11 Steps To Embracing The French Culture

What does it really mean to be French? Forget all the stereotypes, and follow these 11 steps to Frenchify yourself!

March 5, 2015

For serious Francophiles, learning the language is only part of the process. Real “frenchification” requires a different kind of fluency: understanding the French mindset.

Un — Recognize The Significance Of A Good Meal

Your daily meals are never merely a pass time. It’s a crucial point in the day in which you get in indulge and reminisce all at once. While eating a delicious meal, be sure to talk about other appetizing meals you ate, could eat, will eat, should eat, want to eat, or definitely have to eat.

Deux — Laugh It Off

Make sure you’ve got thick skin and that your sense of humor is strong and resilient. The French live for irony and tend to tease everyone. Don’t mistake a harmless joke for rudeness.

Trois — Master The Art Of Arguments

Be ready to debate any point, even if you have no reason to. The sentence, “I have to disagree in some way” can pop into conversation at any time.

Quatre — Pessimism Can Be Chic

Learn to find the negative side of any good situation, because there is always a “but.”

Cinq — Know Your Way Around Your Closet

Dress mostly in blue, grey, black or white: this limits the chance for embarrassing fashion faux pas. These are completely unacceptable!

Six — Everything Tastes Better With Wine

Food takes precedence over everything, and good food should always be enjoyed with good wine.

Sept — Paris Isn’t Everything

Get over your romantic misconceptions of “the City of Lights.” Yes, Paris is for lovers — if you’re a tourist!

Huit — Shamelessly Air Your Grievances

Feel free to complain openly. It’s an acceptable form of self-expression.

Neuf — Never Rush A Meal

Spend several hours sitting around a table with friends and family, and stay as long as food keeps coming.

Dix — Misspell, Practically Everything

Don’t worry: you aren’t the only one making spelling mistakes! Even the French struggle with writing their own language. “How many n’s or m’s in that word again? What’s the silly grammar rule I should use for this particular sentence?”