leslie knope galentine's day — Love

A lunch and coffee date with my best friend Theresa unexpectedly turned into an early celebration of Galentine’s Day. “What is Galentine’s Day?” the delightful Leslie Knope informs us on Parks and Recreation, “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”

Theresa surprised me with the best Galentine’s Day gift a girl could ask for—wine and face masks. So I can hydrate my face and soul simultaneously.

While I’ve always been unlucky in love, I won the lottery when it comes to my friends. I have selective memory when it comes to events in my past, but I vividly remember sitting on the floor in 7th grade gym class across from Theresa and sharing our delight in our mutual Korean heritage. Fifteen years later, she remains my best friend and soul sister. Entire conversations can be held with one look or the raise of an eyebrow. She knows me better than I know myself at times and is often my voice of reason, but remains the first person I would call if I wanted to make bad decisions. My pillar of strength, my shoulder to cry on, my north star in the tumultuous roller coaster that is life; she is my forever Valentine and Galentine, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.