Heartbroken man orders bouquet of onions, lemons to ex-girlfriend: "Hope she cries"

Heartbroken Man Orders Bouquet of Onions and Lemons to Ex-Girlfriend – “Hope She Cries”

Introduction

In November 2025, a peculiar and emotionally charged story emerged from Nairobi, Kenya, capturing public attention due to its unusual twist on the traditional act of sending flowers. Instead of roses or other romantic blooms, a heartbroken man chose to send his ex-girlfriend a bouquet made of onions and lemons, accompanied by the sentiment that he hoped she would cry. This unconventional gesture quickly spread across social media and news outlets, sparking conversations about heartbreak, creativity, and the symbolic use of everyday items in personal relationships.

Background of the Incident

The incident was reported by local media, highlighting the role of Ma’riah Kandles, a Nairobi-based businesswoman who specializes in creating unique bouquets. According to her account, she received a request from a client who specifically asked for a bouquet composed of onions, lemons, and cucumbers. While unusual, she accepted the challenge and crafted the arrangement. The client explained that the intention behind the gift was to provoke tears in his ex-girlfriend, hence the choice of onions, which are known to cause crying when cut or handled. The lemons added a symbolic element of bitterness and sourness, reinforcing the emotional message of the bouquet.

Symbolism of the Bouquet

Traditionally, flowers are sent to express love, admiration, or condolences. Roses, lilies, and carnations are common choices for romantic gestures. However, the use of onions and lemons in this case carried a deliberate symbolic meaning. Onions are associated with tears, while lemons often represent bitterness or sourness in relationships. Together, they conveyed the sender’s emotional state of heartbreak, resentment, and perhaps a desire for his ex-partner to feel the pain he was experiencing. The cucumbers included in the bouquet added a touch of humor and peculiarity, further emphasizing the unconventional nature of the gift.

Public Reaction

The story quickly gained traction online, with many people expressing surprise, amusement, and even sympathy for both the sender and the recipient. Some viewed the act as a creative, albeit petty, way of dealing with heartbreak, while others criticized it as unnecessarily spiteful. The incident also sparked discussions about how people cope with emotional pain and the lengths they go to express their feelings after a breakup. In Kenya, where money bouquets and customized floral arrangements have recently become popular, this onion-and-lemon bouquet stood out as a striking example of personalization taken to an extreme.

Business Perspective

For Ma’riah Kandles, the unusual order was both a challenge and an opportunity. She admitted that she had never received such a request before but enjoyed working on it due to its unique nature. The story inadvertently promoted her business, drawing attention to her ability to create customized bouquets beyond traditional flowers. In a market where novelty and creativity are increasingly valued, this incident highlighted how unconventional ideas can attract publicity and expand business opportunities.

Conclusion

The case of the heartbroken man who sent his ex-girlfriend a bouquet of onions and lemons illustrates the complex interplay between emotion, symbolism, and creativity. While the gesture may be seen as humorous or spiteful, it undeniably captured public imagination and demonstrated how personal pain can be expressed in unconventional ways. The incident also underscores the evolving nature of gift-giving in modern society, where traditional norms are being challenged by unique and sometimes provocative alternatives. Ultimately, the bouquet served as both a personal statement of heartbreak and a public spectacle that resonated far beyond the individuals involved.