self beams.