Annie Get Your Galentine

If you’ve been following Brits in Boots for a while, you’ll know that CJ went from being single to having a Non-Country-Fan Boyfriend, who then became the Non-Country Husband (NCH). While I, (Judi) well, didn’t… But it’s okay because the NCH and I share custody and I get CJ for all country-music-related weekends. It’s was in their vows. Okay, it wasn’t but it was definitely implied.

Now, since Valentine’s Day is a non-country-music-related ‘holiday’, it means one of us has plans and the one other doesn’t.

Fortunately in the last few years, the idea of Galentine’s Day – where you celebrate the female friendships in your life – has arisen as a coping mechanism for single women to temper our smugness, I mean, pain, in the face of rampant commercialism and overpriced chocolate. I was reminded of this the other day as I watched a TikTok on Instagram, as you do, and which I immediately sent to CJ, with no context or comment because that’s how best friends say “I love you”.

In the TikTok, the woman commented how Miley tells this generation to buy their own flowers, whereas The [Dixie] Chicks introduced our generation to Earl. And that got me thinking about one of the most fearsome phenomena found in nature: the Country Female Friendship.

The Country Female Friendship, if you’ve not come across it before, is characterised by the unshakeable support given to one another in any and all circumstances, knowing the right time to offer a shot of tequila (CJ) / whiskey (me), having entire conversations without a word and only facial expressions, getting into situations where both of you really should know better and an instant and unquestioning willingness and availability to hide a body and be an alibi.

In honour of those female friendships, I’ve curated a list of songs celebrating Galentine Ride or Die’s everywhere – except I’m going to have to insist on my own Harley, CJ’s going to need food when we get there, and dying seems a little extreme and like a lot of effort, let’s go for cocktails instead …

Shania Twain – Best Friend

Because your Galentine has always got you …

Dixie Chicks – Goodbye Earl

The OG. Because nobody hurts your country bestie and lives (a theme that comes up again and again in country songs …). Oh, and yes, we’ll get away with it …

Kelsea Ballerini – If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)

Because she is the She to your ‘Nagians …

Miranda Lambert – We Should Be Friends

Because if you don’t have a country female friend, Miranda has some great advice in who you should be looking for… And let’s face it, if your Valentine doesn’t treat you right any of the other 364 days, who would rather have beside you than Miranda Lambert?