What's a tulip??

A male colleague was sharing his Valentine's experience with us over lunch today. His wife told him that she does not like roses, but she does like flowers. Ok, so he asked her what kind of flowers does she like. Tulips. He thought to himself, "What's a tulip? Now I have to find out what a tulip is. Great." I started laughing at him, but I guess this is something you just learn, there is no flower class in highschool or college. Anyhow, he continued his story...

Subsequently, he made a trip to the florist and said point-blank, "I need some tulips." He didn't know what he was asking for. Thankfully, he came to the right place. The florist gave him some options, so he selected some pink tulips. When he returned to pick up the bouquet, he ran into his neighbor. His neighbor was picking up carnations for his wife.

When he gave the tulips to his wife, he mentioned that he saw the neighbor who was getting carnations. His wife says, "Carnations are for funerals. Whatever you do, never get me carnations." I personally wouldn't want carnations either. I know that carnations are cheap, but I didn't know the relation to death. Of course, I haven't been to many funerals either. The wife is from France, so maybe it's a culture thing? I'll pay more attention at the next occassion.

Primary lesson learned: He learned what a tulip was.
Secondary lesson learned: Tulip = Good, Carnation = Bad.