5 Strange Truths About Your Valentine’s Day Roses

February 17, 2016 By Toby Isaacson Leave a Comment

Ah, yes. Valentine’s Day. The day when the scent of love invades our senses (even to the point of trespassing) and dazes our heads. Regardless of what your personal opinion towards the thing is, we can’t deny that the 14th of February is becoming a bigger and bigger mark on our calendars. All that it’s been doing for the last decades is receive more media exposure, more people accepting to celebrate it and, by extension, more people to boost the sales of every florist who sells roses. I dare say that all of those gifts we associate with the big day of some dude named Valentine, have become more or less an obligation. So, unless you want to sleep for the next week on the welcome carpet at the entrance, you better prepare for The Hunger Games of emptying shelves in your local supermarket’s chocolate aisle. Still, there is nothing that says the three magic words (food is ready) quite like the ever so mysterious and romantic rose. But, like most things that seem beautiful and harmless, your Valentine’s Day bouquet has a baggage of 5 Strange Truths About Your Valentine’s Day Roses that most florists have to face on a regular basis.

1. The Holiday Of Secret Affairs

Florists have pretty much seen it all. When cheating is involved (how romantic), opting to order your two (or more if you’re greedy and just that much of a horrible person) bouquets online seems like a bit of a dangerous idea. So, most of these people need to actually move and come face to face with the florists, then let all of the secrets pour. After all, it’s not like they have anyone to share them with, aside from websites and other publication platforms visited by thousands of people.

Either way, flowers have become a traditional method of either mending, either breaking a relationship. More than once, according to an interviewed florist, flower shops are visited by people who will even go as far as to purposely ruin the day of their exes. Some ordered withered flowers to be delivered to them or, even crazier, someone asked if the pretty rose bouquet could be sent off with a nice dose of bees to the side too.

2. Why Roses Are Expensive

I’m not up to date with the whereabouts of the flower growing world, but I do know that I’ve always been aware of one thing: roses are just expensive as heck. But what is the reason for that? Surely there have to be flowers that are considerably superior in aesthetic, scent and longevity, right? Surprisingly, the price has nothing to do with any of those, but it’s rather a typical effect of the supply-demand curve. We grew to associate roses with Valentine’s Day, so we will go buy roses. Flower shops take advantage of that and, boom, we get astronomical prices every time we decide to spoil our other halves with at least one rose.

So, it’s simply business. Many people don’t seem to understand that, though, and they pointlessly feel infuriated whenever they learn of the price attached to a bouquet of roses. But when florists try to convince them that any other flower would send the message across just as well, they huff and puff and desperately cling to the mass produced flower that’s economically bound to be the most expensive. You just can’t win.

3. Why Roses Actually Suck

But why all this fuss around roses? They are, statistically and practically, the most difficult kind of flower. The first sign that you should turn around and buy something else is their longevity. Most flowers actually last a few weeks, except for roses. On a bad day, they may start to wither in just a couple of days, along with your $100 invested in that short lived bouquet. I mean, nothing says “forever and ever” like a gift that dies off and falls apart after three days. Sweet!

If that wasn’t bad enough, roses are also associated with a series of diseases. Fortunately (well, I guess not for them), the ones most likely to encounter them are the growers and florists. As customers, the only disease you will have to face after purchasing a dozen of roses is the barrage of reproof from your significant other over your poor gift choices.

4. Emotional Disaster

Next time you arrange your roses, think of all the tears that were invested in getting them into your vase. Halloween pumpkin sales and Christmas tinsel sales are nothing compared to flower sales near or on Valentine’s Day. Orders for flowers start piling up months ahead of the holiday, and with so many demands, there are bound to be some mistakes too. Unfortunately, we are fickle and impatient creatures, so it’s practically impossible to find a customer who will understand that you accidentally delivered them a bouquet of daffodils with a love message from a strange man named Bob. This often leaves florists depressed and extremely stressed, so it’s no easy business.

5. Awkward Deliveries

I’m sure all of this sounds at least a tiny bit hilarious from the sidelines, but try putting yourself in the place of the poor delivery man or florist who has to make it rain rose petals over the heads of a divorced couple. Although flower shops these days hire companies to bring the flowers to our doorsteps, there are some florists who still have to do the deliveries themselves. Regardless of which kind it is, we feel sorry for them. It’s not easy bringing a bouquet that was ordered before a husband’s death, to the widow, and cheerfully chime, “Harry will see you tonight!”

