In the Fall of 2024, White Ribbon launched the powerful “Men Don’t Want Flowers” campaign, sparking conversations about masculinity and emotional expression. Building on this momentum, the “Men Do Want Flowers” initiative is urging people to challenge gender norms by gifting flowers to the men in their lives this Valentine’s Day.
Men Do Want Flowers! In partnership with White Ribbon, local Toronto florist Blush & Bloom is challenging traditional notions of flower-gifting by encouraging people of all genders to give flowers to men. This initiative promotes gender equity and redefines expressions of love and care.
This campaign isn’t just about flowers—it’s about breaking outdated expectations that have long dictated how men express and receive care. Research shows that men appreciate flowers yet rarely receive them, and this initiative is pushing for a cultural shift in how we view male emotional expression.
The Truth About Men and Flowers
Many assume that men don’t care for flowers, but statistics tell a different story. According to the Society of American Florists, 60% of men say they would love to receive flowers. However, an Interflora social media poll revealed a shocking 88% of men have never been gifted flowers.
This staggering gap highlights a disconnect between men’s desires and societal expectations. The question isn’t whether men want flowers—it’s whether we’re willing to challenge outdated norms that prevent them from receiving these simple yet meaningful gestures.
Why Don’t Men Receive Flowers?
The reluctance to gift men flowers is deeply tied to traditional ideas of masculinity. Society has long conditioned men to associate strength with emotional restraint, discouraging displays of vulnerability and sentimentality. These restrictive norms shape how men experience and express emotions, affecting even small, everyday interactions like gift-giving.
White Ribbon’s Uncomposed campaign has brought attention to these limiting beliefs:
- 62% of North Americans say they would feel relief if showing emotion was more widely accepted.
- More than 33 million North American men believe that “strong men don’t show emotion.”
- Over 31 million North Americans have told their sons not to express emotions.
This messaging has lasting consequences. When men grow up believing that emotions are a weakness, they often feel uncomfortable with receiving affectionate gestures—including flowers. But these norms don’t just affect men; they also limit how society as a whole expresses appreciation and care.
Challenging the Narrative: Flowers as a Universal Gesture
The “Men Do Want Flowers” initiative is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement. By encouraging people to gift flowers to the men in their lives, it seeks to normalize emotional expression and appreciation for men in the same way it has long been for women.
Flowers have always been a symbol of care, love, and thoughtfulness, and there’s no reason why men should be excluded from this experience. A simple bouquet can be a powerful way to say:
- “I appreciate you.”
- “I see you.”
- “You deserve kindness and care too.”
By embracing this shift, we open the door to a more inclusive and equitable way of expressing love and support.
A New Valentine’s Tradition
Valentine’s Day has traditionally been framed as a day for men to give gifts to women, but times are changing. The “Men Do Want Flowers” movement invites everyone to participate in redefining how we celebrate love and appreciation.
This February 14th, consider gifting flowers to:
- Your father – to show gratitude for his guidance.
- Your brother – to remind him of your bond.
- Your male friends – to celebrate their importance in your life.
- Your partner – to express love in a new, meaningful way.
The act itself is simple, but the message is profound: Men deserve to feel valued, appreciated and cared for—just like anyone else.
A Cultural Shift Begins with Us
The “Men Do Want Flowers” campaign is not just about roses or bouquets—it’s about challenging harmful stereotypes and fostering a society where men are free to express emotions and receive love without judgment.
By gifting flowers to the men in our lives, we take a small but meaningful step toward dismantling gender norms and creating a culture of care and appreciation for everyone.
What kind of flowers are best for men?
There’s no right or wrong choice, but many men appreciate bold, structured flowers like orchids, sunflowers, lilies, or succulents for a modern touch.
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