Meet our 2026 Galentine’s Day Contest Winners!
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As sure as I know anything, I know that my friendships with brave, smart, funny, thoughtful women have shaped my story. From my teenage years to today, the women around me have taught me how to follow my gut, picked me up when I was down, and always challenged me to be my best self.
This Galentine’s Day, I invited you all to celebrate your incredible female friendships with me by nominating your “Galentine” and sharing what makes your relationship so special. I was blown away by the dynamic duos in our community and could feel the love you have for one another leaping off my screen as I looked through the submissions.
So without further ado, let me introduce this year’s winners and runners up and share a little bit about how they encourage each other to be their best selves.
Our 2026 Winners: Kiya & Christina and Brandi & Jessica
Meet Kiya & Christina
What makes their friendship special: Unconditional love, infectious laughter, accountability, learning from each other’s different experiences.
Kiya and Christina have been best friends for more than a decade, and they have the matching tie-dye to prove it! Christine says lovingly, “Kiya is the sister I got to pick. I love her sense of humor, infectious laughter, unconditional love, and wisdom. I love that regardless of our significant age gap, racial, religious, and cultural differences, we are each other’s best friends and chosen family!”
What really stood out to me was the way these two friends have learned from their differences, challenged each other, and grown even closer along the way.
Kiya shared, “Christina challenges me when I do or say something she doesn’t like. Because she is very direct and honest, I trust her judgment. And because she is always loving & respectful, I can hear her criticism without getting my feelings hurt. I have grown in positive ways because of her feedback, both positive and negative.”
Meet Brandi & Jessica
What makes their friendship special: Optimism and courage in the face of hardship, shared spirituality, and showing up for their community.
Brandi and Jessica are bound by their steadfast and fighting spirit. After meeting at church, these two friends quickly went from acquaintances to sisters. Brandi admires Jessica’s fighting spirit as a survivor of both a heart attack and stroke, and how she keeps a smile on her face as she helps others struggling with their health or who are disabled.
“Jessica lets me know nothing can keep me down.”
When asked about Brandi, Jessica just smiled and said, “What can I say? She’s a sweetheart!” She admires Brandi’s calm spirit and inner strength, no matter what she’s facing. Through all of their health hardships, Brandi and Jessica keep showing up for each other and as volunteers in their community.
Our 2026 Runners Up!
Meet Ni-Ima and Natisha
Ni-lma and Natisha are cousins and best friends who know when and how to give each other a push in the right direction. Through all of life’s challenges, these Galentines know that they can always count on each other. “Ni-lma and I could have our fallouts or disagreements but it still won’t change how much I love her.”
“Natisha pushes in a way that not only motivates me but also boosts my confidence, because sometimes I can be my own worst enemy. She’s always right there to pick me up. I trust her with my whole being because she sees the best in me. We push each other to our full extent, that’s our unspoken rule.”
Meet Crystal and Cadee
The oldest friend many of us have is our mom, and that’s the story for Cadee and Crystal. Crystal always admired her daughter’s humble, generous spirit and found herself striving to be the best version of herself to set a positive example for her daughter. Now that Cadee is in college, Crystal is still amazed by the creative ways her daughter finds to bring a smile to people’s faces.
Cadee says that she wouldn’t be the person she is today without her mom, Crystal. “I love that my mom faces everything head-on! She’s gone through so much and continues to face hardships, yet she still finds the strength to get through it all. She’s always taught me to love myself, love others, and to stay humble.”
Meet Kate and Shannon
Kate and Shannon are sisters-in-law who are incredibly close, despite living far apart. Long-distance friendship isn’t always easy, but these two make time for each other, whether it’s to vent, swap recipes, or exchange parenting advice. Shannon shared, “What I love most about Kate is that she’s someone I can have intense hard venting conversations with about whatever’s bothering me but then we can end that same phone call laughing about something silly.”
No matter the miles that separate them, Kate says that Shannon still pushes her and helps her grow. “She gives me honest advice but in a sensitive, loving way and asks me the hard questions most friends and family won’t ask. She is an example that I strive to be.”
Meet Bonnie and Bonnie
These Galentines share so much in common, including a first name! Though they’ve only known each other for a few years, it already feels like the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime. They love each other’s caring spirit, the way that they nudge each other out of their comfort zone, and their warm reminders to not take life so seriously. Thinking back to when they first met, Bonnie shared, “I just knew there was something special about her.”
Sometimes, it’s the little things that really show you who your friends are. Bonnie planned a wonderful 80th birthday party for her Galentine that really made her feel loved. These two are true friends.
