Do you remember the last time someone gave you flowers? What about the last time you gave flowers? Chances are, that memory is vivid. And there’s a reason why: Flowers come wrapped in emotion.

Since the dawn of time, people have intuitively known the power flowers have on feelings. Only recently our intuition was proven right. Researchers at Harvard, Rutgers and Texas A&M universities have conducted studies proving flowers make people happy, spark creativity and decrease anxiety.

Research conducted by psychologist Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., of Rutgers University proves the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. “Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” says Dr. Haviland-Jones. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.” Her research also shows flowers make intimate connections, even inspiring increased social activity among seniors in addition to easing depression.

Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, also conducted a behavioral research study about flowers. Her research reveals people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when flowers are present in the home.  “As a psychologist, I’m particularly intrigued to find that people who live with flowers report fewer episodes of anxiety and depressed feelings,” Dr. Etcoff says.

Do you suffer from the morning blahs? According to Dr. Etcoff’s research, keeping a bunch of flowers next to your alarm clock or by your coffeemaker can be a perfect pick me up . “The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon, with positive moods – happiness, friendliness and warmth, for example – manifesting much later in the day,” Dr. Etcoff says. “Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routines, people perked up.”

While research shows flowers are good for you, the best part of flowers is they’re fun! They come in so many beautiful colors, shapes and styles. Like fashion, you can use flowers to express your individuality. Flowers in different combinations can be classic, contemporary, playful, bold – even sensuous.

So, whether you want to share a bunch of happy, say, “I’m sorry,” “thank you,” or “I care,” flowers can do it. They touch your senses of sight, smell, touch – and that, when combined with a personal note, is unbeatable at sending a powerful message.

Beyond the message, giving flowers says something about you, too. Research shows people who give flowers are perceived as thoughtful and sophisticated. Who doesn’t want that?

We dare you to conduct your own scientific experiment to test the power of flowers for yourself. Here’s an easy way: Stop by the next florist shop you pass and pick up a bunch of flowers to go. Walk down the street, and watch and see just how many people smile at you, look in your direction or even start a conversation. Just because.

That’s why flowers.