In January 2024, the famous Valentine’s Day candy company Sweethearts designed three new ambiguous messages for its tiny, heart-shaped treats. “Not sure if this is love or not, but it’s sweet either way,” read one. “Do you know how much you mean to me? Because I don’t,” read another.

The company wanted the memos to be as blurry as the boundaries of a situationship, which have played a key role in modern dating by highlighting the unreliability of young relationships. If you or a loved one have been impacted by this phenomenon, perhaps gifting a box of these candies will clarify your cloudy relationship status. In a way, the no-strings-attached style has caused a broader social shift toward friendship as the primary source of emotional fulfillment, increasing the popularity of Galentine’s Day, a holiday filled with heart-shaped plushies, pink and red outfits and endless laughter with your closest friends. As relationships evolve, so do the ways in which we should honor them. Friendship is just as worthy of a holiday as any love story.

Even though situationships may come and go, friendship always prevails. For example, at GW situationships can be spotted around every corner. Just look for the girl with her head in her phone, consulting her friend on how to respond to a “what’s up” text at 2 a.m. Should she keep things casual, or does it mean something more? The uncertainty is always palpable but so is the allure of the undefined. But notice who is always there for her: the friend, helping her draft a response or reassuring her that she’s too good for a midnight text. Shifting the focus from the romantic limbo of situationships to the firm steadiness of deep friendship is a recipe for a Valentine’s Day that feels fulfilling — a Galentine’s Day.

Galentine’s Day has blossomed into a holiday that is deeply meaningful in a society where friendships are often viewed as “less than” relationships. What started as a humorous sitcom bit has become a meaningful tradition for people all over the world.

Just like many things in our generation, Generation Z’s love life contains multitudes. From the talking stage to promise rings, the wide spectrum of modern romance refuses to settle in a singular spot. Situationships challenge the traditional trajectory of love. Often they can quickly turn into a web of utter confusion. In theory, they’re supposed to be light and spontaneous. In practice, someone usually gets their heart broken. The ambiguity leads to feelings of uncertainty and a lack of communication between the two parties.

Friendships, on the other hand, are created on the basis of trust and mutual appreciation. Thus, the foundational reason why Galentine’s Day is so reassuring is that it offers a sense of stability and emotional security that situationships lack. Friendships have the potential to develop with individuals. In this manner, Galentine’s Day is a refreshing antidote to the sickness of a situationship.

Valentine’s Day for the longest time had been a holiday that couples loved but was resented or ignored by those not in a committed relationship. It was the kind of holiday that if you didn’t have a significant other, you would usually sit alone staring out your window at all the loving couples passing by or rewatching The Notebook for the 10th time. But in recent years, this attitude has shifted. Instead of being depressed on a holiday that once was primarily about romantic relationships, why not rebrand it for yourself as a celebration of friendship?

The next time you complain about dry texting, lack of planning or the constant state of confusion, remind yourself — a true friend would never treat you like this. Instead of wasting energy on someone who can’t even commit to responding to a TikTok, celebrate the holiday of love with people who will always show up for you. Don’t worry — the “wyd?” message will still be there on Feb. 15.