Guys buying flowers for other guys: What do you think?

Last week, I was talking with some other floral aficionados and we wondered aloud whether it’s OK for a man to give to flowers to another man (without sending a romantic message).

My first thought was why not? Men buy each other food and drinks all the time. And a plant, say a bird of paradise, is a great addition to any home or garden.

If a woman got a bouquet from a galpal, she wouldn’t think anything of it. Clearly, a double standard exists …

Yellow Flowers

I think the key is what kind of flowers. A dozen red roses or pink lilies? Not so much. But, like I said, a plant or greenery, especially for a guy with a green thumb, is no biggie.

At the office, standard gift-giving rules apply, that is, giving an elaborate present to your boss or, if you’re the boss, singling out one subordinate to receive a special gift is a no-no.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with the boss buying a bouquet for the whole team to enjoy. Or if you are friendly with a co-worker, some cheerful blooms (daisies or sunflowers, say) can be a definite day brightener.

I confirmed that advice with image, etiquette and communication expert Gloria Starr gloriastarr.com. Btw, Gloria also worked as a floral designer for 25 years!

As for a guy sending flowers to another fella at the workplace, she says: “It might raise so many eyebrows that it could work to your disadvantage. It’s so unusual it could present a challenge. Today, people are looking for solutions, not challenges.”

Got an opinion? Write in and share it with Flower Blog. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Jacqueline - Editor

March 25, 2008

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Comments (3)

Comments

Mike

Personally, I enjoy getting flowers, no matter who they're from.

Jennifer

I once found the prettiest pink roses at the grocery store and decided to buy them for my boyfriend. He raised an eyebrow at the time but he put them on his desk at home and would fill the vase with water, remove the leaves which dried up and once some of the blooms started to die he put them in a petite vase to keep enjoying the pretty ones. He mentioned no one had ever bought him flowers and that it was very nice. For a guys guy he sure took care of those flowers!

Catherine Rome

Flowers just *are* romantic. Guys have no problem giving other guys plants. But guys giving flowers to guys is difficult simply because it can be so easily misunderstood or misinterpreted.

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