Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whole Body Language
French women and men, especially Parisians, have a
reputation for being stunningly good-looking. In fact, they
are not, at least by Hollywood standards. Their skin may
be poor or their teeth bad. They may look tired around the
eyes and many French women never bother with make-up.
What gives the French an aura of beauty is the way they
present themselves. They hold their bodies erect and they
are conscious of themselves as extensions of their whole
personality. Like actors, they make their bodies convey
whatever message they feel appropriate. The usual messages
are: “I am intelligent/sincere/well-raised.” In this way, they
convey an inner beauty.
It doesn't hurt, of course, that some Parisians are horrifi ed
by the prospect of getting fat and diet religiously and walk
everywhere, so they do look good in the beautiful and
expensive clothes they wear. But others convey elegance
and a refi ned sense of themselves in properly cut jeans. Few
French people are more than vaguely aware of this powerful
performance their body language presents. This proper
carriage and the importance of presentation is taught at an
early age and is everywhere apparent. It is second nature to
the French to look good.
You will quickly become more conscious of the way you
dress and how your body conveys messages. You will fi nd
yourself imitating in short order.
Come to France in clothes that make you feel good about
yourself in the mirror. Walk tall. Reserve your smiles for
people you deal with directly. You'll pick up the fi ner points
as you go along.
Touching Distance
The French touch each other to express friendship rather
than any physical desire. This is reserved for friends, of
course, but close physical contact can be expected in
crowded places in Paris, even among strangers. The French
have learned to tolerate this with calm reserve, and so will
you. Just watch for pickpockets in crowds. If a stranger
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