IT is that time of year again, when if not love, certainly the scent of roses, is in the air. Men everywhere are under pressure not only to show their love for their girl, but to show it in a way that everyone in the office knows about it too, by the sizeand quality of the bouquet that arrives in reception.
Since Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, Miss Mia Stradmoor, manager of the Flower Shop at the Mandarin said: ''We are expecting a lot of orders to be placed for delivery on the Saturday, as girls like to show off their bouquets to friends and colleagues at the office.'' In fact this showing off is taken very seriously according to Mr William Lai, manager of Mitty Florist at the Excelsior.
''Most girls, if they do not have a boyfriend, will organise flowers for themselves,'' Mr Lai said.
It is also worth noting that the Chinese do not give a dozen flowers, they give 11, as they believe the sender is the twelfth flower, therefore the sender gives him or herself to the receiver, and hence is a true sign of their love.
Men should also be wary when deciding what colour rose or flower to send, when trying to be a little different.
''One young man sent his girlfriend pink roses, however, the girlfriend took this to mean that she was either second best or his second girlfriend, since pink is a paler shade of red,'' Mr Lai said.