It is a stereotype that the French hate Americans. But then, who could love us when we renamed French fries “freedom fries” and poured out their precious wine, after the war in Iraq started? But the tension and competition go back much further.
Like many clichés, there’s a soupçon of truth inside that tired trope. But the French are also fascinated by Americans, as we are by them. In other words: It’s complicated.
So, while hate is way too strong a word, here are some things which over the years I personally have heard the French, ever proudly critical, complain about when it comes to Americans:
We are loud. And if you’ve ever eaten in a crowded US restaurant, then in a French one, you know this one is absolutely true.
We are insincere. The French don’t smile a lot, or open up to strangers, or lavish others with compliments. They don’t “gush”, like we do. So they tend to view that behavior as overwrought drama.
We love guns. Only hunters have legal guns here in France, and they must have a hunting license and undergo a psychological evaluation to get one. And there is way less violent crime in France. Increasingly our French friends are saying they are reluctant to travel to America, they are afraid of mass shootings and crime (so are we).
We don’t speak their language. The beautiful French language is revered in France with a religious zeal. Europeans, especially, learn to speak French early and European ex-pats nearly always speak French. We older American ex-pats got a late start, so we really have to work at it. But working at it gives you a pass (for us, it’s means lifetime of French lessons and conversation groups, in addition to our natural immersion program). It’s the classic “Ugly American” who doesn’t even try to learn French.
There's also a sort of English creep (English words sneaking into the French language) which drives the purists bonkers.
We elected Trump. I have never met a single French person who was not completely baffled and appalled by his popularity. It's often their first question when they learn we are Americans. “What happened to the States? Why did you elect such a horrible person?”
They think we are all rich, and that we love to flaunt it. In France, money, wealth, investments. etc. are rarely discussed, and those with wealth often go to great lengths to hide it. Ostentatious displays of wealth are considered crass.
And what they love…
It goes without saying, they are still very very grateful for our role in World War II. We just went to a wonderful fête here in Beaune in which the US role was grandly celebrated.
They love to visit the States. The French are enthralled with the enormous size of our country, the wide open spaces, the nature and the parks. Most are also fascinated by New York City and California; I sometimes think many French hardly know the rest of the country exists.
Our music. American music is ubiquitous here. Especially American jazz, which they adore. They watch a lot of our TV and movies, too.
Our history. The French are very knowledgeable about their history, and ours. It's covered well in their schools and it has made history buffs out of many. I cannot count how many times I’ve met a new French person, even a blue collar worker, and they immediately want to launch into a discussion of US history. Most know way more than I do!
As always, it’s the cultural differences here that fascinate! One could I’m sure make a similar list in reverse—maybe France and the US are fated to have a love-hate relationship. What are your thoughts, and what’s on your list?
Let's mash up these two cultures with a recipe that's perfect for apéros or a starter course. It has some decidedly French flavors, but comes to us from Debbie, my Canadian/American expat friend, by way of her friend Jocelyn. I think everyone Debbie serves it to asks for the recipe! It's also very pretty, and easy to eat.
RECIPE: Debbie and Jocelyn's Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves
1 small clove garlic, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 tsp salt
1 tablespoon mayo
2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 lb Parmesan Reggianno sliced and diced to 1/8" peices
(about 1 cup)
1/2 cup finely chopped peeled apple
Belgian endives (small – cut ends off to easily peel leaves – sometimes you have to cut the ends more than once)
1 cup walnuts, toasted lightly and chopped fine
1/4 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
Whisk together garlic paste, mayo, lemon juice and oil. Stir in parmesan and apple. Salad may be prepared to this point one day ahead and chilled. Trim endives and separate leaves. Wrap in dampened paper towels and put in plastic bag, again one day in advance if you like. When you're ready to serve it, stir walnuts and parsley into salad, scoop about 1 tablespoon salad into individual endive leaves and serve.
