A New Kind of French Class

Being half French and half American has brought a lot of richness to my life. Both cultures bring so much to the table- literally through food, but also of course through art, history, etc.  There are a couple of things that I’ve come to appreciate in the French lifestyle; I’ve tried to incorporate them in my every day life to the best of my ability. I’ve included them here so that you might be able to take advantage of them too! I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me.

1)Take your time.

The French are known to take hours during meals, although much less now than it used to be. Still, you might start dinner at 8 and not get out until 1 a.m. Now, this doesn’t mean lavishly spending this much time every night at dinner but it does mean taking the time to appreciate the moment. The French don’t inhale their food, they don’t bring technology to the table, and they make it a habit to have family dinners. Taking this time every single day will enrich your happiness because it’s a time to enjoy being together.

2)Eating a balanced meal is important.

Food is a big part of French culture. The great thing is that the food that’s eaten is usually pretty healthy! “La Gastronomie Française” is taken very seriously. At every meal, there are multiple vegetables, some sort of carb (usually baguette) present, meat/fish, fruit, and cheese. (Don’t forget the good wine—but hey, in moderation, red wine is good for the heart, right?) 

3)Vacation is a necessity.

While the French are criticized for how much vacation they get, there is an advantage to having these breaks. Americans don’t know how to de-stress themselves; a lot of them bring work on their breaks, which is mistake number one. A vacation is just that, a vacation. So: take your week off and eat, sleep, and explore. When have you ever regretted saying “We went to the beach for a couple of days and I did nothing but relax”?

4)Wax, don’t shave.

I don’t think this requires a lot of detailed explanation. My only explanation will be regarding the stereotype: “French women don’t shave”. Well, that’s right, they don’t. They wax; it’s so much better! A lot less of a hassle, a little more painful, but it’s long-lasting and worth it.

5)Fashion is valuable.

French people take looking good extremely seriously; you don’t really see a lot of sweatpants in the streets of Paris. Looking good means feeling good. Presenting yourself professionally to the outside world is so important.

6)Indulging is okay.

As I told y’all before, food is important.  The French are known to appreciate good food and that’ s okay. They appreciate the good stuff in smaller doses, which makes it healthier and manageable on a day-to-day basis. So, instead of going for that big piece of chocolate cake, try a smaller slice and appreciate every bite of it.  

7)Appreciate art.

There isn’t much to explain with this one: just appreciate the art. The French are known for their beautiful art pieces, magnificent architecture, etc. So, just look around you and take in the scenery.

8)Alcohol shouldn’t be used with the sole purpose to get drunk.

“Wine” is one of the first words that are spoken as a French child. Don’t believe me? Ask my mom. With that, French people make sure they appreciate good alcohol. They don’t drink it just to “get turnt”. Of course, it’s okay to be wild from time to time, but make sure you know the difference between the good stuff and whatever that “jungle-juice-that-made-you-OH-so-sick-the-last-time” is.  

9)Eating fresh is always better.

We’re used to going grocery shopping once a week, the French usually go every other day. There isn’t much belief in frozen food, their food is pretty much all fresh and usually from cute little vegetable/fruit stands around town. I know it’s a little unrealistic to go grocery shopping every day (who has that time!) but try to check out the local Farmers Market, I promise you’ll have a whole new appreciation for food.

10) Sincere connections are important.

So many times I ‘ve been told “The French are so rude!” but Americans forget that not everywhere do people smile and immediately become best friends with those around them.  French people don’t usually warm up to others until they start getting to know them. I’ve had to adjust to this: smiling in the streets of Paris might seem a little insane to locals so you just have to adapt. The relationships built might be a little more genuine from the get go, because they take the time before saying “I love ya!” So, while I don’t think you should stop smiling, make sure you really make genuine connections with others, don’t rush into things.