The life of a florist in the heart of the “love season” is tough. They have to deal with keeping secrets, balancing tons of orders of the oddest caliber and, to top it all, they have to make sure they won’t spend the rest of the month in hospital because of stress and rose diseases. Either way, we need to appreciate them more, and acknowledge all the effort and the 5 Truths About Your Valentine’s Day Roses that are hidden in our overpriced tokens of affection.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

8 Countries Celebrating their Version of Valentine’s Day

February 6, 2015 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day is almost here but what other countries celebrate it? And when?Well, here is a top 8 list with countries celebrating their version of Valentine’s day.

Although some countries have other dates in which they celebrate their most filled with love day of the year, different names for it or different customs, one things remains the same: Valentine’s Day is a day in which people express their love for one another.

1. Finland

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The Finnish have started celebrating Valentine’s Day only since the 80s but it has grown into a beloved annual event. The Finnish word for Valentine’s Day is “Ystävänpäivä” and it translates into the day of friendship. Finland focuses more on giving postcards or sweet, small things to everyone you consider a friend rather to just one loved one.

2. Slovenia

In Slovenia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 12^th of March and it marks the day in which work at the vineyards and on the field starts. Following almost the same principles as Norwegians, as you are about to see below, Slovenians consider their most filled with love day of the year to be the day in which birds declare love or even propose to each other. Yes, birds.

3. Romania

Romanians celebrate their own take on Valentine’s Day on the 24^th of February and it is called “Dragobete”. However, despite having their own day to celebrate love, Romania has recently started celebrating the westernized take on Valentine’s Day as well. Many people who still like to live by the old Romanian traditions refuse to celebrate the American Valentine’s Day though.

4. Norway

In Norway, the legend says that if you see birds mating on Valentine’s Day, it is a sign of spring and love so Norwegians are always busy trying to catch birds doing sexual stuff to each other on the 14^th of February. Since Norway is considering Valentine’s Day as an annual event, you can also spot window displays and event dedicated to this day filled with love.

5. China

In Chinese tradition, Valentine’s Day happens on day 7 of the 7^th lunar month in the traditional Chinese calendar. On this day, all kind of people but especially young women go to the local temple and pray to the god called Zhinu for wisdom and love. The Chinese Valentine’s Day is celebrated through several rituals and prayers.

6. Japan

Japanese people always find a way to step out of the ordinary and Valentine’s Day makes no exception. During the Japanese Valentine’s Day which is on the 14^th of February women and girls give either store bought or handmade chocolate to men and boys. One month later, on the 14^th of March, they celebrate the “White Day” during which men offer gifts back to the women. Typical gifts for White Day are marshmallows, sweets, jellies and even white pieces of clothing such as white lingerie.

7. France

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Talking about a bit out of the ordinary, French people used to have a tradition in which women were allowed to cheat on their husbands or boyfriends during Valentine’s Day. Moreover, the man was almost obliged to go with it and not take any sort of revenge on the woman. Another weird custom was one in which single women and men gathered together and paired off. If the man didn’t like his chosen Valentine by the end of the date, he could desert her and all the deserted women were able to light up a bonfire during the night and burn the pictures of the guys they hated.

8. Brazil

Brazilians celebrate their day of love on the 12^th of June. On the day before the day of love, women write down their crushes’ names on pieces of paper which they then fold and place in a container such as a jar or a hat. On the 12^th of June, each woman has to pick one piece of paper and the name they pick supposedly belongs to the man they will eventually marry or at least choose to go for.

Some countries such as Saudi Arabia have banned Valentine’s Day and they punish severely whoever tries to celebrate it so lovers have to buy each other small gifts or flowers in secret. No matter how much you hate or love this holiday, be grateful that there is no one out there who prohibits you from celebrating it.

Seven Things You Can do on Valentine’s Day if You’re Alone

February 13, 2014 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

As if Christmas and New Year’s weren’t already enough of a reminder to how horribly lonely and hopeless we are, Valentine’s day decided to come along and make it even more clear. While I do not believe that there is anything wrong with being single, the truth is that cheesy celebrations of love seem to have a negative effect on them. Besides the fact that Valentine’s day was invented for the sale purpose too boost chocolate, gift and flower sales, it is also the most prolific time of the year for hotline and video-chat industries. So how can partner-less people cope with it? Here are a few things that will help you have a total blast:

7. Don’t Celebrate it

You might ask us how not celebrating Valentine’s is going to be fun. Well, it’s simple: there is actually nothing special about this day. It was invented for sales purposes, so there is no reason not to make the 15th of February, or any other day a special one. Besides the fact that you don’t need a special day to reassure your partner of your feelings towards him, but if you are single you should not feel bad in any way. Also, without trying to make it sound like an anti-valentine fact, you are probably happier then the woman next to you, who’s lover is too busy/indifferent to send her flowers.

