Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
very well. It could have been she was just tired or depressed.
You must not take the 'no' syndrome personally.
Toujours Bonjour
In France, to enter a shop, or even a street kiosk,
without saying
Bonjour, Madame
or
Bonjour, Monsieur
to
the proprietor or clerk in attendance, acknowledging them as
another human being, is very rude. In England or America,
this type of behaviour would be considered unusual, even
a bit forward. It is an important habit to develop in France,
no matter what your other limitations. Always say
Bonjour,
Madame
or
Monsieur.
If you know the shopkeeper already,
a waiter and a client in a restaurant go through the
entire ordering procedure, each diligently avoiding
even looking in the other's direction. Even when the
client pointed at the menu the waiter kept his eyes
averted. They managed to get through the meal,
so I guess that means they both 'won', but what a
hollow victory! And after such a testy relationship,
I'd check my bill carefully, if I were the customer. The
waiter gets 15 per cent already included in the total
(
service compris
).
Win
.
Think: “I'm not going to be put down by you. I have
time and patience and I am going to remain gracious
and continue to ask for your help and advice. Perhaps
you will quit this silly game. I am here for a valid
reason and you are important to my success.” Nine
times out of ten, you will win with this position,
even if your French is poor. The fellow's attitude
will improve, as you have maintained his dignity
as well as your own. He may even remember you
with a smile (well, almost) next time you walk in.
Try and see.
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