Valentine's Day evolution includes Palentine and Galentine's Day

Valentin's Day has evolved

February 14 is Valentine's Day. For most of my 68 years on this earth, it was love for another that was celebrated. Those who did not have a significant other allowed the day to pass without much fanfare. Today, there are options that were nto considered decades ago.

On the Peacock soap opera Days of Our Lives, three senior women who had recently been widowed got together on February 14, to talk about their deceased spouses. Single individuals today observe Galentine's Day and Palentine's Day on February 13.

Both of these events give Pals, and Gals/girls and guys a chance to celebrate themselves with others rather than with a romantic interest or spouse.

Old School Valentine's Day

When I attended elementary school in the 1960s, the entire class gave each other cards. Sometimes, a few boys declared their love for little girls and gave them special cards. In fifth grade, my box of cards included one with a large key. It said,"Valentine I give you the key to my heart."

I was in love with a boy named Steve and wanted desperately to give the card to him. I was afraid he might reject it or some other boys would see it and tease me. When I got to school, I chickened out and gave it to a popular girl named Charlene, who thought the card was cute.

The girl I gave the key to my heart card to received a box of candy and a necklace from a cute guy in the sixth grade. She was the envy of the females in the classroom.

In Junior High School, boys gave boxes of candy and cards to girls they loved. I was 14 and in the ninth grade when I received my first box of candy, a card, and a gold necklace from a boyfriend named Henry. I felt so special. In the 11th grade, Robert gave me a card and a box of candy, then broke up with me a few days later.

Galentine's Day

Galentine's Day originated in 2010 on the NBC series Parks and Recreation. On this date, single women have a girls' night out or get together with their single female friends to spend time.

My daughter, who is divorced, went to dinner with a group of females last year and did the same this year. She said the point is for those who are not dating or married to have something to do.

In the old days, if you did not have a sweetie or a spouse, you allowed February 14 to quietly pass. There were no counter-observances, although I can recall some years longing to get in on the action. In my senior year, Vincent was my sweetie, and we exchanged cards.

The following year I was with Michael, whom I married. He gave me a large heart-shaped box with shelled sunflower seeds inside and a card. I gave him a box of candy and a card. For the next 45 years, we gave each other a variety of gifts, including flowers, clothing, tickets to events, and jewelry to celebrate the day of love.

Palentine's Day

Palentines's Day has only been around for a few years. It celebrates platonic friendship and can be observed by men and women. Spending time with a "pal" is customary. On the MeTV show Toon in With Me, the host, Bill the curator, showed off blue fingernails and said he enjoyed a self-care day.

It can be difficult watching couples celebrate Valentine's Day when you are alone. Palentine's Day and Galentine's Day help fill in the gap for those who need it.