Downtown was a little more colorful this afternoon, thanks to the people of Mayfield Florist handing out free bouquets of flowers to busy commuters.
Why? Because flowers make people happy, said Greg Coleman of Mayfield Florist.
It looked to be true as people (including the ladies of #ThisIsTucson) received free bouquets.
Handing out free flowers was part of a national program, Petal it Forward, that 49 states are participating in, Coleman said.
He gave us each two bouquets - one to keep and one to give away - saying it feels great to receive flowers, but it's equally satisfying to give flowers.
"We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries," Coleman said. "People love to get flowers 'just because' so we wanted to create random smiles today, and give people a chance to do the same for someone else."
If you received a bouquet post it on Instagram with #petalitforward
Here are some stats on the benefits of giving and receiving flowers, from a survey conducted by Harvard University, Rutgers and Texas A&M for the Society of American Florists:
• When it comes to happiness, it's just as good to give flowers as it is to receive: 88 percent of Americans report that givingflowers makes them feel happy, while 80 percent reported that receiving flowers makes them feel happy.
• Just being around flowers improves your mood: 76 percent of Americans agree that having flowers in their home or office improves their mood.
• The best reason to receive flowers is "just because": Women (92 percent) are more likely to agree with this, but the majority of men (three in four) also share this sentiment.
• Florists to the rescue! Nearly four in 10 Americans indicate florists have helped them in a past or current relationship; most frequently to say "I love you," or schedule a surprise delivery.