In the COMMENTS: Apparently iced tea has been in France for a while, bottled and on the soft drink aisle which I never frequent, so I've missed it, but which several of you have "suffered with", as Susan says. Jane, you are being quite British but in the South, sugar in iced tea is just a given! Candi, this tea maker you mention is new to me. Peggy, I'll never catch up with you in the tea department. Natalia, I must try the tea you mentioned because one of my close friends will drink only that! Carrie knows a site which takes cold-brewed iced tea to a new level. Frank, you've hit on a great idea for the bistros (hope y'all are over your covid, bonne santé).
Favorite READS and SHOWS: our reader-in-residence Natalia says Dictionary of Lost Words is fun and different. I'm dipping into a Graham Green book I haven't read, called Our Man in Havana, since Travels with My Aunt is one of my favorite books. And our reader Barbara also like watching Signora Volpe, discussed last time, and says she also loves Candice Renoir and Balthazar (on Acorn), which I can't wait to try.
64 thoughts on “Why the French Hate Americans…and Why They Love Us”
Hi, Lynn.
Right on. The crassness of Americans is all too evident in most public spaces. And, yes our politics are abhorrent. They are also shocked with our approach to healthcare. Where’s the love? It simply grates against Liberté, Égalité et Fraternité.
As for the French? Two things irk me living here. The first is tailgaters. Many French drivers seem to be in a big hurry and feel that if they get close enough to the back end of your vehicle it will speed you up.
However the most irksome is the lack of what I call professionalism amongst tradespeople. I have a pressing and complicated renovation project and for the past six months I have been trying to get dévis (estimates) for the work. Four contractors have apparently decided they aren’t interested but only one of them has said so. Another has been promising since March, but no result. The last I contacted two weeks ago. He responded to my email inquiry with a request for my phone number. Still no contact. Frustrating!!
Hi, Lynn.
Right on. The crassness of Americans is all too evident in most public spaces. And, yes our politics are abhorrent. They are also shocked with our approach to healthcare. Where’s the love? It simply grates against Liberté, Égalité et Fraternité.
As for the French? Two things irk me living here. The first is tailgaters. Many French drivers seem to be in a big hurry and feel that if they get close enough to the back end of your vehicle it will speed you up.
However the most irksome is the lack of what I call professionalism amongst tradespeople. I have a pressing and complicated renovation project and for the past six months I have been trying to get dévis (estimates) for the work. Four contractors have apparently decided they aren’t interested but only one of them has said so. Another has been promising since March, but no result. The last I contacted two weeks ago. He responded to my email inquiry with a request for my phone number. Still no contact. Frustrating!!
Hi, Lynn.
Right on. The crassness of Americans is all too evident in most public spaces. And, yes our politics are abhorrent. They are also shocked with our approach to healthcare. Where’s the love? It simply grates against Liberté, Égalité et Fraternité.
As for the French? Two things irk me living here. The first is tailgaters. Many French drivers seem to be in a big hurry and feel that if they get close enough to the back end of your vehicle it will speed you up.
However the most irksome is the lack of what I call professionalism amongst tradespeople. I have a pressing and complicated renovation project and for the past six months I have been trying to get dévis (estimates) for the work. Four contractors have apparently decided they aren’t interested but only one of them has said so. Another has been promising since March, but no result. The last I contacted two weeks ago. He responded to my email inquiry with a request for my phone number. Still no contact. Frustrating!!
