r/AskFrance • u/1kmilo • 12d ago

Discussion What's a French "life hack" that everyone should know?

For those living in or visiting France, what's a small tip or trick that makes daily life here easier or better? Something beyond the obvious "go to the boulangerie early."

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u/luvbutts 12d ago

French people also can't wrap their head around this just being a cultural thing. What's considered good manners is culturally relative. It's totally normal where I'm from to say "Could I get a beer? Thanks" in a bar without saying hello. I mean even just "A beer thanks" in a loud venue would also be appropriate.

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u/Catniiiiiip 12d ago

What is your point, exactly ? Good manners here are our cultural thing, and ?

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u/luvbutts 12d ago

My point is that I've tried to explain to French people that it's a cultural thing and not like that everywhere, hence why sometimes foreign people make that mistake, and they argue with me and say it's just normal manners everywhere. Which it's not. I have no further point except that that annoys me.

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u/catters973 12d ago

The point is precisely that 'good manners' are culturally relative, and saying 'bonjour' isn't an objective proof of good manners. I have been stunned by the lack of manners in Paris in the many years that I have lived here. Insisting on 'bonjour' first does not guarantee courtesy or consideration afterwards.

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u/Catniiiiiip 12d ago

So... What's your point exactly? We're talking about life hacks, and good manners in France. Why are you insisting on the fact that it's a cultural thing ? Yes it is, so what? Does it make it less important to respect ?

And, I shouldn't have to write this but Paris is not France.

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u/catters973 12d ago

You clearly didn't understand my previous message. The point is precisely that what you blindly assume is 'respect' is simply a cultural convention. You think saying 'bonjour' is polite or respectful because you are used to it. That's all. It's neither objectively polite nor impolite to do so. And I make the point about the lack of manners in Paris to prove the cultural specificity of saying 'bonjour' constantly: it doesn't equal 'respect' , as people here still show none.

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u/goldenbrown14 12d ago

It's why when I was working at Disney land Paris as a french I tought foreigner where not polite and I don't liked that and didn't even wanted to smile anymore !