In regards to friends, I think I hit the jackpot.
It's not secret I'm obsessed with my gal pals. I usually enjoy the company of girls to guys (boys are just so boring) and I'll find any excuse to celebrate my friendships with females (Galentine's Day would be celebrated at least once a month if it were up to me). To me, friendship is the most important thing, especially when we live in such a competitive and cutthroat world. I am not ashamed to admit my girls are my world. I would do anything for them and hopefully I would receive the same back. Friendship is underrated in my opinion because, simply, your friends chose you.
The women I have in my life are nothing short of incredible. Each woman in my life is making strides, living freely, and taking over the world. They validate my feelings when I'm feeling crazy or insecure. I have found the most comfort in my female friends and they shower me with never-ending love and support.
My friends are my creative partners and wing(wo)men. Biggest cheerleader and proud parent. We have planned out our lives together better than any guy and I could ever have (look out for an indie music karaoke bar coming your way 2030). Friendship is egging your friends on in the best and worst possible ways. Encouraging your gal to make the first step and ask out that guy. Yelling at her until she applies for that internship or eats the last brownie we all know she wants. I've cried and complained for no reason and I know I will always have someone listening.
Friendship is going to those tacky chain restaurant because you really just want deep friend pickles and you can't get them anywhere else. Friendship is arguing who will drive two hours to the concert (but I actually love to drive so it's usually not a problem). Friendship is building a blanket fort at the age of 20 and watching "The Lion King" while cuddling stuffed animals. Singing karaoke with each other when you borderline have lost your voice. We can just sit on the couch watching Animal Planet and say nothing and never be bored. The type of friends who bring you brownies, Ben & Jerry's and gummy worms as a makeshift going away party when you're about to spend the summer away from them for some reason.
There's nothing stronger than a group of women who just love each other so naturally and unloosed. This February 14 instead of feeling sad and bitter about not having a boyfriend (which is actually something I've never felt about not having a boyfriend), I celebrated love in general. I went out with some of my best college friends and had an absolute blast. Valentine's Day is about celebrating love in general. I remember waking up as a child and always having a heart shaped doughnut for breakfast from my parents and my grandmother would always buy us a book or something small.
It seems like girls were raised to compete with each other, whether that means jobs or boys or just looking the best. We must always be the best and be better than the next. That isn't usually the case. I don't feel a need to compete and I really don't want to. I spend my time strengthening and building my friendships. I see more girls spending time on strengthening and building friendships than attempting to compete with each other and I love that.
Our friends have see us at our worst. Makeup-less and wearing tie-dyed shirts. Post-drinking binge messes. When our makeup is running down our faces from crying of either happiness or sadness. My best friends are my soulmates, who I have shared my life, secrets, and a deep love for Harry Styles with. I owe my friends the world. I take my friends on dates all the time. I love taking walks with no end destinations and trying new restaurants. I shower my friends and sister with gifts for no other reason than I adore them so much. It's time we celebrate friends and friendship. It's time we celebrate our girls for being our girls.