The Power of Flowers

Fresh flowers can cheer up any drab room — not to mention score points with your sweetie. But make us kinder as well? So says Harvard psychologist Nancy Etcoff, PhD.

She sent 54 people either a mixed bouquet or a candle in a hurricane glass. Flower recipients said they felt more compassion toward others than those who got the candles, and reported more enthusiasm at work too. Place blooms in the kitchen or bedroom so you’ll see them first thing in the morning. That’s when moods tend to be lower and blossoms can provide their biggest boost.