Originally Posted by
brokenheartfool 
Okay, I am going to open myself up to attack here.
Flowers are just that, flowers.
My mother brought me up to thank people for things like that.
But...it's doesn't have to lead to anything else, does it? The Thank-you?
It doesn't, remember who's in control. YOU.
With normal people, yes. By all means say thank you. But this manipulative alcoholic who has already extracted much more than his deserved pound of flesh sent the flowers specifically to entice her to contact him. It is not a normal relationship, therefore you mother's excellent wisdom is not applicable to this particular situation any more than thanking a robber for give you a slug in the belly.