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Some time again, a Cup of Jo reader left a remark, describing how she gave flowers to her 85-year-old neighbor, to thank him for serving to her with a chore. “Nobody has ever given me flowers in my complete life,” he advised her, amazed.
I couldn’t cease serious about that. It feels so antiquated, however why are flowers usually thought of a feminine present? Why aren’t males included extra usually? Whose temper wouldn’t be lifted by a recent scent and burst of colour?
So, this week, to thank Alex for dealing with all of the parenting for seven days whereas I had Covid, I picked out flowers from the bodega.
A portrait of a man who had by no means acquired flowers.
“These are for you,” I advised him.
“Me? Actually?” His jaw fell open. “I’ve by no means gotten flowers. It feels superb.”
Standing within the kitchen, I laughed at his shocked expression. “This has the identical feeling as a shock get together,” he mentioned. “For the primary couple of minutes, I’m simply in shock.”
Later, Alex identified that guys usually obtain purposeful presents, like keychains or cast-iron skillets. “Virtually each males’s present boils right down to some type of device. Even a pleasant sweater or bottle of alcohol has a goal,” he mentioned. “However with flowers, there’s no goal aside from to carry enjoyment. They’re fairly for prettiness sake. Now each time I see them, I feel, ‘Wow, that was so surprising and good.’”
Likewise, when a man good friend, who lately moved overseas, advised me he felt homesick and brokenhearted (a decidedly tough combo), I despatched a small bouquet of flowers to his condo. Quickly after, he despatched me the picture (above) and these texts:
Him: You’re critically THE BEST ❤️
Me: Oh yay! I figured you wanted some flowers. I had them embrace a vase bc I didn’t know when you had one lol
Him: Unforgettable transfer
Then, a number of days later:
Him: Loving my flowers
How candy is that? A person named Vince additionally recounted a stunning reminiscence to Esquire Center East: “The one time I acquired flowers was from an individual I barely knew in school. It was my birthday; I’d been having a foul time. She requested if I might assist her select presents for a good friend, made me choose flowers and pastries, then went, ‘These are for you!’”
Ideas? Would (or do) you give flowers to males? I’d love to listen to… And thanks to the reader who left that inspiring remark!
P.S. What marriage means, and the primary emails Alex and I despatched to one another (we had been nervous!).
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