They took the day off, got massages, and went out for cocktails and a nice dinner.

“For me, it’s 10 out of 10. That whole day was meant to be,” O’Sullivan said. He remembers that it was empowering “on a day that is often full of pressure to be in a relationship, or sadness because I’m not currently in one.”

Galentine’s Day became a pop culture phenomenon with a 2010 episode of the TV comedy “Parks and Recreation” celebrating female friendship on Valentine’s Day. Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, gathers her girl friends on February 13.

“What is Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s just the best day of the year,” Knope said.

Honoring women’s friendships can happen any day of the year, of course. In Feb. Whether it’s the 13th or any other day, here are some ways to create a fun experience:

Make it a party

Chela Pappaccioli of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, has hosted a Galentine’s Day bash at her home for the past three years. He has a bartender and a DJ hired, and this year invited 45 of his nearest and dearest. So far, she has 34 confirmations, and she is assembling gift bags for her guests to bring. No men are allowed “unless the bartender happens to be a man.”

The event can be quite expensive, but Pappaccioli says it’s worth it.

“It’s an escape to just be with your girls, be silly, do something fun and just focus on the friendships you’ve made and enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

Learn how to do something new

Liz Momblanco of Berkley, Michigan, who describes herself as a “serial hobbyist,” invites her friends to take classes like cookie and cake decorating, calligraphy and stained glass.

“I enjoy learning something new and having a shared experience,” said Momblanco, who attends day retreats for women that offer activities such as floral arranging, yoga or cold plunges.

Marney Wolf, who runs the retreat company Luna Wolf, says that providing an opportunity for art and creativity builds community.

“It binds you, whether it’s something small or something very deep. You see these grown women become almost like a child in kindergarten responding like, ‘Oh my gosh! Good job! You’re so talented!’ That small increase is the easiest to do,” he said.

Filling the void on Valentine

Wolf is careful to schedule Galentine-themed retreats near Valentine’s Day because some women no one can spend Feb. 14 with.

“I know it’s going to be a sad time for people and I think some are taking it for granted,” he said.

Pappaccioli said a couple of divorced friends came to her party, and “even if you’re married it can be stressful because your husband might not do what you want or your boyfriend might not support you the way you want,” she said.

“It’s nice to know you don’t need that. You can celebrate the holiday, but scale it back a little and celebrate the relationships you want.”

Make different types of bonds

Galentine’s Day get-togethers can create new friendships. And spending quality time with a friend provides an opportunity to put the phone away, avoid distractions and make memories.

O’Sullivan is a social media strategist for businesses but appreciates that her bestie Valentine’s Day doesn’t have a cellphone.

“We can be completely present – no photos, no texts, nothing,” he said.

“So while that means there’s no actual record of that day happening, it also means the details become a core memory when it doesn’t exist.”

Some celebrate Galentine’s Day by simply going out for coffee or playing cards. You can go with a group of girl friends to a game or museum, or go on a hike or an exercise class.

Other ideas include thrift store, country line dancing, roller skating, karaoke, junk journaling, and getting a manicure and pedicure.