Thank you to our Grand Prize Winners, Runners Up, and to all of the Galentines who entered this year’s contest! Friendships like these don’t happen overnight. Trusting and understanding someone enough to pick up the phone in the middle of the night or share a little tough love takes care, patience, and effort.
I just now got the email. S
O sorry. I didn’t. Get to enter with you. My dear. My life’s. Been full of taking care of two parents who had Alzheimer’s by myself at home I have no blood family my husband had to work my adopted daughter was to young and in school. To loose them twise was almost more than I could. Take. But I used to find please volunteer at the local dog pound but now they don’t use volunteers. I really. Miss it. I really look forward to find some beautiful things to do. Now being. 70 nearly. 71 is a hard. Age for me. I’d love to find a walking group. At my age. A group who loves sharing. And helping in the community. Which is hard. I am having a hard time getting back out because most of my lady friends have passed.
Hi Grace, thank you so very much for sharing these ladies friendship stories; it is really nice to hear about the bonds they share. Over the years I have experienced many friendships but as of today my circle of friends is very small and I can only assume that the reason for the circle being small is because life brings about a change for us all and as we grow older, get busy and meet new people sometimes our interests in life change etc. and people don’t stay in contact with each other and ultimately the tight bonds and friendships fade away; but I learned a long time ago not to lean heavily on my friends because that can potentially cause issues and then the friendships are no longer sustainable for one or all, but never the less I have always been good to my friends and cherished our friendships.
I am now greatful the the different friends in every season.
I honestly rarely come to this part of your text messages because my phone alerts me that’s it’s not safe.
Tonight I’m being bold but I haven’t been here long enough to read all there is of interest to me. I really like and want to read on a few intriguing topics. Like what did other women say about this or that on friendships etc…
I think this is beautiful and it gives me hope that there are still real friends out there to be found I don’t know why I have always tried my best to treat all my friends the way that I would like to be treated and for many of them I have went above and beyond but seems like all the friends who I thought I would be friends with forever split soon as my life got tough my one true best friend was my oldest sister and when she passed it broke me worse than I already was I don’t think that I will ever find another friend who is true to their word and sticks by my side through thick and thin But I have to say your stories have been an inspiration so I will keep looking Thank you !
My first true , trusting friend was my friend Eileen in my younger years. Then when we started having our families we kinda parted. I’m 65 years young now and I had worked in the healthcare we worked together for about 5 years and I started a family , the we parted for awhile until Diane came to my house on her motorcycle to give me a ride. And at that time my marriage was breaking up. But Diane did not know that. So we started a friendship with each other again and I realized Diane was a down to earth person I mean she was honest, funny, she had a great ear for my woes, and she never told anyone my secrets. And on top of that, she would give me the shirt off her back if I needed it. Diane is literally a True ANGEL. And she doesn’t even realize it. So I have to remind her of that at times. All I know is my Life is whole because Diane is my Only BEST FRIEND and she is the only one. So I don’t need anymore friends, cause GOD made her for me. And I’m one grateful friend.
I Think That’s Awesome. Nothing Like A “Best” Friend. I Have “BFF” We Been Friends Since The Age Of 2 1/2. We Are Both 64. We Can Take Each Other Criticism’s. We Understand Each Other So Our Feelings Dont Get Hurt, Because We Tell Each Other The Truth On What We Feel And Accept The Facts Of The Truth. We Live In Two Different States Now, But Still Communicate through text if can’t actually speak to each other. Always encouraging one another. There’s Nothing Like A Best Friend… After Each Message Sister/Friend ❤️
You know listening to everyone talk about their relationship I sit here and wonder where did I go wrong with Lisa She never worked one day in our 27 years and ultimately hooked up with Anna who was my best friend until Lisa got jealous of her and asked me not to see her anymore which I did Now they are a couple and I’m left on the outside looking like a fool or that’s what it feels like And the way she left me after 27 years with a text message Thanks for listening I really appreciate it
Such beautiful people on this site, I would love to meet everyone of you. The mind is a fantastic piece to share and then add your love. You end up with happiness and love which fells your heart with smiles. Love you all.
My “friend” Karly Baker we group up together went to school together from elementary on up, we are fb friends yes just that we only talk if I reach out to her, her husband was best friends with my cousin so small town everyone knows everyone,
Graduation day she wrote in my year book
I
I am
I am writing
I am writing this
I am writing this to
I am writing this to take
I am writing this to take up
I am writing this to take up space…
Sure as a 6 grader I thought it was cute as I got older I saw it for what it was. She wrote really nice things in everyone else yearbook, but couldn’t think of anything nice to say to me as her “friend” of many years. Smh now she’s an adult has kids I wonder how she’d feel if her kids friends treated them like she treated me?
