To be irritated by receiving flowers

[DappledThings]

Firstly let be clear I did politely thank the sender, I'm not terrible. But I was sent flowers in the post yesterday and my only reaction was annoyance.

I don't own a vase so had to find a jug big enough for them. Loads of random wrapping that makes a big mess, loads of water in the wrapping that I didn't know about so flooded the table, spilt half the packet of the food liquid stuff which is very sticky, couldn't cut through the thick stems with first pair of scissors and had to use a knife.

Then they last a little while and don't even look that nice, and once they are past their best there's smelly, slimy water to deal with a drippy bunch of dead plant matter to chuck away.

I would happily never be sent or given flowers ever again. Just me or anyone else not like them?

I like flowers myself but I can see where you're coming from OP

I do love fresh flowers but I hate getting them as presents, to me they are expensive and a lazy option. I always get my partner things he can use or wear for Valentine's etc. and spend around £20, I always get red roses which last a couple of days and they cost around £50! There's always collections at work for flowers for new mothers, I'm sure they'd appreciate a big fuck of box of chocolates and a bottle of something instead - I know I would

The only time it really annoys me if I get flowers is when they're given based on the fact that I'm female, e.g. women get flowers, men get a bottle of whisky type scenario.

I love flowers, but I suppose that isn't the point. Let's say you sent me a tub of Haribo, which I don't like in any way. I don't think I would feel irritated as such. I'd appreciate the gesture and give them to someone else.

@Bobbiepin

Totally with you OP. my birthday was in lockdown and people sent me flowers, lovely gesture but such a pain to deal with. The people who know me best sent a hamper of food and one sent flowers that could be planted in the garden. I know who my real friends are!!

How lovely you sound. . Perhaps tell those who were not ‘real friends’’ that they didn’t fulfil your wants accurately and save them the cost and effort next time.

I'm with you OP. They just don't bring me any pleasure. I've been unwell and have had loads recently. I am grateful and always thank the sender profusely but I'd really rather they didn't. I have two vases. I've currently got some in protein shaker glasses and a couple of large mugs. However, I am very touched that anybody goes to the expense and trouble to send them and make that very clear. It's just personal taste isn't it?

I hate flowers too - hate them. But then I'm mostly rude enough that most people know 😃 and if also means mum gets gifted a lot of flowers if someone doesn't know me that well buys me a gift (5 bunches when I left my last job but none from team who know me well enough to know I hate them)

I feel exactly the same OP, especially as I'm a minimalist. I've taken to sending people a box of brownies via Gower Cottage Brownies instead. Half the price of flowers and a real treat.

Let's say you sent me a tub of Haribo, which I don't like in any way. I don't think I would feel irritated as such

I don't like Haribo either. Receiving that would be more bemusing that irritating though because it wouldn't involve any faff. Unlike the multiple bits of faff involved with flowers.

So give them to your neighbour then.

I sent someone flowers which were delivered yesterday, I hope I don't know you OP

You can at least pass haribo on to someone who might appreciate them, somewhat harder to do that for flowers, especially at the current time.

I've just had some sent as I'm recovering and it meant I had to get up, find a vase etc!

But honestly was really sweet that someone was thinking about me enough to buy a gift.

And they smell great!

I love them but I just cant help seeing them as a huge waste of money.
You could say that about a bottle of wine that is finished in an evening, a bar of chocolate, a lovely cake or anything that doesn't last for ever but gives some pleasure.

Or if you hate it so much tell people you have developed hayfever that will stop them

poisson

Girl, Woman, Other: WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 2019

This is on BBC Sounds at the moment - (abridged, I think) - it is excellent!-

Have a listen and see what you think.

I only send flowers that are already arranged and delivered either in a water bag (boxed or otherwise), or a vase.
The last think I want to do is make work for someone.

"Becoming" is also good.

Haven't read Barack Obama one.

Love flowers, even throughout lockdown I have kept up my 3 bunches a week habit!

However (1) I loathe carnations and 'garage' bunches, and (2) the nicest ones such as peonies and stocks seem to die within a few days, so there are caveats.

And yep, I much prefer flowers, wine or food gifts. My house is full of stuff, so things that are consumable or short lived are best.

Blimey the image of you dealing with the flowers is nothing but slapstick. Sounds like a Mr Bean episode.

Only on MN. Misery guts!