Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.
Brit + Co
Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)
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Brit + Co
Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)
Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)
Taylor Simpson
Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)
Shutterstock
Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)
You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.
Aww Sam
Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)
If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!
You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.
Brit + Co
An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!
Brit + Co
If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.
Brit + Co
The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.
Brit + Co
Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.
Shutterstock
What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.
Brit + Co
Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.
What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.
Brit + Co
Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!
A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.
Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.
Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!
In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.
If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.
Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.
Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!
Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.
Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.
It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!
Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!
Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.
Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.
Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.
If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.
Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.
Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.
Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.
Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.
A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!
Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.
Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!
Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!
We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!
Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!
This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.
There are few things in our daily lives as horrifying as a first date with a stranger. Usually, the best case scenario is you show up to an agreed meeting place, hit it off, want to go out again, and maybe even fall in love. That is, assuming you're not getting catfished and they're not a crazy person. Well, in Meghann Fahy's new thriller, she finds herself on the perfect first date that takes a turn for the terrifying when an anonymous stranger starts tormenting her...and then instructs her to kill her date. Now the question remains: will she follow through, or will this would-be couple make it to dessert?
The first thing I have to call out about The Drop trailer is that Brandon Sklenar just keeps getting cuter. How is this possible?! He and Meghann Fahy have chemistry the moment he steps onscreen which makes this whole movie concept — you know, that Meghann's character is told she has to kill him — even more intriguing. And Sabrina Carpenter playing in the background? An inspired choice.
I want to believe that both Violet and Henry make it out of the story alive...but things aren't looking too hopeful for either of them.
HBO
In Drop, widowed mother Violet (Meghann Fahy) is literally so relieved when her date with Henry goes well. He's handsome and charismatic, and she's enjoying their time together — until an unknown number starts dropping anonymous instructions to her phone. Now, Violet has to play it cool while following her new contact's instructions or her kids will pay the price. There's just one problem: the final instruction is to kill Henry.
Drop hits theaters April 11, 2025. The Blumhouse film is from Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky), is written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, and is produced by Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Cameron Fuller. The movie's also executive produced by Sam Lerner.
HBO
The cast of Drop includes Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Jeffery Self, Ed Weeks, and Travis Nelson.
Blumhouse/Universal Pictures
The poster for Drop definitely gets my adrenaline pumping — and I love Meghann Fahy's glam eyeshadow & manicure paired with the terror in her eyes. Because, duh, of course this Emmy-nominted actress can act with her eyes like nobody's business. And the bold red of the graphic design? Chef's kiss.
Check out 10 New Terrifying Fall Thrillers to watch this season!
This post has been updated.
If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.
Brit + Co
That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)
Sprinkle Bakes
Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)
Feast + West
Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)
Dine and Dish
This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)
A Year of Cocktails
A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)
Holly's Cheat Day
Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)
Bubbly Nation Creations
Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)
Broma Bakery
Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)
The First Year
This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)
Cookin' Canuck
NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)
Tablespoon
This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)
Something Swanky
If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)
Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.
How many times have you heard someone is a toxic person and — aside from therapy speak — what does it mean? According to Michelle English, LCSW, Co-Founder and Executive Clinical Manager at Healthy Life Recovery, "In a therapeutic setting, toxic behavior usually refers to patterns of behavior that regularly cause emotional, mental, or even physical harm to others."
Wondering why people resort to being toxic behavior? English says, "They are frequently the result of unresolved personal issues such as trauma, insecurity, or a lack of self-awareness." Jamie Bennett, LMFT of Mountainside Treatment Center, adds, "Many toxic people do things with the intent of getting a certain reaction – like a bully. If they want to rile you up and you don’t get riled up this changes the dynamic."
Wanna know what signs to look out for when it comes to toxic people? We've got you covered — and we have the tea on when you should finally cut them out!
P.S. Bennett says assertiveness isn't toxic, even if someone's behavior sometimes comes off as pushy or controlling. This just means they're sure of themselves!
Have you ever been really excited or upset about something only to be met with a dismissive tone from someone you confided in? This person is displaying toxicity which "gradually undermines trust in relationships," according to English. Would you want to keep sharing things with a person if they're always downplaying your emotions? Probably not.
English says another way to determine someone is toxic is pay attention to their controlling behavior. It can be something as simple as telling you what to wear or something greater such as forcibly limiting your contact with anyone they think isn't good for you.
Have you ever let a close friend know certain behavior bothers you only for them to make an excuse for why they keep doing them? Bennett says this counts as "avoiding responsibility for actions." Furthermore, "constantly" doing so or looking to "push the blame onto someone else veers into toxic territory," she adds.
Another way to look at this is if someone is always falling into a pattern of "victimizing themselves," according to Bennett.
Manipulation is tricky because it's not always obvious until it's too late. It's kind of like not realizing you were bit by a mosquito until your skin becomes itchy and red. Bennett says this is toxic because there's a knowing that someone can "appeal to a certain person's characteristics or personality traits." This looks like saying or doing something "with the intention of getting a certain reaction," according to her.
