Don't Tell Me I Can't… Celebrate Gal-entine's Day

Glenda Casteloes, 40, reveals why a weekend with the ‘gals’ is the new way to enjoy Valentine’s Day

- Samantha Brick And Sarah Holmes

Standing in line at the petrol station, I can’t help smiling at the queue of men panic-buying flowers for Valentine’s Day. I know they mean well, but being single, I don’t envy their wives and girlfriends their hastily bought gifts.

You see, at 43, I’ve learned that while having a partner can be great, having friends is much more essential. That’s why, instead of buying into the forced romance of Valentine’s Day this year, my closest friends and I will be celebrating an alternative tradition called Galentine’s – which means no cheesy candlelit dinners or roses. Instead, we’ll be raising a margarita to each other in celebration of the importance of our best girl friends. 

Growing up, I had a great group of friends. They were with me for every big event – by my side when I graduated, and my bridesmaids when I married in 2000. And when my marriage ended in 2007, those friends became a real pillar of support for me and my daughter Annabella, then four.