There are also meanings hidden in the number of roses exchanged between people. Some of these meanings have been derived from visual significance, while some have caught on from popular stories and myths.

- 1 Rose - Love at first sight or devotion to one person
- 2 Roses - Mutual feelings of love and affection
- 3 Roses - "I love you"
- 6 Roses - "I miss you"
- 7 Roses - Infatuation
- 9 Roses - Together forever
- 10 Roses - Perfect love
- 11 Roses - You are my treasured one; the one I love Most in My life
- 12 Roses - One dozen roses is a declaration of love and appreciation
- 13 Roses - From your secret admirer or "we are friends forever"
- 15 Roses - I am truly sorry, please forgive me
- 20 Roses - Believe me, I am sincere towards you
- 21 Roses - I am devoted to you
- 24 Roses - "I belong to you" or "thinking of you 24 hours a day"
- 33 Roses - Saying "I love you" with great affection
- 36 Roses - Head over heals in love or "I cherish our relationship"
- 40 Roses - "My love for you is genuine"
- 50 Roses - Unconditional, boundless love
- 99 Roses - I will love you for as long as I live
- 100 Roses - Represents a century and says "I want to grow old with you"
- 101 Roses - You are my one and only love
- 108 Roses - Proposal of marriage
- 365 Roses - I can't stop thinking of you each and everyday
- 999 Roses - Everlasting and Eternal Love

Interesting isn't is? No matter how many stalks of roses one give, its the thoughts that counts...

How can we maintain strong, healthy and self-fulfilling relationships with a partner, parent or friend? Some important points we can take note:

Communication – “Two monologues do not make a dialogue ~ Jeff Daly”

Deep, frequent, heart-to-heart conversations are essential in maintaining any relationship. Relationships fail when individuals hold the belief that: if he/she loves me, he/she should know what to do or what to say. I don’t have to tell him/her what I’m feeling or thinking.

We have to keep in mind that we are meant to interact, and are not mind readers. If you have difficulty communicating deep issues face-to-face, start off by sharing about your day and build up the confidence gradually by sharing issues closer to your heart. The person on the receiving end of your sharing will usually be appreciative of your trust and honesty.

Make time for each other

Set specific times during the week to do something both of you (or in a group setting) enjoy doing. Make it a point to celebrate special occasions and if finances permit, why not spend a weekend away from the stressors in life? Recognise that it is equally important to make time for your family.

Recalling the good times

Remember why you fell in love the first place. There are always wonderful memories etched in our brains. Reminisce on the fun times you had together with your friends and children. Tapping on such memories will also allow you to be more appreciative of one another.

Do something nice for your loved one

Know your partner’s, friends’ and family’s love language and do something they can appreciate. Love languages are expressed by – buying gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. Understand how your partner showers you with affection and allow your partner to understand how you shower him/her with affection.

Appreciate the present

It’s too late for regrets when a love one passes on. There’s no point in grieving when the person has passed on or has decided to be out of your life. Learn to appreciate the present. Life is too short to dwell on the insignificant.

Celebrate and Enjoy

Celebrate the relationships you have made and maintained over the years. Enjoy the fruit of each journey you walked with that individual. Thank the person for being your partner, friend or family. Be grateful that they are still by you this day.

By Ms Yang Su-Yin
Senior Psychologist at Department of Psychological Services and Pain Management Clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.