In my early twenties I was an articling accounting student trying to make ends meet in the bustling metropolis of Vancouver. Student wages were not bad, but I was a single girl with both rent and a car payment to make. Add in the cost of food and toiletries and there was nothing left over for things like eating out, magazines, or buying new clothes. I did what I had always done and got a second job.
I spent my evenings and weekends working at a popular restaurant which had an enormous outside patio that jutted out into a waterway known as False Creek. Most of the restaurant staff was like what you see at any other trendy restaurant these days; young, dressed in black and easy on the eyes. My co-workers and I got along famously and I soon learned that in this business flirting was a sport, not merely a game. For a girl who had spent a good chunk of her life in the “awkward” group it sure felt nice to be treated as one who was “flirt-worthy.”
In addition to the smooth-talkers there were those on staff who were just good people. Those were the ones that I gravitated to, as I could only take so much of the raging pheromones. One of the friends I made was the manager of the Valet staff who was a really great guy. He was smart, kind, and looked a bit like a big teddy bear. He would encourage me to spend my money wisely. To invest it, buy a home, not squander my earnings away like the rest of the staff did so easily.
One night after the restaurant was closed we were all sitting out on the patio as we always did (before we went elsewhere). This friend would often sit with us for a bit but never went out; he was not much of a partier. That night he ended up sitting next to me and I don’t know how we got to that point in the conversation, but he had assumed due to all of the flirting I received from both staff and patrons alike that I had a highly active dating life. This was so far from the truth that I actually laughed out loud. He seemed to be in sincere shock that nobody was wooing me with kind words, nights out, flowers. I told him that he was sweet to think so but that most guys were pretty lame when it came to doing anything beyond a smart/flirty remark.
On my very next shift I was just getting set up to start when he walked into the restaurant with a large bouquet of flowers and handed them to me with this look I cannot describe. There was no romantic vibe, no discomfort, no awkwardness. He was simply my friend and wanted to bring me flowers with no hope of anything in return. I opened the card attached to the flowers and inside he had written one line:
Someone should buy you flowers
I was overwhelmed by the simplicity of that sentence. Here was this sweet friend stating something that I often did not believe about myself. He saw value in me as a human being (not a love interest) and wanted me to know that I was worth something so simple as a bouquet of fresh flowers.
I have kept that note card in my jewelry box for over twelve years. What he did for me was so completely thoughtful, giving, selfless and sweet. I have no idea whatever happened to him but the simple truth in that statement has stuck with me over the years.
Ever since then I have occasionally walked into the grocery store and seen that they have had a new shipment of flowers. I will wander over and peruse the selection. Without fail I will hear those words echoing in my head.
Someone should buy you flowers
I will pick an arrangement that makes my heart smile and place it in my basket.
Because sometimes, that “someone” is yourself.
That is just … well … wow. Amazing. Really cool. Um, I only have lame words. I love that the dude did that for you. Obviously a fine human being.
I never buy myself flowers because flowers make my nose run and my eyes water. But, I really like them. And I really like (your) photos of them.
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..sunshine sunshine
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That is the sweetest gesture…..love it. I often find myself staring at the flower bouquets at Costco…maybe I should pick one up next time for myself…Thanks!
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I remember about 7 years ago my mother in law and I were talking and the door bell rang and she got a delivery of flowers from her hubby. I thought that was so sweet-just a note to say he was thinking of her. While I knew that my hubby loved me-the little romantic things were not something that he was good at. While talking she realized that I never had gotten flowers. She was shocked. the next week our doorbell rang-it was the local flower shop with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers with a note attached “Everyone deserves flowers” It was so simple and sweet. I have to say that hubby saw the delight with me getting those flowers so every now and again he gets them for me. Or he brings me home a Dr. Pepper & a milky way dark (nearly as good…LOL)
I think that fresh flowers will perk me up on this rainy day. Thanks for the reminder. (and sorry for the novel of a comment)
Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Girls Day out.
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That was so sweet – if more people were as thoughtful as he was, the world would be a better place.
I used to buy flowers at the store almost every week but haven’t done that in a long time. I really should.
Sherry’s last blog post..Lights out!
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I buy flowers for myself ALL the time, and I love doing it. Though lately I haven’t even had a chance because Chris is (amazing, and) buying me bouquet after bouquet every time he goes to the grocery store to get us fresh fruit/milk/enter item we need here.
My favorite part about bouquets (especially of daffodils and tulips, which are my FAVORITES): how instantly springlike and cheerful your living space becomes with them in it.
Kerri Anne’s last blog post..Weekend Update, Catch Up If You Can Edition
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Thanks Angella!
