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flowers in the workplace

casual friday

Date published: 2/10/2006

By ELIZABETH PEZZULLO

Valentine's Day is just days off and for many women--that's right, more flowers are delivered to women then men--getting a bouquet of flowers sent to the office gives you bragging rights and makes you feel like queen for a day.

But workplace aficionados have weighed in, and the picture's not so rosy: Leave the stinking flowers at home.

Reasons why:

Ms. and Mr. Lonelyhearts

You may be gaga in love and want to scream it from the rooftops, but some of your colleagues could be going through breakups or divorces. Or just haven't found Ms. or Mr. Right. "Not everyone is in a happy relationship, and not everyone gets flowers," according to etiquette expert Peggy Post. "You don't have to stifle your happiness, but by the same token you don't have to flaunt it. Be cognizant of those around you."

The sinus-ly challenged

This ever-growing group gets cranky when their allergies flare up. And little makes them more grumpy than walking into an office where there's more pollen than people.

The constant eye-clawing and runny nose can make for a stressful work environment.

The unwanted come-on

Imagine the discomfort when the office lothario presents you with a dozen roses. Egads!

"My recommendation is to leave Valentine's Day at home; it really has no place in an office environment. From misinterpreted messages to singling people out, the holiday simply does not lend itself to a work setting," according to the Web site topdogetiquette.com.

In fact, be sensitive to scents and smells yearlong.

Men: Skip that morning douse of High Karate. And for those who nosh on Indian and other aromatic foods at their desks, take it out of the office, anyplace where the scent of curry won't be sucked up in the air ducts and spread throughout the building.

To reach ELIZABETH PEZZULLO:540/354-5421
Email: epezzullo@freelancestar.com



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Date published: 2/10/2006