Bennett says, "An example may be one partner in sobriety who consistently uses their poor mental health as a reason to not be proactive about finding a job. They do this because they know that the other partner is worried about their loved one relapsing so they use that fear against her."
Calling this a "well-known example," English says gaslighting often occurs when someone denies the reality of another person." What would cause someone to do this? Well, a toxic behavior often doesn't want to take accountability for their actions so they'd rather "cause people to doubt their own perceptions," according to English.
The catty behavior on The Real Housewives of New York may be entertaining for TV, but that kind of behavior gets old quickly in everyday life. No one wants to hear why "so and so thinks they're all that" even if it's disguised as humor. English says, "Regardless of their motivation," behaviors like this "can lead to stressful and emotionally distressing situations."
We live in a society that started prioritizing ending relationships with people as soon as we spot red flags, but English and Bennett don't think this should be our immediate reaction. English says, "The decision to disengage with a toxic person in the relationship will depend on how harsh and serious the relationship is" because "it is often personal."
According to her, if you notice a consistent pattern where the behavior is "damaging your emotional health," it's okay to walk away from that person. Still, she believes "completely cutting [someone] off is often a last option when other approaches to changing the behavior have not worked." Bennett says something similar and notes how to approach different scenarios.
"If it someone you need to communicate with because of a job or family, there are things you can do to protect yourself," she says. She suggests reminding "yourself who you are dealing with" if the person is adept at gaslighting others because "it may be easy to become convinced that you are wrong or something did not happen the way you recall." A phrase she encourages you to tell yourself is, "I know that my experiences are my experiences no matter what."
If you're dealing with an aggressively toxic person, you'll have to "set and reinforce boundaries," Bennett says while English adds that "engaging in therapy to faciliate healthier relationships" may be a next step.
Here's how Bennett suggests navigating communication with someone like this:
If you're dealing with a friend or spouse, Bennett wants you to remember "you cannot change them" but you're in control of how you respond. English says, "It is important to analyze the whole situation and know when the cost of the relationship is greater than the benefits."
Bennett's last piece of advice is to know when to walk away" by having a "deep awareness for how you are feeling." You can do this by "checking in with your body and thoughts" so you can understand how you "respond to stress," according to her. She says this will give you more "clues on what when it's time to step away!"
Read more of our relationships articles to learn how to navigate tough situations in 2025!
Spring will be here before you know it, and if you're anything like me, you don’t think it’s entirely too crazy to be dreaming of warmer weather right now – especially as we face some insanely cold temperatures. In the vein of embracing big spring energy, I’m already thinking about my warm-weather wardrobe, and the first item on my wishlist is none other than a drop waist dress!
Fitting for everything from beachside strolls to breezy farmer’s market visits, drop waist dresses are such a cute (and easy!) way to look stylish while the sun’s beaming.
Anthropologie
Covered in colorful blooms, this drop waist dress supplies plenty of fun hues you can use to pair your accessories and shoes with to tie things all together.
Free People
I love all the drama this dress brings. From the oversized, scalloped collar to the whimsical puff sleeves, it's all brought together with a flattering drop waist silhouette. The mini length makes this style undeniably spring- and summer-ready, though you could easily style it for colder weather with tights, tall boots, and a denim jacket!
Anthropologie
The exaggerated drop waist on this maxi moment elongates your figure, flattering it to a tee. Plus, the trendy leopard print will earn you major style points! Whether you wear it with sandals or sneakers, you really can't go wrong with this design.
Target
The pleating on this pick brings a unique flair to your typical drop waist dress. In my opinion, the details really complete the look, so all you've gotta do is pick out a good shoe, grab your favorite bag, and hit the streets.
Anthropologie
This gingham is beyond dreamy. This drop waist dress has such a playful retro feel to it, thanks to the bustier-style bodice, open back, and midi length. I'd style it with some kitten heels and bold sunglasses to lean into the throwback of it all!
Free People
A denim dress will get me every freakin' time. This detailed long sleeve style is truly anything but boring!
Abercrombie & Fitch
The duo-tone design of this midi-length drop waist dress breaks up your look perfectly, plus, it provides a bold foundation for having tons of fun with accessories and outerwear layers!
Banana Republic
Okay, this chartreuse color is to die for. If you're looking for a drop waist dress that makes a statement, this is it.
Free People
For the warmer months where you also want to get a lil' bit of sun on your shoulders, the strapless style of this midi drop waist dress comes in real handy.
Zara
I love that the boat neckline on this dress leans more modest while the mini length lets you show a good amount of leg. Plus, the deep brown color is easy to match with practically any piece you've got in your closet. The bows along the hips are the best part, of course!
Anthropologie
This mini strapless number is the perfect fit for any upcoming tropic getaway you've got planned. Even if a fancy beach vacation is not on your docket, you can still channel the laidback energy with this pick!
Target
This sophisticated drop waist dress instantly makes any occasion fashion-forward. I'd wear it with some sleek (and tall!) black boots to seal the deal.
Anthropologie
This polka-dotted moment is sure to turn heads towards you, no matter where you take it.
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