I am always whining that my man doesn’t buy me flowers anymore. The honeymoon period is definitely over!! I find myself looking at the flowers forlornly wishing and wanting.
I WILL buy myself some flowers today. Thanks for the reminder of the simple things.
Carla
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That was so beautiful! Flowers are one of the nicest gifts ever. I secretly hope for someone to buy me flowers, but as I doubt that will ever happen, I buy them for myself on occasion. I have lots of beautiful vases, and it’s a shame to let them just sit there. Maybe I’ll buy myself a bouquet this weekend.
Sharon’s last blog post..Seek and you shall find
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i buy myself flowers because how else am i going to receive them?
what a thoughtful friend you had there.
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What a beautiful story!!
“Because sometimes, that “someone” is yourself.”
A-men!
Kami’s last blog post..A Man (boy) of Few Words
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What a great post!!! Thats exactly what I needed to be reminded about today.
I know what you mean about the flirtatious-ness (I doubt that is a word) that goes along with waitressing and the slumps in the dating scene where sometimes just a flirty remark is all you hear.
Thank goodness for sweet guys like the guy you mentioned!!
Shelly’s last blog post..Pina Coladas…….
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Angella, this was lovely. Thank you for sharing!
abbersnail’s last blog post..Commence Countdown: three? two? two? two?
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LOVE this post
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Love this! I’m definitely buying myself a nice bouquet this week.
Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..My Monday Playdate
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I really enjoyed this post. I love the idea that an act of kindness can stick with someone for so long. It motivates me to send someone flowers
hillary’s last blog post..What Kind Of Magic Spell To Use Slime And Snails Or Puppy Dogs’ Tails
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That was Monks!!! My Hubby also worked there, for a couple years, what a great bunch of peeps. The view is pretty hard on the eyes also!!! What a beautiful story….
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So, so true. I make a point of buying flowers for myself because it cheers me and I’m worth it. There. I said it!
That was an incredibly kind gesture from your friend with such far reaching impact. I love stories like this.
sizzle’s last blog post..Wise Up
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Wow, what a cool story! Thanks for sharing it. I think I will hear those words now when I see flowers at the store … and I just *might* buy some for myself
Hannah’s last blog post..Thirty-one
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Am going to buy myself some today! Thanks for the great story, and the reminder of how wonderful fresh flowers makes one feel.
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Amen sistah!!
I fully agree with that, someone should always buy you flowers
and it is definitely okay that sometimes, that someone is you!
rachel-asouthernfairytale’s last blog post..Monkey Proofing
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This actually brought tears to my eyes. He must have been a truly good man, to see the beautiful person you were and want you to see it too.
Just, wow, Angella.
bethany actually’s last blog post..Day 3 of 7 – grumpy mugs
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How refreshing this story was…wherever he is, I am sure there is a *very* happy & satisfied woman =-)
Belindalouwho’s last blog post..A Golden Opportunity
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Makes me feel bad because I didn’t see any today I wanted to spend the money on. I bought some last time I went shopping, but a friend needed the pickup more than I, so I presented them to her.
witchypoo’s last blog post..FML
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How sweet! What a wonderful guy. That’s so amazing how much that changed your perspective and really impacted your life. Probably made you more confident for Matthew
Tricia’s last blog post..Ramblings
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Someone SHOULD buy me flowers, damn it. Namely, me. I will tend to that immediately. Thanks for the reminder.
Moose’s last blog post..Blink, Blink
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That’s really sweet, Angella. I love flowers and i need more of them in my life.
kirida’s last blog post..In which we meet Dooce
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awwwwwww
Victoria’s last blog post..Spun
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Such a sweet story, Angella! J brings me flowers every Friday. Even though I know they’re coming, I always get so happy when I see them. And him.
metalia’s last blog post..The Bela Karolyi School of Crawling and a Very Special List
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That was a terrifically sweet and thoughtful gesture. I bet he made a great husband for some lucky lady! : )
Hope you are all feeling better…
Elaine’s last blog post..Five has Arrived!
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This is hands-down one of the sweetest, simplest tales of friendship I have ever read. I just don’t even know what to say.
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What a great story. I cannot resist picking up some fresh flowers ever week or two at the grocery store. And I try to buy them for other people too on a fairly regular basis. What spirit-lifters they are.
Danica’s last blog post..Momentum
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What a wonderful thing for him to do!
Ashley’s last blog post..Dancing Queen
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Beautiful.
I hope he knows the impact those simple words had on you. And all of us now. I know I’ll think of them next time I pass the flowers in the store. Lovely.
Jennifer H’s last blog post..The dirt road
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I absolutely know what you mean. I love flowers and that little gesture and little phrase meant a lot! Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story.
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