Don't Burst My Bubble
One of the drastic differences I have observed
in the lives of the French versus the Americans is the French’s high regard for
personal space. Just riding on the metro for the first time, I quickly learned
about the right way to go about things on public transportation and Parisian
life in general. Here is the recipe I have found to be the most successful: First,
get onto the metro quickly without bumping into the ones around you. Second, find
a position that is the least obtrusive and inconvenient. Third, do not make eye
contact with anyone, just keep your head down or your nose stuck in a book to
be safe. And fourth, do not make much noise while on the metro, the people around
you have enough things to be distracted by without the help of your flapping
mouth.
One should be especially judicious with eye contact because the French culture
regards this act as more intimate than Americans. After a rough morning or a
draining day at the office, the last thing a French businessman wants is a loud
foreigner staring into their soul while being packed in with a bunch of other
annoyed French people. With these tips, one will seem like a true Parisian instead
of the obnoxious foreigner the French might have otherwise perceived. The
French stress personal space with perfect strangers as well as with acquaintances
and even friends. Everyone knows the classic French greeting of the kisses on
the cheeks and at first glance, one might think that this action is more close
and warm than the American instinctive hug.
But by taking a second look one
will notice that there is actually no kissing involved, just cheeks touching
for a couple of seconds. There is also limited body contact, maybe just a hand
on the other’s arm at most. The French are practically appalled by the
Americans giving out free hugs to anyone willing to receive them.
They perceive full body contact as extremely intimate and something sacred that should not be handed out lightly. The French outlook on personal space has directly affected how Americans perceive the French as rude or cold, while they are just being sparing with their cherished moments and respectful to others.
by: Sarah Eldridge
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