Usually I avoid these types of articles –clichéd and generalizations abound but you really zeroed in on the issue. And touché! Excellent
Usually I avoid these types of articles –clichéd and generalizations abound but you really zeroed in on the issue. And touché! Excellent
Usually I avoid these types of articles –clichéd and generalizations abound but you really zeroed in on the issue. And touché! Excellent
My two main complaints also, along with the general “unbusiness-like” way of doing business. While it may be charming for everyone to take a long lunch, couldn’t someone take turns keeping the bank open? Really.
bonnie in provence
My two main complaints also, along with the general “unbusiness-like” way of doing business. While it may be charming for everyone to take a long lunch, couldn’t someone take turns keeping the bank open? Really.
bonnie in provence
My two main complaints also, along with the general “unbusiness-like” way of doing business. While it may be charming for everyone to take a long lunch, couldn’t someone take turns keeping the bank open? Really.
bonnie in provence
I fully agree with all of your observations about the love-hate thing, which might be better states as admire-disdain. The French are as puzzled as I am about Trump’s election, and I do explain to them that the US is not an actual democracy, that there is this thing called the Electoral College. They find it appalling that a vote is not a vote (I am from California and feel it acutely.) A US friend of mine also pointed out that the entire population of North and South Dakota is less than one bay area county in CA (Alameda) yet each of those states has 2 senators and so does all of CA. I just wish I could understand French better, I’m working on it.
bonnie in Provence
I fully agree with all of your observations about the love-hate thing, which might be better states as admire-disdain. The French are as puzzled as I am about Trump’s election, and I do explain to them that the US is not an actual democracy, that there is this thing called the Electoral College. They find it appalling that a vote is not a vote (I am from California and feel it acutely.) A US friend of mine also pointed out that the entire population of North and South Dakota is less than one bay area county in CA (Alameda) yet each of those states has 2 senators and so does all of CA. I just wish I could understand French better, I’m working on it.
bonnie in Provence
I fully agree with all of your observations about the love-hate thing, which might be better states as admire-disdain. The French are as puzzled as I am about Trump’s election, and I do explain to them that the US is not an actual democracy, that there is this thing called the Electoral College. They find it appalling that a vote is not a vote (I am from California and feel it acutely.) A US friend of mine also pointed out that the entire population of North and South Dakota is less than one bay area county in CA (Alameda) yet each of those states has 2 senators and so does all of CA. I just wish I could understand French better, I’m working on it.
bonnie in Provence
I really don’t like stereotypes or generalizations about any people, but much of what you say is true. Just remember there are well mannered folks in the US as well, not all of us are ill mannered. I must say, having lived in Florida (for college) and travelled it extensively, I am boggled by Europeans love of Miami, of all places. That’s the last place I would visit there lol.
I really don’t like stereotypes or generalizations about any people, but much of what you say is true. Just remember there are well mannered folks in the US as well, not all of us are ill mannered. I must say, having lived in Florida (for college) and travelled it extensively, I am boggled by Europeans love of Miami, of all places. That’s the last place I would visit there lol.
I really don’t like stereotypes or generalizations about any people, but much of what you say is true. Just remember there are well mannered folks in the US as well, not all of us are ill mannered. I must say, having lived in Florida (for college) and travelled it extensively, I am boggled by Europeans love of Miami, of all places. That’s the last place I would visit there lol.
As for the stereotypical idea that the French are snobs … I will argue with anyone who poses that idea. That has never been my experience. On two separate occasions a Frenchman/woman came to my aide when I (or someone in my group) needed help. And stuck with me/us until they saw that the problem was resolved to the best of their ability.
I just returned from hiking in the Alps and once again found the French to be warm, friendly and helpful. I look forward to going back to France next year.
As for the stereotypical idea that the French are snobs … I will argue with anyone who poses that idea. That has never been my experience. On two separate occasions a Frenchman/woman came to my aide when I (or someone in my group) needed help. And stuck with me/us until they saw that the problem was resolved to the best of their ability.
I just returned from hiking in the Alps and once again found the French to be warm, friendly and helpful. I look forward to going back to France next year.
As for the stereotypical idea that the French are snobs … I will argue with anyone who poses that idea. That has never been my experience. On two separate occasions a Frenchman/woman came to my aide when I (or someone in my group) needed help. And stuck with me/us until they saw that the problem was resolved to the best of their ability.
I just returned from hiking in the Alps and once again found the French to be warm, friendly and helpful. I look forward to going back to France next year.