6. Watch Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is such a complete and utter fail of a movie, that it will actually make you happy that you have no lover for Valentine’s. I mean, isn’t it kind of pathetic that you need a predetermined day of love? You will definitely have a blast if you decided to watch Valentine’s Day, for Valentine’s Day.

5. Share the Non-Romantic Feels

In the end, Valentine’s day is a celebration of love, in all its forms, even it has become more popular for couples. So just because you don’t have that special someone, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t more special someones (like family or friends) who deserve your love. Send some flowers to your mum, or take your sister out for dinner, and you will be shooting two birds with one stone: making your loved ones happy, while also blending in with the romantic fools.

4. Organize a Great Night In

Most people I know live with the misconception that staying in is lame. Sure, it may not be as glamorous as clubbing, and drinking ’till the break of dawn, then coming home in shambles, but who am I to judge. I believe that you can totally rock Valentine’s day by lounging the entire day, or calling friends over for some board games. Treat yourself to something nice, like a bottle of wine, and if you get lonely, you can always hug your friends.

3. Spoil Yourself a Bit

Most people spend so much time thinking about others, that they totally neglect themselves. Probably the best thing about not having a partner for Valentine’s day is the fact that you don’t have to waste your cash for nothing. Instead, why not treat yourself? I am positive that there is something that you’ve been craving for for a long time, so maybe it’s finally the time to buy it.

2. Party ‘Till the Break of Dawn

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, why have the time of your life? What you are probably not considering right now, is the fact that you are not the only single person for Valentine’s night. Go out, party, it doesn’t even matter if there are mostly couples going, because there’s bound to be someone just as lonely as you, maybe the hottie that you could never talk to before. Another idea would be to host your very own party, with an appropriate theme. Nobody would dare judge the host, right?

1. Volunteer

Volunteer, on Valentine’s Day? It sounds a bit outrageous, granted, but there is no better way to feel better on this day than by realizing just how insignificant this event is. Volunteering is not only extremely rewarding, but it will also help you put things in perspective.

5 Weirdest Marriages in the World to Remind You of Your Sanity

January 20, 2014 By Fred Mitchell 1 Comment

You know Valentines’ Day is coming, and if you are going with the traditional flow, you will probably start searching for holidays’ specific cards (and we suggest the honesty – oriented ones we presented you with not such a long time ago), some shopping sprees and, of course, marriage proposals, as what can be more romantic that saying to the person you love that you want to spend the rest of your life in her or his company?

However, you also know that true love knows no boundaries and no limitations, and if you thought that gay marriage is the hottest subject in the press nowadays, maybe it’s time to remind everybody that stranger things had happen and people married lifeless objects and even pets.

So if you thought this world is stranger than fiction, you ain’t seen nothing yet. We will remind you of five of the weirdest marriages in the world, only to shake you up a bit, although we are certain that even more odd things take place as we speak. Some of these cases are already famous, but once in a while, it’s a good thing to restore the faith in ourselves, as no matter how bad we’re doing on Valentines’ Day, some people may find themselves in stranger situations.

1. Eija-Riitta Berliner-Mauer had her partner broken down. Literally

Of course you already know this lady’s story. But in case you missed it, here is the summary: Eija – Riita fell in love with the Berlin Wall when she was a child. She waited long enough before she could finally and officially get united with the object of her passion, and she actually married the wall. They had a lovely, happy marriage until 1989, when poor Berlin Wall was put to the ground and Eija – Riita was widowed of her husband. She keeps its pictures close to her heart.

2. Maria Griffin and her beloved truck

It was 2011 when the news about Maria Griffin started circulating the Internet, bringing her fame and a historical mention on Listverse for marrying her truck. Men weren’t bringing her any satisfaction and she, like all women, just wanted somebody to love, to be loved by and to be happy forever after. She married her truck on a beautiful Valentines’ Day and reports say their sex life was described as being amazing

3. When fiction is better than real life

So you heard about this guy who married his beloved anime fictional character? Come on, it was on CNN, as it is one thing to marry a cat or the Eiffel Tower and a whole new level of emotion and loyalty when you marry a video game character. People collected posters back in the day, some own entire collectibles art galleries, some wear proudly a tattoo displaying such fascinating character, but marrying one? Now this is either the most brilliant idea to eradicate all boundaries when it comes to love, or the absolute proof that an anime character is better than a human girlfriend. Now that’s a thought to ponder upon…

4. What’s with women and snakes?

OK, maybe the question sounds wrong, but seriously. If you were too young to read creepy news in 2006, then you should know that back in those times, a Hindu woman fell in love with a snake and decided to marry it. Now, if you ever considered tying the knot with your favorite pair of Manolos, well… other women fell for snakes. This one, in particular, also arranged a traditional wedding ceremony, attended by many people. The groom wasn’t present, for various and probably personal reasons, but there was a brass representation of it to go through the ceremonial. One of the weirdest marriages in the world, you have to admit, and perhaps not even the strangest of them all.

