Although the famous poem would have you thinking otherwise, all roses are not red. In fact, besides carnations, they are one of the few flowers on Earth available in more than a dozen varieties. Below are a few of the most popular rose colors and what they may signify to the receiver.
Red: This romantic flower signifies passionate love and erotic respect. A single rose means “I love you”… a thornless rose implies “love at first sight.” Either way, this flower means business…and pleasure.
Pink: The second-most popular rose color translates into friendship. This flower is given when a subtle thank-you is in order or when a friend needs a scented pick-me-up after going through a tough time.
Yellow: Baring the universal color of “I care,” a yellow rose can bring joy to even the most dismal amongst us. The color represents joy and hope, two things we’re all in need of on a regular basis.
White: This one is best used for family members and neighbors. Translating into purity and innocence, no one will take a dozen of these the wrong way. The only time these become romantic is when they’re used to spruce up the wedding décor.
V-Day Blues
Q:I want to do something really special for the entire family this Valentine’s Day. My college-aged daughter just broke up with her boyfriend over the holidays and she’s been really down. It was so bad that she’s taken a semester off to come live back at home for a little while. What are some tactics I can use and things we can do together as a family to ensure that she has a special Valentine’s Day with mom and dad without embarrassing her or making her remember her ex?
A: It’s normal for young adults to have difficult times, especially having to do with relationships. It is normal for her to feel sad, alone, and not wanted, but it should not stop her from picking herself up and being reminded about her future aspirations and goals. Firstly, don’t encourage her to drop off a semester. That will only give her more free time to feel miserable. This might be a good opportunity for her to transfer to an excellent local university. Guide her and re-focus her on her purpose in life, her goals of becoming a professional and finishing her career. Focus this Valentine’s Day on the love of having each other as a family. Do the family activities she enjoyed most before she left to college. Maybe volunteer to do a good deed at your nearby church, synagogue or school. Lift her spirit by telling her what an incredible young lady she has become. I always remind my young female clients to not be discouraged about breaking up with their boyfriends. Mostly, I emphasize that if they often break up and get back together, it truly is not a healthy relationship. It is possible they were not in love to begin with and just got used to one another. As a parent, your daughter still needs your input and guidance. Aren’t you blessed she can count on you for a shoulder to lean on? That alone makes Valentine’s Day a special occasion.
Lisette Beraja of Beraja Counseling Center is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adults, couples and families. If you have a question you’d like answered in a future edition of Key Biscayne Magazine, email it to [email protected] or [email protected]. Due to high volume, we will not be able to respond to all submissions. All names will be withheld to secure the privacy of our readers.
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Chocolate Yum
The most popular gift on Valentine’s Day isn’t roses or dinner, it’s a box of chocolates. Kind of makes you wonder why gorging on the tasty treats is so romantic.
Sweet Kiss
Among all age groups, Hersey’s Kisses are the candy most associated with Valentine’s Day. They are even more popular than those chalky Conversation Candies with the cheesy phrases.
Hand Poem
If you want to show the love of your life that you’ve been sharpening your creativity skills, ink a poem on your hand this Valentine’s Day and show them how you really feel.
