Should a male work associate send flowers to another associate? details follow

Question

My husband had a minor mixup with a work associate from another company (not anyone's fault). She owns a business and he seems to feel intimidated by her when dealing with her. Now he thinks he should send her flowers. I said that would make him look really weird and her employees would then think they have something going on (which they don't of course). I say since the mixup was *not* his fault, there is no reason to send the lady flowers. What do you think?

Answer 1

Sure, if he's trying to catch her eye..

Flowers are a personal gift, not something appropriate for colleagues or associates unless you want to get to know them on a personal basis. Even the most contemporary modern wife would probably want to discourage this type of advance from her husband, even if the intentions are noble.

In the business world, something as simple as an email apologizing (on behalf of the company) for the mix-up, and expressing interest in working together int he future would be great.

If he is still confused, or unsure...

Ask him this: Would he do the same if this woman was a man?

Women in the modern workforce demand equality in the way they are treated, as associates and co-workers. Not to say that they are all feminists, but as I said...only if he were interested in an "extra-curricular" relationship would flowers be appropriate...and I use the term "appropriate" rather loosely.

Answer 2

He should have s*x with her.

Answer 3

Maybe this is a diffrent situation but one week we had a bunch of work and the two girls in dispatch were swamped and worked lots of overtime and were put through a mess of preasure. So I sent them flowers with an unsigned  note saying they did a great job and we couldn/t have done it with out them. In your husbands situation I dont think flowers would be the right thing to do but there maybe more to it,

Good luck

Answer 4

Flowers are a romantic gesture.  They would be very inappropriate in this setting.  I think he should just apologize for the mix-up and move on.

Answer 5

Any gift would be inappropriate. Business should remain business like, and not make it personal. If anything, he should just 'talk' to her.

Gifts should not be given among business associates. Business should always remain professional.  If he has assumed wrong, or made a mistake with his associate, then the appropriate thing to do would be to talk with her in a professional manner and then leave it at that.

Answer 6

No flowers.  Flowers are a romantic gesture not just a im sorry for the mix up kind of thing.  Tell him to just sincerely apologize and keep it moving offer an incentive or something but don't send her any flowers.

Answer 7

flowers, dinner, and a movie. if he really wants to say he's sorry, he will put out by the end of the night.

Answer 8

No Way!!! If she really does not like him she will go to his boss for harassment. People these days are so quick to accuse someone for any reason. Tell your husband to let it go and save his money for gas.

Answer 9

Flowers are too personal.

Your husband should either ring this lady,

or call into her office in person and apologise.

That's of course if he has anything major to apologise for.

He should never feel intimidated about anyone,least of all because they have their own business.

Answer 10

No, not flowers. I think a male exotic dancer telegram (sent to her place of employment)  is much more effective.

Seriously though..I think something more generic (like a gift certificate for a lunch out, etc.) would be more appropriate.