Never Smile

Among my recent reads are the following books about France and French Culture--I love how they try to explain the French way of life, and can sooo totally relate to some, but not all, of the scenarios.

For an intro to the French I suggest the following:







These books eased my anxiety about moving to France, and gave me something to reference when I was trying to figure out what I was doing wrong here.

Here are some clever tips I picked up:

Never smile here. It makes you look stupid. Even little kids don't smile.

Everyone is considered a stranger, and strangers don't deserve eye contact.

No matter how hard I try, I will never, ever in a million years be mistaken for a local--I just don't have the attitude, style and sneer.

Assume everyone around you speaks English even though they won't speak it to you.

Children are to be very, very well behaved and are expected to sit through 2-4 hour long dinners and meals out.

My coolness factor is increased 25% just by having lived here.
It's true...there have been studies done.

The French don't hate Americans. They just can't stand our president and what they perceive as our arrogance.

Weird, but Americans hate the French but love France. It's the most visited country in the world.

The French really are thinner than Americans, but it's because they don't snack EVER.