Hello\u2019s and goodbye\u2019s<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n No matter who you meet or speak to, you have to begin with a greeting. \u201cBonjour<\/em>\u201d and \u201cBonsoir (after 6 pm)<\/em>\u201d are the expected hello\u2019s. These are used with the words \u201cMonsieur<\/em>\u201d and \u201cMadame<\/em>\u201d for men and women respectively. You say your goodbye\u2019s with \u201cAu revoir<\/em>\u201d. Greetings are offered with a light handshake. Kissing on both cheeks or \u201cfaire la bise<\/em>\u201d is a form of greeting amongst family, friends and colleagues.<\/p>\n Bob, is it?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The French take names very seriously. The social norm dictates that you don\u2019t use the first name of a person unless you are invited to do so. You address the person the last name. Knowing academic titles and using them properly is required.<\/p>\n You or you?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The use of the pronoun \u201cyou<\/em>\u201d as \u201ctu<\/em>\u201d or \u201cvous<\/em>\u201d dictates many relations in France. As a general rule of thumb use \u201cvous<\/em>\u201d. It indicates politeness and respect. The word \u201ctu<\/em>\u201d is used as relationships grow. And you wouldn\u2019t want to go offending someone, would you? \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n Let’s play dress<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The French are known for their fashion consciousness. When in France, don\u2019t dress \u201cAmerican Casual<\/em>\u201d. Although there are no strict dress codes on a day to day basis, American casual is a little too casual for us. We rarely wear shorts unless it\u2019s the beach. So, dress more formal, more like business casual.<\/p>\n Bon\u00a0App\u00e9tit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Be it a dinner, a party or a cocktail party at someone\u2019s place, it is customary to arrive 10 or 15 minutes late, so that the host has enough time to be ready. Guests are seated by the host. Never start eating until your host and hostess have begun and always wait until a toast has been proposed before you drink wine.<\/p>\n Table manners dictate that you keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal \u2014 not in your lap. However, take care to keep your elbows off the table. Bread is served with every meal and it is broken with hands, never cut. Unlike Americans, we, the French keep this broken bread on the tablecloth or the bread plate and not the bread basket. We also don\u2019t cut salad; lettuce is folded on to the fork.<\/p>\n It is considered impolite to leave anything on the plate. Taste everything that is offered. When finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position. Leave your wine glass almost full if you don\u2019t care for more. However, never refill your own glass of wine for more. Wait to be served!<\/p>\n To gift or not to gift<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Flowers (natural as far as possible) and chocolates are perfect gifts when in doubt. However, when it comes to flowers, stay away from 6 or 12 (for lovers), odd numbers, especially 13 since it is considered unlucky, chrysanthemums or red roses since they are used in weddings. We also love our wine, so if you decide to gift wine, make sure it is really good.<\/p>\n General, not so general<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget your P\u2019s<\/em> and T\u2019s<\/em>. Always say please and thank you. Keep your voice low in public. Yelling is considered a sign of anger and impoliteness.<\/p>\n We, the French love conversation in general. However, don\u2019t ask personal questions or expect us to show you around in our house. We also dislike speaking of politics. A smile is considered polite in most cultures, however we don\u2019t indulge in smiles just for politeness. We smile only when we feel like it. Our humor is satirical and sexual at times. So keep an open mind to humor.<\/p>\n That said, enjoy your stay in France, be it a week\u2026or a decade. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\nLike this?<\/h2>\n
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