5. Marriage. Doggy style

Whatever you’re thinking, don’t! It’s not like that! It is true that Joseph Guiso married his Labrador Retriever in 2010. It may have been a just for fun thing or a serious condition, but whatever you are thinking next, don’t. This is pure love we are talking about here and deep sentiments. That’s all.

Now, if you get very lonely on Valentines’ Day, these examples here are the best reminders that people did even stranger things in order to express their love and make their relationships official, so calling your ex in a moment of vulnerability may not be something to hate yourself for until time’s end. These five weirdest marriages in the world (among tens of others just as odd) can be a proof that true loves exists and some people did crazy stuff in the name of love.

6 Valentines’ Day Cards that Speak the Truth Nobody Really Wants to Hear

January 16, 2014 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

You think it’s too early to address the sensitive subject of the Valentines’ Day? Maybe, but if you weren’t born yesterday, you know what’s coming: endless pink ribbons, rivers of chocolate, online gift ideas lists and tons of heartfelt, warm, loving cards. And the funny batch of cards for the trolls, of course. Now there is a lot of debate surrounding this glorious day of celebrating love, as some condemn it for turning into a shopping frenzy which has less and less to do with the actual love, while others are happy to show affection through well – thought gifts, carefully chosen cards and thoroughly – planned surprises.

But since we aim for an early start and you will have your fair share of suggestions and ideas regarding presents, personalized messages and party places you won’t want to miss this year, we collected a few Valentines’ Day Cards that speak the truth as it is and, in all honesty, we don’t recommend you to use if the other party doesn’t have a rock-solid sense of humor. Why did we chose these particular ones? For your inspiration only and for you to admit that sometimes, in the darkest corners of your minds, you thought about sending at least one of these. Ad because we appreciate honesty. And people who are brave enough to speak their minds. There. Six Valentines’ Day Cards that speak the truth nobody really wants to hear.

1.When your love equals addiction

Now besides the not-so-smooth-language, this Valentine Day card says everything very plain and very simple. Now you can’t assume that all back – alley hookers are addicted to crack, so you’d like to be more specific so discrimination accusations to not follow you back home and stab you in the back, but this is love in one of its most honest moments. If your partner has a clue on the effects of crack, the message will be even more appreciated. Effects, not overdose symptoms, there’s a difference.

2. Because everybody is special, so let’s just be random!

You know that saying that goes like “You’re special, just like everybody else?” Now to be “special” meant something back in the day, now it turned into one of the most mundane and boring compliments. Yeah, we are all cool. So how about being even cooler than cool and acknowledge the fact that we are just random? And chickens. Chickens is a must. Don’t develop further.

3. Honesty never hurt a relationship. Oh, wait…

Come on, this is a true piece of artwork in the stash of Valentines’ Day cards that speak the truth. What? Don’t you like to hear somebody appreciates your rack? Of course you do! Oh, you mean it’s wrong to be in a couple where only racks matter? Boy, if all women in all the world would have put a cent aside every time they thought about that, we would’ve eradicated famine decades ago.

4. It is healthy for the relationship to talk about love and sex

Oh you kids, everything you think about is doing each other! Oh, so young, so full of life, so honest! If you receive this and doesn’t make you laugh until you fall off the chair, you should work on those humor skills of yours.

5. Because it is OK to resent Valentines and be open about it. Especially when the feeling is mutual

What’s pink ribbons when you can have bacon? And what’s wrong with celebrating the glorious feeling mankind was blessed with if not with a healthy, shared – in – bed bacon centered breakfast? Love goes through the stomach and it’s not just a man thing, you know…

6. Because somebody has to say it!

Yes, some ladies are a bit confused when it comes to what they want and what they need (and men are twice as much if we are to tell the truth) so somebody should come forward and speak the unspeakable words. And this is quite a ballsy love statement which can get both ways, so if you are still pondering if you should or shouldn’t put your heart and mind on the plate, use this Valentines Day card. Good luck!

Now we hope we didn’t offend anybody and you had a few laughs with these Valentines’ Day cards that speak the truth. If you have your own examples don’t be selfish and share them with the rest of the trolls! A huge “Thank You” and “We love you” to our sources.