Men and Flowers – Dispelling the Myths

Car replicas, comic book boxers, laminated tie racks—one can’t help but think that dads have taken the cake when it comes to impromptu gifts. Of course, it’s the idea that counts, but do fathers derive the same pleasure from the trinkets received in June as mothers do from the bouquets sent in May?

It seems unlikely, yet year after year we refuse to follow suit on the delight experienced by the spinning wheel side. Is it because we are victims of social stereotypes, or is it that men really don’t get that excited about flowers?

It’s true, boys want bouquets.

Contrary to popular belief, most men seem to like a bit of flowery pampering. In 2003, more than 60 percent of men surveyed by the Society of American Florists admitted they’d like to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day, and that was a few years before “metrosexual” entered our common parlance. An ICM survey from the same year also revealed that both men and women thought they could receive flowers on a Friday as a prelude to a good weekend.

Give flowers and receive social butterflies

Also, men who receive flowers are generally more likable (unless, of course, you have a penchant for grumpy types). In a study by academics at Rutgers University, lone elevator travelers were presented with a single gerbera stem, a pen, or nothing at all, or exposed to a basket full of Transvaal daisies. Investigators then tried to strike up a conversation with the roamers between floors.

Taking into account head movements, eye contact, proxemic behavior, and polite versus genuine (Duchenne) smiles, the researchers concluded that “both men and women were equally likely to respond with more social behaviors when received flowers than when they received pens or when they received nothing. So whether or not men admit to being pleased with flower gifts, it’s likely that most people prefer male companionship if the men in question have received flowers.

Send flowers and push the envelope

According to Texas A&M University, flowers in the workplace also boost men’s problem-solving skills. Over an eight-month period, the men in the study generated 15% more ideas than usual when working in a floral-enhanced environment. So if you’re a victim of uninspired dinnertime chatter or gloomy bedroom antics, perhaps a strategically placed bouquet of flowers around the house will make your guy think…

So some pink peonies for him?

Just because men enjoy being given flowers (or at least respond well to receiving them), doesn’t automatically mean that they like receiving the same kinds of flowers as women. The flowers as a whole may have shed the old-fashioned cloak of unmasculinity, but there are certain varieties that are considered too feminine and frilly for more masculine tastes.

That does not mean that nothing pink is an a priori no-no. In the early 20th century, pink was actually the favorite color of children, so anyone who insists that only blue will do is a conservative who follows the pack. It is true that men tend to like blue; They are generally drawn to bolder, more vibrant colors, including reds and yellows. They also tend to prefer cleaner-edged, more architectural flowers such as bamboos, ginger lilies, and gladioli. Tropical flowers are often a good bet, as their bright hues and modern shapes are a far cry from the fussy petals of more feminine flowers like carnations and peonies.

To each man for himself, however, it is true. If you’re choosing flowers for a man, take some time to think about his favorite colors and shapes. And don’t just stop at Valentine’s Day, it’s about time our gentleman friends got used to pampering them a bit like our ladies.