Flower Power

Flowers— the romantic staple.

There’s an adage I’ve coined regarding flowers and the Mrs. It reads: A single rose on a random Tuesday is worth more than a dozen on Valentine’s Day.* Let me explain. If you want your wife to feel loved, cared for, appreciated, etc., you need to show her (remember: talk is cheap) you’re thinking of her on a regular basis. Like a high-level college course, you cannot expect to get a passing grade with your wife if all you do is show up for the three major exams— Valentine’s Day, Birthday and Anniversary. You need to put in some class time and do your homework.

Another truism I’ve found in the world of floral gesture: Timing of the delivery is just as important as the flowers themselves. Here’s what I mean. Most wives enjoy receiving flowers. They are even more appreciative when the colorful tokens of your love are unexpected. But if you’re genuinely looking to rack up some extra credit, have the fragrant flora delivered to her when she’s in the company of other women. This way she’ll be the envy of her female peers or co-workers. What better way to make her the center of attention than a bright bouquet for everyone to see. After all, she deserves her time in the sun.

Thus ends the lecture.

As for me, I sent my wife a professional arrangement on Tuesday. In following my own advice, I had them delivered to her Women’s Bible study— plenty of ladies there to make envious. As far as I can tell, they were a big hit. In the end, I simply want her to know that she is a wife worthy of praise and truly cherished. She deserves all the love I can show her.

* Note: Adhering to this philosophy does not absolve you of your Valentine‘s Day responsibilities. Unless your wife lives in a bomb shelter with no access to the outside world (and short wave radio doesn‘t count), you still need to do something for her on February 14th. I know that’s a hard truth fellas— but marriage, like reality, isn’t for wimps.