Agree with all of this! I share a lot of their feelings about America (the guns, Trump, SCOTUS decisions, etc. which is why we bought our place in Burgundy). As a Californian I think we are a little closer politically, but as Bonnie said, we don’t have the electoral power we should. “One person, one vote” does not exist here contrary to popular belief. And from a purely democratic standpoint, I have yet to be convinced why we need two Dakotas 🤷♀️ I thought your point on displaying wealth as crass was interesting. I feel woefully unstylish next to Parisians with their designer bags and immaculately tailored clothes and coordinated jewelry. Where does French fashion & jewelry (which looks like fine art to my American eyes) fit in when it comes to the “display of wealth” category? My jeans and T-shirts are in no danger of offending them, but I am interested in what would 🤔
Aryn from California & Bourgogne
Agree with all of this! I share a lot of their feelings about America (the guns, Trump, SCOTUS decisions, etc. which is why we bought our place in Burgundy). As a Californian I think we are a little closer politically, but as Bonnie said, we don’t have the electoral power we should. “One person, one vote” does not exist here contrary to popular belief. And from a purely democratic standpoint, I have yet to be convinced why we need two Dakotas 🤷♀️ I thought your point on displaying wealth as crass was interesting. I feel woefully unstylish next to Parisians with their designer bags and immaculately tailored clothes and coordinated jewelry. Where does French fashion & jewelry (which looks like fine art to my American eyes) fit in when it comes to the “display of wealth” category? My jeans and T-shirts are in no danger of offending them, but I am interested in what would 🤔
Aryn from California & Bourgogne
Agree with all of this! I share a lot of their feelings about America (the guns, Trump, SCOTUS decisions, etc. which is why we bought our place in Burgundy). As a Californian I think we are a little closer politically, but as Bonnie said, we don’t have the electoral power we should. “One person, one vote” does not exist here contrary to popular belief. And from a purely democratic standpoint, I have yet to be convinced why we need two Dakotas 🤷♀️ I thought your point on displaying wealth as crass was interesting. I feel woefully unstylish next to Parisians with their designer bags and immaculately tailored clothes and coordinated jewelry. Where does French fashion & jewelry (which looks like fine art to my American eyes) fit in when it comes to the “display of wealth” category? My jeans and T-shirts are in no danger of offending them, but I am interested in what would 🤔
Aryn from California & Bourgogne
Well said, Lynne. I remember a trip years ago when we sat in a restaurant in La Turbie near a group of Americans. I wanted to melt into the furniture as they were loud and obnoxious. While that wasn’t the only experience like that, we have gone weeks without encountering anyone from the US. We travel to France as often as we can in part because we find the French to be welcoming. I try to hold back my natural tendency to make friends with/chat up the person behind me in line at the supermarket or coffee shop out of respect for their reserve. And the politics? I’ve had few political discussions in France, but I would be hard pressed to defend 1) the French fries/wine in gutters behavior or 2) the election of Trump. I don’t have the energy.
One more thing: I always speak French as well as I can and, like you, work at it daily between visits.
It’s such a pleasure to read your posts. Thanks for your continued sharing.
Chris
Well said, Lynne. I remember a trip years ago when we sat in a restaurant in La Turbie near a group of Americans. I wanted to melt into the furniture as they were loud and obnoxious. While that wasn’t the only experience like that, we have gone weeks without encountering anyone from the US. We travel to France as often as we can in part because we find the French to be welcoming. I try to hold back my natural tendency to make friends with/chat up the person behind me in line at the supermarket or coffee shop out of respect for their reserve. And the politics? I’ve had few political discussions in France, but I would be hard pressed to defend 1) the French fries/wine in gutters behavior or 2) the election of Trump. I don’t have the energy.
One more thing: I always speak French as well as I can and, like you, work at it daily between visits.
It’s such a pleasure to read your posts. Thanks for your continued sharing.
