Looking at these photos I remembered how my friends would joke that I was growing my own rainforest in the small studio flat I called home. Having just counted all the plants I have 12 plus 4 tomato plants on the balcony!
This got me thinking about relationships.
My passion for all that is flora has grown as I've got older along with my need to nurture and I've increasingly observed those in my life and if they have anything 'living' in their homes that they tend too.
I think how someone looks after a plant (or any living creature) in their home, is a strong sign of how they will treat you in a relationship. If they have no plants (or pets) at all, I would consider this great cause for concern. To me an incapability to care for a single plant must mean they are quite self-absorbed and selfish.
The Ex was terrible at keeping anything alive. Plant after plant died on her often from sheer thirst. Even the hardiest struggled looking lacklustre and weak, only to be defeated by the continued weeks of neglect. She always meant well, bought them with good intention but always had other priorities. Which sums up well our relationship.
I was somewhat relieved to see what looked like a healthy single plant growing in German Girlfriend's room when I first went to her home. I have at times since felt it necessary to take it off the table to give it a good soak, each time GGF trying to assure me as I do so, that she does water it... when she remembers too. GGF will openly admit she's not a planner, her actions impromtu, leaving both her plant and me treated in an adhoc manner.
And yes, my over zealousness with my plants could be implied to mean that I'm meticulous and a complete fusspot - which for some would be completely annoying traits.
So the next time you meet a girl and you go to her place for the first time, don't concern yourself with her music collection or book shelf, but take a good look at her plants and how they seem treated. Ask yourself if what you see is acceptable for you.
