Ah, Valentine’s Day is once again upon us.

For people in relationships the holiday brings gifts of teddy bears, chocolate and unnecessary, elaborate floral arrangements.

For people who are not so lucky in love at the moment, Single’s Awareness Day is the perfect time to curse Hollywood depictions of love while eating a pint-sized container of delicious ice cream.

No matter which side of the Valentine’s Day War you’re on, I think you may agree on a holiday that can bring us all together. One that’s worthwhile and doesn’t just play on our desires to flaunt our relationships or feel lesser of a person when we don’t have a significant other:

Galentine’s Day.

Those of you who are fans of the popular television series “Parks and Recreation” have undoubtedly heard about this amazing holiday from the wonderful Leslie Knope. However, because I know not everyone obsesses over this sitcom/mockumentary like I do, I’ll explain why it’s the greatest day of the year.

Leslie Knope, played by the witty and wonderful Amy Poehler, is a passionate and optimistic public servant in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Not only is Knope an organized and driven government employee, but she is also a loyal and loving friend. We see this throughout the series, but particularly in season two in an episode appropriately titled “Galentine’s Day.”

Knope explains during the Valentine’s-themed episode that Galentine’s Day is Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, and is meant to celebrate female friendship.

Did you hear that, ladies? A day to focus on the gorgeous gal pals in your life. You know, the ones who have seen you at your worst and let you lean on their shoulder as you cried about how your relationship just ended and you’ll end up alone for the rest of your life. The ones who celebrate with you when you land an interview for your dream job and are honest with you about when you need to stop whining about petty things in your life.

We often take for granted our friends or get too wrapped up in our own lives to thank our friends for being so patient and thoughtful. Therefore, I propose we all take up the festivities of this wonderful holiday and celebrate the people we wouldn’t make it without in our day-to-day lives.

As Ms. Knope herself proclaims, “Ovaries before brovaries.”

How you ask? It doesn’t have to be too elaborate. Or it can be super elaborate. It can be a small gathering of your very best friends or even a huge party of all your female co-workers, family members, study buddies, old pals, new friends … whoever. Here are some ideas to get those ideas flowing:

“Treat yo self” to brunch

Drinking mimosas and eating French toast in a cozy diner while telling my closest friends how much I adore them sounds like the perfect way to spend my morning/afternoon. Check out Snooze in Old Town, Fort Collins. Not only is this place hip and happening, but the menu changes seasonally with delicious new dishes. Bonus for those over 21: the beverages are creative and yummy.

Have an old-school sleepover

Remember in middle school when you pulled all-nighters that were fun and not just necessary to write that 10-page paper you procrastinated on the whole semester? If you’re like me, it’s probably been a while since you dedicated a night to just eating junk food and watching scary movies with your ladies. So why not find the cheesiest, worst movie on Netflix and laugh over it together?

Bonus: You can share the shame of eating Doritos and Ben and Jerry’s with your BFFs. You can probably even dip the chips in the ice cream and they won’t judge you. If they do, you’re hanging out with the wrong people.

Go roller-skating, shopping, bowling or do any other team-bonding activity

Because that’s what you and your friends are. A team! Nothing is more enjoyable than doing literally anything with the people you love. Bonus: You are 275 percent more likely to laugh your way to washboard abs when acting ridiculous and having a blast with people you care about.

Note: this is a scientific fact that I may or may not have just made up.

Friends are the people you can be your complete and honest self around. As cliché as it is, you really are who your friends are. Your friendships should be nurturing, empowering and loving.

So spend this Galentine’s Day with the friends who respect, enrich and love you.

Collegian A&E Writer Erica Grasmick can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @E_Graz_.