Chris
Well said, Lynne. I remember a trip years ago when we sat in a restaurant in La Turbie near a group of Americans. I wanted to melt into the furniture as they were loud and obnoxious. While that wasn’t the only experience like that, we have gone weeks without encountering anyone from the US. We travel to France as often as we can in part because we find the French to be welcoming. I try to hold back my natural tendency to make friends with/chat up the person behind me in line at the supermarket or coffee shop out of respect for their reserve. And the politics? I’ve had few political discussions in France, but I would be hard pressed to defend 1) the French fries/wine in gutters behavior or 2) the election of Trump. I don’t have the energy.
One more thing: I always speak French as well as I can and, like you, work at it daily between visits.
It’s such a pleasure to read your posts. Thanks for your continued sharing.
Chris
I beg to disagree with the statement “European ex-pats nearly always speak French” – that was certainly not true of my experience a few years ago of British expats – the ones I knew couldn’t speak a word of French and only employed other Brits to do building, plumbing, electrics etc. They came with good intentions to integrate, but rarely did – unlike the Dutch, who are much better at it!
I beg to disagree with the statement “European ex-pats nearly always speak French” – that was certainly not true of my experience a few years ago of British expats – the ones I knew couldn’t speak a word of French and only employed other Brits to do building, plumbing, electrics etc. They came with good intentions to integrate, but rarely did – unlike the Dutch, who are much better at it!
I beg to disagree with the statement “European ex-pats nearly always speak French” – that was certainly not true of my experience a few years ago of British expats – the ones I knew couldn’t speak a word of French and only employed other Brits to do building, plumbing, electrics etc. They came with good intentions to integrate, but rarely did – unlike the Dutch, who are much better at it!
Lynn,I apologize for misquoting the name of the fabulous tea i mentioned in the last post.It is called “Rouge in Love”, a roobidoos parfume in cotton tea bags. it is heaven hot or (my favorite) sun tea.
Speaking of heaven, Debbie and Jocelyn’s parmesan walnut in endive leaves makes me never want to leave cloud 9! Yum!
Thank you!
Today’s post was wonderful(as always!)and filled with plenty of food for thought!!
Lynn,I apologize for misquoting the name of the fabulous tea i mentioned in the last post.It is called “Rouge in Love”, a roobidoos parfume in cotton tea bags. it is heaven hot or (my favorite) sun tea.
Speaking of heaven, Debbie and Jocelyn’s parmesan walnut in endive leaves makes me never want to leave cloud 9! Yum!
Thank you!
Today’s post was wonderful(as always!)and filled with plenty of food for thought!!
Lynn,I apologize for misquoting the name of the fabulous tea i mentioned in the last post.It is called “Rouge in Love”, a roobidoos parfume in cotton tea bags. it is heaven hot or (my favorite) sun tea.
Speaking of heaven, Debbie and Jocelyn’s parmesan walnut in endive leaves makes me never want to leave cloud 9! Yum!
Thank you!
Today’s post was wonderful(as always!)and filled with plenty of food for thought!!
FALLING IN LOVE WITH FRANCE is my book on Amazon and what I find so fascinating and wonderful about the country.
FALLING IN LOVE WITH FRANCE is my book on Amazon and what I find so fascinating and wonderful about the country.
FALLING IN LOVE WITH FRANCE is my book on Amazon and what I find so fascinating and wonderful about the country.
Hi Lynn
This is to the point but I would add the category of religion. In France it is a private matter and we try to separate religion and state. As a French native from southwest France, Burgundy, going to Haute Savoie yearly and living most of the year in the USA, I noticed that in the US, God and religion is present in a lot of statements from many people.
I think also that French people might be considered snobs because they do not smile. Once you establish a relationship with a French person you will find that person friendly, kind and helpful especially in small towns. France being a country that has been invaded several times, it’s citizens are cautious about foreigners.
