Would it be rude to tell an elderly neighbour....

[mrs_overall]

...about the flowers she buys me? I do odd jobs for her (shopping etc) and periodically she buys me a bunch of lilies. I love flowers, but she the ones she buys me I call Death Lilies. I hate the smell and sight of them. I can't not have them on display because she calls in for a cuppa now and again. Any suggestions on a diplomatic solution?

[Greedyfly]

Ask her to donate the money from the flowers to charity?

[Greedyfly]

I don't think it would be rude to tell her about the flowers but it's a difficult one to approach

[Old_Geezer]

How about, "Thank you for all the flowers, I really apprecaite it, but I do associate lillies with death. If you'd like to get me a few in the future could they be <whatever your favourite is> instead ?".

That might work.

[mrs_overall]

I've pleaded with her not to buy me anything but it falls on deaf ears

[Greedyfly]

Or a conversation about your favourite flowers maybe that will spark something and she will decide to change

[Old_Geezer]

You could follow it up with a stare, and, "Your next !"

[jackthehat]

Tell her that you've found yourself sneezing quite a lot......especially when you have some of those lovely lillies, she buys you.

So, for the time being, as it would be such a shame for her to buy them, if they are the problem, could she buy something else (if she must) and you'll see if the problems persists.

Lillies *do* have a lot of pollen, so it's not beyond the realms of pissabolity.....:o)

[gness]

Would it be possible to mention often how much you love ,say, roses because they remind you of a special person and hope she latches on to that.

[Sqad]

I would suggest being very diplomatic mrs_O, as the elderly are very sensitive and it would seem that you are a great asset to her, both as friend and neighbour.........bearing that in mind.....how about:

" If you buy me any more of those bl00dy Lillies, i will stuff them up you where the sun don't shine"

I think that may solve the problem.

[rockyracoon]

Tell her you've developed an allergy fom the pollen.

[rowanwitch]

How about next time she comes having a big bunch of something you do like on prominent display and draw her attention to them and say oh I do love tulips/irises/freesias or whatever the colours are so uplifting, or they are so cheerful.... and hope she takes the hint... I love those strongly scented lilies but I know some people hate them

[mrs_overall]

Some good suggestions, thanks folks.
She is coming round to mine this afternoon, so I will fill the house with freesias (my favourite flowers) and drop strong hints

[Greedyfly]

Sounds like a plan

[Brinjal]

I love st Joseph Lillie's and the star gazers but yes they do give me hay fever

[mrs_overall]

Sqad, you are a very naughty boy!

[Frank97]

I would tell her that there had been a communication error on my behalf and that I'd mistakenly lead her to believe that I liked the lilies. Say it was all my fault and apologise.

[mrs_overall]

Additionally, I might say one of the kids has an allergy to them.
Useful things are kids when it comes to taking the blame

[tinkerbell23]

Defo say allergy mrs O...i dislike them
Too x

[Smowball]

Say you've developed lilyitis !

[craft1948]

rofl @ "pissabolity"