Smile and the Whole World Smiles With You
In cultures around the world, as far back in history as
we have any record, flowers have been used to communicate emotional
information among humans. Giving flowers conveys a plethora of
messages such as sympathy, contrition, romance, gratitude, and
celebration.
According to recent behavioral research conducted at Rutgers University in New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health – flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. “Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” says Dr. Jeanette Haviland-Jones, lead researcher on the study. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well-being.”
This 10-month study examined the responses of 147 women on receiving gifts, one of which was a bouquet of flowers. Researchers measured their immediate behavioral and emotional responses. In each case, one of three smiles was noted: a ‘social’ smile or slight upturn of the corners of the mouth; a Duchenne or ‘true smile,’ indicating pleasure; or an ‘excited’ smile, which combines a true smile with other expression changes such as raised eyebrows. While reactions to receiving a candle or basket of fruit and sweets were mixed, every woman who received flowers displayed a ‘true’ smile.
As a florist, you know the pleasure that comes from working with flowers, and you’re able to share that with your customers. You’re able to offer them flowers for almost every occasion in their life. from births to weddings to anniversaries to graduations to holidays. These happy events bring smiling customers into your shop, and you’re privileged to share in their celebrations. The smile is the easiest facial movement to recognize and it’s true what they say about smiles being contagious.
Maybe flowers have evolved to use colour, shape and scent to attract humans. In fact, most flowering plants grown in the floral industry today are primarily used to indulge our senses, even though some plants are more valuable as a source of food or medicine. With our fast-paced lifestyles taking their daily toll on our lives, we often forget to indulge in the simple things in life that make us happy. We’re so wrapped up in trying to balance our busy lives that we often forget to stop and smell the roses.
“What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way,” says Haviland-Jones. Could the answer to our happiness be so simple? Whether giving, receiving or working with flowers, we’re all connected by a biological trait that makes us happy when we’re exposed to them. So smile when you sell your next bouquet and remember that your smile will travel to anyone else who comes into contact with those flowers.
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