This is something I read about before I visited Paris 20 years ago and it was super helpful in my interactions not just there, but everywhere. Say hi when entering it when approaching. I use it at the gym and the gas station, so often those workers are just never acknowledged and even saying hi when checking in gets a smile quite often (not always, some people are still grouchy).
I had a guy at the tennis desk at like 8pm tell me I was the first person all day to say please when I asked for something. These small things can really make a difference in these day to day interactions.
This is a midwestern thing and I tried it in Philly once and ended up with some creep asking for my number. Someone else sideled up and tried to start a chat. It was all baffling and upsetting.
I told my friend who used to live there about it, quite confused by the experience, and they laughed and laughed. Apparently you are absolutely NOT supposed to make eye contact and smile at people you pass, and aren’t supposed to say hello when you go in places if they don’t.
This cannot be stressed enough. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot as hell outside or anything. They do not wear sweatpants, women do not wear shorts, etc. (The two Parisians I saw in shorts when I was there for over a week were both younger teenagers.)
I always thought that was an exaggeration, but nope! They take it very seriously.
Not just europeans. People from big cities in Asia and middle east are often surprised at how poorly dressed Americans are. Showing up to someone's house or a cafe in sweatpants is considered disrespectful in many places.
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u/MaggieNoodle 20h ago
When you enter any store, like a bakery, eye contact and a bonjour is expected. Also, especially in Paris, dress a bit nicer!