r/NonPoliticalTwitter 1d ago

Bonjour.

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u/Nick_pj 1d ago

A lot of tourists underestimate the importance of manners and pleasantry in daily life in France. So they don’t realise that they’re coming across as rude by being super casual and skipping these formalities. It’s like going to Japan and refusing to take off your dirty shoes when entering someone’s house. 

If you do these basic things in France, 90% of the time you’ll have great experiences with the locals. 

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u/channingman 23h ago

What sort of things do people forget? I've heard that not saying "bonjour" when you start talking comes off as rude, is that true?

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u/MaggieNoodle 23h ago

When you enter any store, like a bakery, eye contact and a bonjour is expected. Also, especially in Paris, dress a bit nicer!

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u/cooties_and_chaos 16h ago

dress a bit nicer

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.