As a foreigner myself in the US it is my job to make the first step towards Americans to try to change those preconceived ideas about the French by speaking the language and respect the culture. As American it is our duty to try to speak the French language as a respect to that culture. Even if you speak broken French the French will appreciate your effort. Once we break the ice first a relationship will be established and then there is no end to where it would go.
Enjoy travelling and learning about new cultures, traditions and language.
Hi Lynn
This is to the point but I would add the category of religion. In France it is a private matter and we try to separate religion and state. As a French native from southwest France, Burgundy, going to Haute Savoie yearly and living most of the year in the USA, I noticed that in the US, God and religion is present in a lot of statements from many people.
I think also that French people might be considered snobs because they do not smile. Once you establish a relationship with a French person you will find that person friendly, kind and helpful especially in small towns. France being a country that has been invaded several times, it’s citizens are cautious about foreigners.
As a foreigner myself in the US it is my job to make the first step towards Americans to try to change those preconceived ideas about the French by speaking the language and respect the culture. As American it is our duty to try to speak the French language as a respect to that culture. Even if you speak broken French the French will appreciate your effort. Once we break the ice first a relationship will be established and then there is no end to where it would go.
Enjoy travelling and learning about new cultures, traditions and language.
Hi Lynn
This is to the point but I would add the category of religion. In France it is a private matter and we try to separate religion and state. As a French native from southwest France, Burgundy, going to Haute Savoie yearly and living most of the year in the USA, I noticed that in the US, God and religion is present in a lot of statements from many people.
I think also that French people might be considered snobs because they do not smile. Once you establish a relationship with a French person you will find that person friendly, kind and helpful especially in small towns. France being a country that has been invaded several times, it’s citizens are cautious about foreigners.
As a foreigner myself in the US it is my job to make the first step towards Americans to try to change those preconceived ideas about the French by speaking the language and respect the culture. As American it is our duty to try to speak the French language as a respect to that culture. Even if you speak broken French the French will appreciate your effort. Once we break the ice first a relationship will be established and then there is no end to where it would go.
Enjoy travelling and learning about new cultures, traditions and language.
Tom, I agree with you on all points.
Concerning tradespeople, I must say that there are not enough plumbers, electricians, masons, etc., so they can pick and choose the project they want to take on. It’s bad in the Ile de France but it’s even worse in the provinces. We have friends down in Aix en Provence and they can’t even get people to come in for a quote.
Tom, I agree with you on all points.
Concerning tradespeople, I must say that there are not enough plumbers, electricians, masons, etc., so they can pick and choose the project they want to take on. It’s bad in the Ile de France but it’s even worse in the provinces. We have friends down in Aix en Provence and they can’t even get people to come in for a quote.
Tom, I agree with you on all points.
Concerning tradespeople, I must say that there are not enough plumbers, electricians, masons, etc., so they can pick and choose the project they want to take on. It’s bad in the Ile de France but it’s even worse in the provinces. We have friends down in Aix en Provence and they can’t even get people to come in for a quote.
Bonjour Lynn, I fully agree with most of your points. As a French person living in the US, I have found that Americans travelling in France expect that the French they meet in shops or restaurants will speak French and it is simply arrogant. How would they feel if French tourists in the US started blabbing in French to a shopkeeper or a server in a US restaurant, and were upset that they did not? As Francine points out, religion is pervasive in the US, especially in the South and the Midwest. France takes the separation of Church and State very seriously and religion is a private matter. The French do like Americans; there is no question in my mind about that. They also find Americans very friendly, helpful, and ‘sympathiques’. I think the French are still fascinated by Americans, but they don’t understand that nothing sensible is being done about gun control, violence and racism. And to anyone who feels frustrated about things not getting done in France, I have news for you: you cannot get anyone to fix anything, repair anything, answer the phone or return calls in the US service industry.
