Etiquette 101: France
DON'T
- Give bear hugs. "Totally unknown here," says Platt. Hugging can be considered more intimate than kissing.
- Talk loudly in public. It's considered an "ugly American" trait. Don't shout into your cell phone, and silence it in company. Cells are ubiquitous in France, but people tone them down in public.
- Sulk when people are late. They're on Mediterranean time, and they just don't care about punctuality as much as we do.
- Leave the lights on. Especially as a houseguest, respect the habit of being economical about electricity.
- Take up too much space. Carry smaller bags if you can; be aware of your personal space; and don't take offense if someone stands a mere millimeter behind you in line.
Polly Platt is the author of Savoir Flaire (Culture Crossings).
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