Valentines is just around the corner and guys are already planning on doing something special for their significant others. Planning ahead is always the best way right? Getting reservations to a restaurant, putting that sparkling necklace on hold, or a weekend getaway that had been reserved for months.
But what about buying flowers? Around this time of year, grocery stores are the best options for Valentines Day because of the convenient in store floral department. At our store, we have a florist from 10 am to 6 pm. Hardly anyone ever buys flowers between those times and when the florist is gone, its whatever grocery clerk that’s in the vicinity.
I get asked to do things in the floral department like blowing up balloons and making small arrangements of flowers. Nothing too special. But today was unlike anything I would have imagined. It seems like guys are buying flowers early just to avoid the price hike this coming weekend. Questions such as…
- Will these last til Valentines Day?
- It’s best to buy them now right?
- How long does the flower smell last?
- How much more would it be come Valentines Day?
- Do they need sunlight? (Where are you going to put it? In the trunk of your car?)
Do women really care if they get fresh flowers or not?
One guy tops it all though…
He asked me to put together some red roses wrapped in white paper and tied with a light blue ribbon. Sure, that sounds easy but as he’s watching me put it together, he notices some roses inside the trash can next to me…
Valentine Cheapskate: Hey, what’s wrong with those?
Me: I dunno…
He picks out about 6 red roses and puts them on the counter…
Valentine Cheapskate: Looks like there’s nothing wrong with these.
Me: Umm… I guess so…
Valentine Cheapskate: Why don’t you add these onto those?
Me: Sure.
I put his arrangement together and gave him the total cost of the flowers…
Valentine Cheapskate: Wait! Wait! Your not going to charge me for the flowers I found, are you?
Me: [cough...cheapskate] Oh, sorry about that.
It’s the thought that counts right?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
He must feel like it’s an obligation to get them.
Secretia
@Secretia
That’s true considering it was going to be trashed anyway.
I dunno, I kind of admire the impulse not to waste flowers.
@secret agent woman
Aww, that’s how it should be!
Ugh. I am now going to be wary of any flowers given to me. I mean. There’s something to be said about being frugal. But it’s one day out of the year!
@Joanne
Tough times Joanne! Flowers can be spendy!
I love flowers, but I’d rather have something that doesn’t die after a few days.
@Sharon
Yeah, I have a feeling those won’t last til V-day.
Wow. Just…wow.
@Justin
And just when you think you’ve seen it all.
And now everytime i geet flowers, I’m going to wonder where they’ve been!
@Suzicate
Indeed you should ladies…
I’ll take flowers from anyone, any time!
@Nicole
That’s the spirit!
Wow, I don’t know how much you get paid, but I bet it’s not enough. I mean, you are making flower arrangements for crying out loud.
And double-wow on the florally frugal guy digging out roses from the trash for his sweetie. Wonder if he told her about that or if he’ll just complain about the quality when they die in a day! I bet he doesn’t tell her.
@Christine
That would suck if she came in and blamed our florist.
That is TOO funny – I guess that sort of answers the “smell” question someone had! Did you say, “Like moldy baby’s breath?” Yep, such is the grocery biz – go where you’re needed. So hilarious ~ ?
@The imPerfect Housewife
Haha, we’re talented in many areas of the store.
Ah man, I was really hoping he was going to cancel his order and just walk out with the flowers he found in the trash!
How can guys be buying flowers already? By Sunday some flowers will already be dying, and then the girl doesn’t get to enjoy them! The dudes should either be willing to pay the more expensive price, or come up with a better, more creative gift.
@Erika
It’s a man thing Erika!
I wish I was getting flowers… even from the garbage, but alas my fiance is in prison for another 10 months.
and no we did not meet on some write a prisoner pen pal site for desperate women, we were together before he went to prison (but years after he commited to “prison worthy” crime of drug possesion). We have a child together…
I hate Valentines day. I hate stupid laws that criminalize victimless crimes. I hate mandatory sentancing (aka “truth in sentancing”) laws in stupid Arizona. I hate that he is at the prison farthest form my house (6 hours), and I hate the fact that even if he was closer I can not visit him because I owe on a traffic ticket. sorry rant
@Melanie -It’s OK. I’m sure we understand. Valentines is a day for couples but it also reminds those who are single that they are alone. I’m sure you’ll pull through for what has happened and for now, focusing on your child is the best remedy.
Impressive. I am surprised he didn’t just leave the ones he had to pay for entirely and take only the ones from the trash. What a lucky girl!!
@Wicked Shawn
I bet she is lucky! Sometimes people have no shame whatsoever but I’m sure there’s a reason why those flowers were in the trash.
trying to cash in on all the flower points he can muster. Hope he loves her and makes up the difference with kisses!
@Diane
I don’t know about people who take shortcuts like that.
I’m pretty sure I dated him once.
@J
Sure it was just him?
Hahahaha love it Paul.
How many flowers did he ask for as part of the original order?
Did he round out a dozen by adding 6 to 6?
That would make sense.
I’m just trying to imagine him handing the roses to his girlfriend/wife “Hey honey, I bought you…18 roses!”
@Phoenixism
LOL, he bought a dozen. I never thought of that! Luckily, it was just a bunch of left over flowers and cuts in the trash can. That would have been funny if it was covered in deli grease.
I hate Valentines day. Not because I am horribly single… No, the shine was taken away from V day for me when one year I had to buy my own Valentines day present.
I was in a relationship at the time. We were together a year.
BWUAHAHAHAHAHAH! Some people, I swear. That is just beyond frugal. And I agree with the other person who said there was a reason they were likely in the trash in the first place. Oy.
I’m not a big fan of V-day (especially now that I am single) but it does make you think of the waste for one holiday alone. I have a coworker who gets flowers from her boyfriend at least twice a month and it’s what I always think of. Why not say you care with something that won’t wilt in a few days? Just my opinion…
Wow…what an asshat. I have never had that problem that some guys do. However, my current gf doesn’t celebrate the vday. Swwwweeeet.
But, that was just bad. cheap and nasty. If she finds out….dayum
Good grief, what a dork that guy is. I’m all in for people who don’t waste, but this one? Glad I’m not his significant other. I’m not his kind of girl.
Oh my gosh..LOL! I never knew that stuff happened!!!
Hmm…it’s the thought that counts??????
Hi Paul,
I just came by because you left a comment on my post about my first car, the Oldmobile Omega SX. Not sure how you found my blog, but I’m glad you did and thank you for commenting on the plaid seats. I thought I would come over here and check your blog out and I love the very first story I read of yours about the cheapskate rose guy…lol. Very funny, cause really the things that happen in real life are the funniest aren’t they?
And another reason I’m glad I came by is that I noticed that the person who commented right above me is also named Alicia and I clicked on her name and the first post of hers I read was about free breakfast at Denny’s with a picture of pancakes! Does life get any better? I don’t think so. So thanks for visiting and I’ll be back regularly. Happy Valentines Day!
Flowers don’t do much for me, but I’m not the romantic type of gal. I definitely don’t think I’d want flowers pulled from the trash.
I am a cheap date for my husband. I am allergic to nickel (which most metals are cut with) so no jewelry. Most “expensive” (and cheap) perfumes give me headaches, and I rarely drink anymore, and I can’t eat a lot anymore…. And I’d rather have flowers at some random time for no reason (and they are usually cheaper then). The man has it made! LOL
That guy…. I’m not sure I’d like to know.