Ladies, Treat Yourself to Those Flowers

home insemination Kit

By: Jamie Collins

Date: Jan. 3, 2017

On our very first Valentine’s Day, my husband, Ben, knocked on my dorm room door with a bashful grin, clutching a bouquet of roses. But instead of those classic, romantic long-stem red roses, he handed me a bunch of tiny tea roses that looked like they were meant for a fairy. Ever the thrifty guy, Ben had fallen for what turned out to be a too-good-to-be-true deal on Valentine’s flowers. The disappointment was evident, but I couldn’t help but find it endearing that he attempted to woo me, even if it was with half-priced blossoms.

Fast forward to married life, and I was eagerly anticipating more romantic gestures—coupons or not. But as the days turned into weeks and then months without a single flower delivery from our local florist, my excitement faded. I knew he understood my love for fresh blooms, but it felt like I had married a caveman who couldn’t grasp the importance of keeping his wife happy. I would wistfully gaze at the flowers in grocery store aisles, dreaming of the day he would finally surprise me with a bouquet. I even dropped a few hints, hoping he’d catch on.

Then one day, while inhaling the scent of freesia in the grocery store, it struck me: why was I waiting for Ben to buy me flowers? I was perfectly capable of indulging myself, and so I did. I snagged a bunch of vibrant blooms, and instantly, my kitchen filled with their delightful fragrance, bringing me joy for days.

I soon realized that flowers and plants were sources of happiness for me, and I wasn’t going to let my husband bear the brunt of my joy. Ben, bless him, simply doesn’t share my enthusiasm for the sight of sunflowers in autumn or daffodils breaking through the winter frost. For years, I’ve been treating myself to fresh flowers almost weekly, brightening my workspace and invigorating my spirit. I take pleasure in nurturing plants and creating my little Zen garden because it gives me a sense of purpose. Gardening has become my happy place, and it’s my responsibility to cultivate that joy, not his.

By actively pursuing my own happiness and being honest about my self-care needs, I’ve not only gifted myself daily joy but also relieved Ben of the pressure to make me happy. He is loving and thoughtful in so many ways, often surprising me with unexpected gestures that truly touch my heart. While flowers are part of my love language, finding concert tickets in my Christmas stocking or receiving a gift I casually mentioned months ago are just as romantic.

I’ve made the choice to seek my own joy, and as a result, both my husband and I have found happiness in our marriage. We’ve learned to let go of the idea that we depend on each other for daily satisfaction and have started to genuinely listen to what makes one another happy. That’s not to say romance is absent from our relationship—far from it! I’ve simply accepted that Ben doesn’t see flowers as a romantic necessity. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine. I’ll love him and his floral shortcomings anyway because that’s the essence of marriage: embracing each other’s imperfections and nurturing the areas where both of you can thrive, much like a flourishing garden.

While his initial romantic gesture may have been underwhelming, those little tea roses have become a cherished memory we laugh about. I’ve teased him over the years about his reluctance to splurge on flowers or chocolates on special occasions. Sure, he might forget to order a bouquet for my birthday, but when I see him comforting our child during a late-night fever or holding my hand in a dark theater, he feels like a bouquet of roses.

So, ladies, treat yourself to those flowers. Or chocolates. Or concert tickets. Or that piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on. Remember, you don’t have to wait around for someone else to gift you with what makes you happy. Your otherwise wonderful partner might stumble in this area, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer because you’re more than capable of treating yourself. And trust me, you won’t regret it.

For more on self-care and home insemination, check out this informative resource from the CDC on infertility. And if you’re looking to enhance your fertility, consider visiting this authority on boosting fertility supplements. You deserve to find joy in your life, so go ahead and embrace it!