I’m not a romantic in the classic sense. I don’t want a box of chocolates or a dozen roses and the image of holding hands down a white sandy beach makes me cringe, so Valentine's Day is pretty much wasted on me. However, I do appreciate taking a day to reflect on love and friendship.

Growing up I always had guy friends, maybe as a reaction to having only sisters or going to an all-girls school I sought male friendships. And now I’m grateful for and cherish the handful of close male relationships that I've maintained (and continue to make). I love the unique way men view the world and rely on my guy friends to counterbalance my predominantly feminine perspective.

Even so, when I think about the people in my life who truly sustain me, it is my girlfriends. It is extremely comforting to know that I always have company to share the joys of womanhood and motherhood. And no man can partake in the collective suffering of maternal exhaustion, self-doubt, occasional self-loathing, and hormonal volatility. And since lately I have been on a vulnerability kick, I appreciate my girlfriends for their ability to emote and expose themselves in a way most men can’t. Knowing we are more the same than different allows us to connect on a deep and meaningful level. Without my girls, I'd be lost.

Incidentally, as I was writing this post, one of my good guy friends texted me the below image. (To be fair, I give most men more credit for complexity, but still, well conceived.)

So, today I am sending my gratitude and love to all my gals.

Happy ‘Gal’entine’s Day.