November 24, 2015

I saw a fellow looking at our California license plates, a bit perplexed.  I told him that it had been a long drive indeed, but I was very happy about the new tunnel connecting New York with London.  I received a blank look.

I should really sign up for lessons in etiquette; after all, the French invented it, and I need it.

Proper, respectful behavior in public is taught systematically to children, and followed closely and enforced quietly by most French.  If I don’t pick up the cues on my own, I will hear about it from French friends:  Always greet people when coming into a room.  Don’t walk around wearing short sleeves (but if you are American, you’ll be given a pass for dressing sloppily).  Double-semi-kiss; try not to hug.  Don’t ignore people or look at a device when someone is speaking.  Don’t expect lunch out of lunchtime hours.  Don’t overeat.  Don’t talk loudly.

One of the characteristics of the French I’ve witnessed is their childlike appreciation for simple pleasures:  eating, drinking, bright colors, clowns, fairs, games and toys.  This doesn’t make them childish, though, but in many ways leaves an impression of innocence.

~~         ~~         ~~      ~~         ~~       ~~          ~~        ~~

Nobody likes it when a person cracks under the rigors of strict social comportment.  Although the behavior of some foreigners, especially Americans, is often a source of amusement, the French always seem to be shocked! by the behavior of other Frenchmen.

The likes of Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Philippe Petain have left the French coming to terms with the limits of their civilized reputation.