I have been blessed with a best friend layer in my life but we hav s been friends now over 10 years I met her when she and her son were renting a room in a house me and my guy at the time thought about buying I didn’t like her at first I really had no reason except broken trust by other women she said oh your gonna learn to love me and I did we have been thru alot together I truly think because of similar things happening to each of us that God himself put us together she lost the guy she was happy and engaged to then a few years later I did our my daughter and her son went thru similar struggles that I dont know anyone else could or would gave believed ir understood she is a warm caring person who although she’s the younger one she’s the more mother like nurturing one I wouldn’t trade her for anything we have overcome alot together they are family more than my real family is now my mom and dad are gone . If you have been burned dont give up there’s a twin soul another female meant to be your friend the right way fo love you when your up or down to be there and laugh have fun not caring what anyone else thinks like I said we met when I was in my 40s youd think we have known each other since we were kids Thank you God for the blessing of having her in my life always
Besties Forever 😘
I have been friends with Maureen(Weenie) since I was 17 years old and am now 62 years old. That’s 45 years and she is my very best friend. 💝
I can remember very well in the beginning Weenie would drive me everywhere. Since she was a few years older than me, she had a car🚗. She would pick me up for work and sometimes bring me back home because I wasn’t driving then nor did I even have a car to drive.
We’ve been through marriages💑, divorces and births👶 together. We both have one daughter; mine is 33 and Weenie’s is 28.
Unfortunately we live very far away from each other for many years now. She moved from California to Missouri so in order to see each other, it takes extra planning, time and $$$💲🪙💸.
We’ve had some bumps and bruises along the way, but I am delighted to say we are still best friends 🧡 to this day 3/20/26.
I love❣️ you dear Weenie!!
My mom, she’s not my biological mom, she’s ALWAYS been here whenever I NEEDED her. She came into my life when I was at one of my lowest points, and have never left my side.
I’ll be honestly reading your stories and comments has truly left me in awwweeee realizing that I long to be able to connect with woman in such a familiar way as strange as respectfully I say my friends have always been gentleman only one good friend
But gods know I would love a group of gal friends of my own < 3 3
We have to be vulnerable, supportive, a loving connection, compassionate, kind, have each other‘s back, keep in touch often and laugh a lot, and even cry sometimes
Unconditional Friendship 👍
My best friends are animals
God bless everyone in this chat grace thank u for having me in here im happy to see all this beautiful women are so beautiful and have best friends
Love you for everyone 👏♥️
I had a best friend, we knew each other for over 20 years. But every negative thing that happened in my life, she made sure my daughter knew about it, that I had a shaky relationship with already, I quit talking to her, it really broke my heart! So I have to say my best friend is my husband, he is the best friend I could have ever asked for, we have been married for 18 years & counting!
Congratulations ladies you are extra extraordinary women with so much wisdom experience to pass on to other women. Your resilience is a testimony testing womanhood the sisterhood to empowering the woman movement. keep expiring women with your love and kindness, your stories make others women empowered. Just strive to be the best that they can. Congratulations again.
That sounds like great idea birthday are special and other special days nice.
I wish I had a best friend Grace but they are hard to find and trust. I’m a loner and I love being alone, because the way God built me to be loyal and always there people will try to take advantage of my kindness. When God gives you a best friend try your best to be honest and respectful to that person, love them and treat them well, show up when they need you, be the fountain in their life when they need one.
I wake up in the morning I do my Bible on my phone say good morning to my best friend and my Husband make his lunch for. The day and he leaves for work. Then when he gets home I ask him how was your day I let him talk even it doesn’t seem like I am listening I am . I’m sorry if this was supposed to be girls an women but he is my best friend ever we both have been through a lot he was there for me when my mom passed away in 2019
I have wonderful girlfriends only a few close ones , myself personally am going through a life changing event right now i am getting separated from my husband of 30 years without my close friends i would be lost they cry with me and also lift me up There is nothing like a trustful girlfriend they are irreplaceable ❤️🙏
I would love to meet new people please contact me
My best friend was my grandmother—my mothers mother. Being German I called her “Granny”. She was born in Austria in 1887 in a little village. She came to the USA in 1901 and settled in NJ. She married her Austrian sweetheart and had two children. When her daughter, my mother, was two and her son just a babe in arms, she lost her husband to pneumonia. She had to alone support herself, two children, and her elderly parents. She had no skills other than housekeeping. She went to work for wealthy people who could afford help. She cleaned other peoples homes and washed and ironed their clothes on a washboard. She lost her only son when he was only 26 after surgery. She continued on through incredible heartache and managed to survive. She helped raise me when I was growing up. When I was little I even slept with her. Even though I was naughty she never told on me. When I was 12 she asked me if I would remember her when she was gone. I said id remember her my whole life. She said when she can hold my first child in her arms she would be ready to meet God. But she was not granted her wish. I sadly lost her when I was 17. I miss her to this day and think of her often. Tears well up in my eyes very often even still. I miss her terribly. She is my inspiration and my ultimate role model. She was strong when she had no strength left. She survived when there was no hope left. I miss her still and always will. I like to think that she held my first child in heaven before he was born. I named my first daughter after her and my second son after her son whom she lost. I have told my children I want to be buried next to her. She is my best friend in all the world and I know I’ll meet her again in heaven. Until then I’ll still miss her very sorely and shall be so happy when I can be with her again in heaven. She is a very special blessing in my life!!!
