Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Compliments
French people are very conscious of their surroundings.
You don't get cities like Paris or from countryside like the Loire
Valley without making a lot of effort. The French take the
impressions of other people seriously. They don't like
false compliments.
Commenting on a pretty dress, a new pair of shoes or new
haircut is a natural thing to do. But different cultures respond to
this commentary differently. Americans are taught to say 'thank
you' when they receive a compliment, implying, “Thank you for
making note of me.” These compliments are more polite
than commentary.
In the East, a compliment is usually denied, meaning, “Oh no,
I really am not that good. You are too kind and good to see how
lowly I am.” Compliments aren't usually given, just because they
are awkward to receive.
The French make sincere compliments, not to be polite but
because they really have an opinion. Your response should
rel ect your appreciation of their opinion.
Don't deny the compliment. That would be an insult.
Just saying, 'thank you' is to imply, “Thank you, yes, I agree
my dress is terrii c.” Quite pretentious. A proper reply is
something like, “Oh, do you really think so? (with no
sarcasm intended) I'm so glad you like it!” implying you
appreciate and respect their opinion. And wear that dress
more often!
BEING A GUEST IN A FRENCH HOUSE
You've been invited to a French home for dinner. BOY!
Are you lucky! Few people, even French people, get such
invitations. The French home is very private and very
much family-oriented, as we have noted, so an invitation
for dinner implies a high level of comfort with you and
regard for you.
The size of Paris apartments, especially kitchens, limits
the extent to which the French can comfortably entertain at
home. Plus, expectations of the cuisine are so high, people
usually prefer to go out.
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