Some people believe the French are rude.

Usually, though, that stems from a cultural misunderstanding, differences in the way the French see the world around them and the way maybe you do.

Allow me to peel back a layer or two of the French mentality to give you a peek into ways you can get the French to respect you. I'm not talking simple little tips like always saying 'Bonjour' and 'merci' here -- I'm talking about understanding some deep-rooted differences when it comes to things like personal space and politeness.

Understand how personal space is different in France, particularly in shops and cafes, where respecting boundaries is crucial. The French prioritize refinement and respect. Acknowledging others regardless of language barriers is important, with politeness being more important than fluency in French. Adapt to the French concept of time, where punctuality varies depending on the context -- and where work-life balance is highly valued. Recognize the dual levels of conversation in France, between polite exchanges and engaging in playful debates.


** Shot on an iPhone, edited on an iPad with LumaFusion **

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