Bonjour Lynn, I fully agree with most of your points. As a French person living in the US, I have found that Americans travelling in France expect that the French they meet in shops or restaurants will speak French and it is simply arrogant. How would they feel if French tourists in the US started blabbing in French to a shopkeeper or a server in a US restaurant, and were upset that they did not? As Francine points out, religion is pervasive in the US, especially in the South and the Midwest. France takes the separation of Church and State very seriously and religion is a private matter. The French do like Americans; there is no question in my mind about that. They also find Americans very friendly, helpful, and ‘sympathiques’. I think the French are still fascinated by Americans, but they don’t understand that nothing sensible is being done about gun control, violence and racism. And to anyone who feels frustrated about things not getting done in France, I have news for you: you cannot get anyone to fix anything, repair anything, answer the phone or return calls in the US service industry.
Bonjour Lynn, I fully agree with most of your points. As a French person living in the US, I have found that Americans travelling in France expect that the French they meet in shops or restaurants will speak French and it is simply arrogant. How would they feel if French tourists in the US started blabbing in French to a shopkeeper or a server in a US restaurant, and were upset that they did not? As Francine points out, religion is pervasive in the US, especially in the South and the Midwest. France takes the separation of Church and State very seriously and religion is a private matter. The French do like Americans; there is no question in my mind about that. They also find Americans very friendly, helpful, and ‘sympathiques’. I think the French are still fascinated by Americans, but they don’t understand that nothing sensible is being done about gun control, violence and racism. And to anyone who feels frustrated about things not getting done in France, I have news for you: you cannot get anyone to fix anything, repair anything, answer the phone or return calls in the US service industry.
What I have found, like any country, all of this is not true everywhere. I have met, in travels on my bicycle, very kind, considerate people full of help and a genuine interest in me, as an American. This of course is mostly out in the interlands. Paris, is another story, but really no different than any other big city in any country. What I have found that is really the most frustrating thing is that the French tend to want to say “no” as a knee jerk reaction, and then with a bit of cajoling, in my limited French, they acquiesce, with patting themselves on the back. I have always found this puzzling, because they don’t really mean “no”, I think it’s just been ingrained in their modus operandi.
Any way, all that being said, I love France and I truly love the French.
What I have found, like any country, all of this is not true everywhere. I have met, in travels on my bicycle, very kind, considerate people full of help and a genuine interest in me, as an American. This of course is mostly out in the interlands. Paris, is another story, but really no different than any other big city in any country. What I have found that is really the most frustrating thing is that the French tend to want to say “no” as a knee jerk reaction, and then with a bit of cajoling, in my limited French, they acquiesce, with patting themselves on the back. I have always found this puzzling, because they don’t really mean “no”, I think it’s just been ingrained in their modus operandi.
Any way, all that being said, I love France and I truly love the French.
What I have found, like any country, all of this is not true everywhere. I have met, in travels on my bicycle, very kind, considerate people full of help and a genuine interest in me, as an American. This of course is mostly out in the interlands. Paris, is another story, but really no different than any other big city in any country. What I have found that is really the most frustrating thing is that the French tend to want to say “no” as a knee jerk reaction, and then with a bit of cajoling, in my limited French, they acquiesce, with patting themselves on the back. I have always found this puzzling, because they don’t really mean “no”, I think it’s just been ingrained in their modus operandi.
Any way, all that being said, I love France and I truly love the French.
Touché!
Touché!
Touché!
Monique,
I am an American and agree 100% with everything that you said. I speak very little French but do what I can when travelling and have always been treated with nothing but kindness and a good dose of proper manners by the French. Religion should always be regarded as a private matter and never be legislated. I find it mind-blowing that nothing sensible is being done about gun violence in America. Also, it has been my experience that the US service industry is totally frustrating and stressful to deal with.
Monique,
I am an American and agree 100% with everything that you said. I speak very little French but do what I can when travelling and have always been treated with nothing but kindness and a good dose of proper manners by the French. Religion should always be regarded as a private matter and never be legislated. I find it mind-blowing that nothing sensible is being done about gun violence in America. Also, it has been my experience that the US service industry is totally frustrating and stressful to deal with.