While Valentine’s Day may typically be all about celebrating romantic relationships, there’s plenty of other forms of love to rejoice in.

In fact, in recent years, people across the world have provided an alternative to February 14 by celebrating so-called ‘Galentine’s Day’ instead. From Lizzo to Khloe Kardashian, Michelle Keegan and Lucy Fallon, celebrities are among a growing number who are opting to spread the love by highlighting the importance of female friendships.

Writer Rachel Tompkins is a new recruit to the cause and has already been celebrating her love for her closest female pals. Here, she tells her story…

“As the stores fill with cutesy Valentine’s cards and chocolates, there’s a growing trend on social media for an alternative celebration – Galentine’s Day.

Una Healy embraced it last year by sharing a video singing 'You're so Vain' with her friend, and previously Michelle Obama gave a shout out to her 'girlfriends' ahead of the annual love fest. Singer Lizzo, former Coronation Street stars Michelle Keegan and Lucy Fallon, along with ex Love Islander Ellie Brown, have also bigged up their female pals (albeit four-legged friends for Michelle!) at a time when we’re being urged to spend our hard-earned cash on Valentine’s Day gifts.

If I’m honest, I had no idea that Galentine’s Day was even a thing. But a quick online search told me that it falls on 13th February and is all about celebrating friendships.

Rather than recognising Valentine’s Day in the traditional manner with a partner, it’s a chance to show some of your mates how much you love them. And that really struck a chord with me.

Just as I’m sure it's the case for a lot of people, the chaos of the last few years has made it harder than ever for me to catch up with my female friends.

And whilst I love my husband and I know he loves me, neither of us need a card or overpriced bouquet of flowers to prove it.

My friends on the other hand – when did I actually tell them I loved them or show them the appreciation many of them deserve? Hardly ever!

That’s why, this year, I’ve settled on a new approach. Instead of going to a restaurant with my husband, and being packed in with tables of other couples eating a set menu of lukewarm dishes, I’ll celebrate by honouring my female friends – my cheerleaders. The ones who have my back, no matter what.

Traditionally Valentine’s Day had origins in friendships anyway. Irene S. Levine, PhD, psychologist and producer ofThe Friendship Blog says: 'The first handmade Valentine’s Day cards in the 1800s weren’t intended only for lovers. They celebrated affection between friends and relatives as well. On February 14th, people in Finland celebrate Ystävänpäivä, which is translated as Friend’s Day. In Mexico, it’s called the Día del amor y la amistad, the day of love and friendship.

Admittedly, the day has become over-commercialized but it still remains a fitting day to express love and appreciation to the important people in our life – which, of course, includes our friends.’

Levine goes on to say: ‘For many women (and some men), Valentine’s Day means much more than hearts, chocolates, and roses; the affection they feel on that day extends beyond lovers to their close friends and relatives, too. February 14th offers a perfect opportunity to show affection for close friends, who add so much to our lives.'

Over the years, my friends have certainly added a great deal to my life so it was the perfect excuse to celebrate them by spreading some early Galentine’s platonic love.

And what better way to show my affection for a close friend than with a pot of mint tea and a pastry at our local café?

Despite living less than half an hour away, my friend, Georgie, and I are both busy working mums and consequently never seem to find time to meet up.

She’s always there for What’sApp banter and support, but we made time in our busy schedules to celebrate our friendship in person over a cuppa and a Danish swirl.

Another friend, confusingly also called Rachel, has been my closest pal since pre-school. Because of being separated by the 50-miles between my home in Oxfordshire and hers in London, catching up in person isn’t easy so I posted a rainbow card emblazoned with a heart and tucked some heart-shaped chocolates inside.

I did the same for another wonderful old friend, Lucy, who lives in up Sheffield and who I don’t see nearly as often as I would like to.

My former London flatmates, Caroline and Sarah, with whom I've pretty much ticked every friendship box over the years from hen dos, holidays, infertility, babies, fashion gurus and trusted confidants, also deserved some love.

Then there’s my old University housemate, Sukey, who I met on my first day in Leicester and who has remained a close friend ever since. We’ve shared backpacking adventures around Malaysia, skydiving in Australia, nights out, nights in, not to mention motherhood when we both had our two children in quick succession.

When I spotted a card that said: ‘To a very special friend …’ I didn’t think twice about sending it to Sukey. And as soon as it arrived she sent me a text saying that it really made her smile.

Finally, for my neighbour and dear friend, Kirsty, I climbed over the wall and hand delivered a posy of bright tulips and some heart shaped homemade shortbread. She gave me a big hug and told me that she loves me!

By choosing to celebrate some of my platonic female friendships I really do feel very loved, and very lucky."

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