For serious Francophiles, learning the language is only part of the process. Real “frenchification” requires a different kind of fluency: understanding the French mindset.
Un — Recognize The Significance Of A Good Meal
Your daily meals are never merely a pass time. It’s a crucial point in the day in which you get in indulge and reminisce all at once. While eating a delicious meal, be sure to talk about other appetizing meals you ate, could eat, will eat, should eat, want to eat, or definitely have to eat.
Deux — Laugh It Off
Make sure you’ve got thick skin and that your sense of humor is strong and resilient. The French live for irony and tend to tease everyone. Don’t mistake a harmless joke for rudeness.
Trois — Master The Art Of Arguments
Be ready to debate any point, even if you have no reason to. The sentence, “I have to disagree in some way” can pop into conversation at any time.
Quatre — Pessimism Can Be Chic
Learn to find the negative side of any good situation, because there is always a “but.”
Cinq — Know Your Way Around Your Closet
Dress mostly in blue, grey, black or white: this limits the chance for embarrassing fashion faux pas. These are completely unacceptable!
Six — Everything Tastes Better With Wine
Food takes precedence over everything, and good food should always be enjoyed with good wine.
Sept — Paris Isn’t Everything
Get over your romantic misconceptions of “the City of Lights.” Yes, Paris is for lovers — if you’re a tourist!
Huit — Shamelessly Air Your Grievances
Feel free to complain openly. It’s an acceptable form of self-expression.
Neuf — Never Rush A Meal
Spend several hours sitting around a table with friends and family, and stay as long as food keeps coming.
Dix — Misspell, Practically Everything
Don’t worry: you aren’t the only one making spelling mistakes! Even the French struggle with writing their own language. “How many n’s or m’s in that word again? What’s the silly grammar rule I should use for this particular sentence?”
Onze — Protests Are A Right
Have something to say? Take to the streets!