Beautiful 😍 stories. Pray for each one to continue till FOREVER!
I like karaoke so I’d go and meet kind people Then you’d get to know them support their songs People are always kind and supportive Or find a club to join Get involved in helping others also brings more people into your life. Walking can also start a friendship
I did have a best friend. She died 10 years ago. So I just been busy trying to work , help with my grandkids. And my life staying focused with the Lord Jesus Christ. I just pray for those in needs and others.
No bestie here
I’m looking to meet other women around my age group have the same interest as me all of my friends pretty much ditched me when I got sick. I have a muscle disorder void everyone will running it’s been 9 years. Diagnosed 6 years ago.
Deb rescued me from an abusive marriage when I was 15 I lived with her father and brothers we’ve known each other 55 yrs and I love her with all my heart and soul she is a kind and loving person she makes it a habit to pay for someone’s groceries for make a difference Monday and is an active participant with k love she’s more than a friend she my sister 🙏💋❤️
Join a ladies club,go to senior center to eat lunch ,Go to a singles dance.
I love praying for other women inspiring women getting unos them for who they no judgement .
I just like them congratulate them they are good people and I’m happy for them and I hope they move on with their lives and stay happy I don’t have a best friend but I do have a sister and yeah there’s not much to say we don’t always communicate always do not at all We don’t always talk about stuff I’m just by myself I don’t have anybody best friend or anything and if I do throw far away but I really don’t have anybody but congratulations to the winners All right happy for them
I want to do better
I usually try to be empapathic or make their problems not seem so tough too get through
it’s nice to fellowship get out and meet new people starting working start a book club
this is the best
it’s nice to build a bond. It’s nice to meet new people. It’s nice to work around people and with people it’s nice to teach people
We always need family I need to around family that I really love missing the ones thar matter smile you matter to me
I
I need a friend!
I think one way to meet ladies is to frequent places that support your interest! If you enjoy wine, try wine tasting, sewing, the local ymca may have classes ! In other words choose places that support your passions, churches, symphony , etc! You get it! If you have no hobbies or interest , surely there is a new interest you want to enjoy! Show yourself friendly!
How do I nurture my friends with other women by trying to get in touch with them every time I have free time like my usual group we went out today even though we don’t work at the same place but we maintain our friendship no matter what we plan ahead to go out once a month or if somebody has a birthday coming up we meet at one place together like we never separate to one another we cherish our time together I think this is till the end of the world …. Bless all my group friends friends for life amen🙏🙏🙏 no it’s my first time to make comment but it’s ok if somebody commented the same that means we all have the same idea of what friendship is all about
Congratulations everyone! ❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈
I love this article. Thanks so much for sharing. Friends are so important 🌹
Best friends are forever and they encourage you to always reach out for your dreams.
My Journey to a brighter future…
No one can predict to what
heights you can soar, even if you will know, until you spread your wings.
Keep up your best friend in your heart forever.
I think that’s wonderful, as women we need to inspire one another and be honest, and unconditional, love comes in many forms! And loving your self through it, and having a good sense of humor!
You have to learn how to love yourself before you learn how to love someone else
I love to invite friends out to dance classes I go to when I can. I make celebrating birthdays a priority. I keep my word if I say I’m going to be somewhere. Sisterhood is important ✨👯♀️
I Empower Women To Strive For Excellence.
I Am A Model Who Campaigns For Women With Breast Cancer. Self Care And A Healthy Diet , Point Exercises Love The Skin Your In
Me And My Best Friend Of 35 Years Enjoy Walking Through The Park, Eating In Cafes Restaurants Taking Photos And Watching Movies… We Play, We Inspire, We Cry, Then We Balance It All Out. We’re Line Two Bookends… BFF 🔥💞💐🌹👑