DEAR ABBY: I'm writing to resolve something between me and my boyfriend. I bought him three yellow roses, and he was insulted! He says yellow roses mean only friendship. My grandmother says three roses mean love. I think ANY rose says I love you.
Is red the only color rose that means I love you? -- HURT IN LOUISIANA
DEAR HURT: Although traditionally red roses symbolize love and yellow roses symbolize friendship, my mother's favorite color of rose is yellow, and that is what she receives from my father on every special occasion.
Your boyfriend's reaction was extremely ungracious. He should have thanked you for the roses in the spirit in which they were given. Please give him a message for me: When someone reacts that way to a gift, it reduces his chances of getting any more.