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Giving Flowers!

(13 Posts)
SpinDriftCoastal Thu 06-Aug-26 17:26:57

Recently, a relative of mine sent me a huge bunch of flowers which must have cost them a lot of money which they don't have. Unfortunately, I hate receiving flowers and especially highly scented ones. I expressed heartfelt thanks as any civilised person would but was reminded of the old saying 'We give to suit ourselves not the recipient'. I would have much preferred a nice card or a 'phone call. Just saying.........

MT62 Thu 06-Aug-26 17:39:41

Me too. I prefer to see flowers in the ground.
I can’t do with all the faffing.
My friends all know that.
I do love a nice card though.

MollyNew Thu 06-Aug-26 18:06:23

Does your relative know you don't like receiving flowers?

Personally, I like having fresh flowers in the house, (particularly daffodils) although I don't often buy them as I think they're so expensive for something that lasts only a few days. We have some sweet peas in our garden and my OH regularly cuts a few and puts them in a small vase, they look so pretty. I like a nice card too.

SpinDriftCoastal Thu 06-Aug-26 18:09:06

MollyNew

Does your relative know you don't like receiving flowers?

Personally, I like having fresh flowers in the house, (particularly daffodils) although I don't often buy them as I think they're so expensive for something that lasts only a few days. We have some sweet peas in our garden and my OH regularly cuts a few and puts them in a small vase, they look so pretty. I like a nice card too.

No, my relative doesn't know I don't like flowers but I could not tell them as they are considered a vulnerable individual so it would really upset them. Your sweet peas sound delightful. I love sweet peas.

MollyNew Thu 06-Aug-26 18:16:33

Good for you, being a grateful and polite recipient rather than upsetting your relative smile

GrannyGravy13 Thu 06-Aug-26 18:31:30

I love flowers, I always have them in the house, but admit that on mother’s days and my birthdays I get too many as gifts.

Patsy70 Thu 06-Aug-26 18:38:26

MollyNew

Good for you, being a grateful and polite recipient rather than upsetting your relative smile

Yes, always be gracious when someone buys you a gift. So many people would appreciate such a kind thought. 💐

Fallingstar Thu 06-Aug-26 18:53:28

I think you are a really considerate person for not letting your relative know
that you don’t like flowers. Next time why not pass the flowers on to someone you know who will really enjoy them. As long as your relative doesn’t drop in often, then you will have to hold onto them.
Flowers are a bit of a faff and definitely not a gift for someone hosting a meal, the last thing a host needs is to be searching for a vase and trimming stems or thinning out leaves whilst making sure their meal doesn’t burn.
I usually buy food for friends or relatives but need to know their preferences.

HelterSkelter1 Thu 06-Aug-26 18:59:08

Yes I agree I dont like being given a bouquet. Often the flowers are mixed colours and a lot of filler greenery. I have to find vases, jugs etc.
I quite like a bunch of daffodils or tulips, but the mixed bunches are so expensive. And roses with no perfume. Please no. Especially when out of season. I expect people will say how ungrateful blah blah and I do say thank you of course.
But love a card or a hug or pot of honey or nice jam or a potted lave der. But flowers. No thank you.

kittylester Thu 06-Aug-26 19:10:39

I love fresh flowers and spend far too much on them so any flowers are gratefully received. Good for you for being grateful.

NotSpaghetti Thu 06-Aug-26 19:20:18

SpinDriftCoastal
Could you maybe hint at smaller bunches?
Or say, a love of nice chocolates or coffee,or bath bombs...

Maybe they just don't know what else to send?

Bukkie Thu 06-Aug-26 19:31:11

I always think it's polite to accept presents gratefully especially if the sender doesn't know your preferences. When they do and send you things you hate to be spiteful that's a different matter. My evil Mother in law used to give me candles knowing I hate them. Charity shops and raffles always got them.

HelterSkelter1 Thu 06-Aug-26 19:33:11

Are you likely to get another one. OP? Or regular deliveries? That is a problem especially if the vulnerable donor is not able to afford them easily.
Don't know how you can get round that if they would be upset if you revealed you don't like them. The flowers I mean.

Is there a reason she/he has sent them?