I moved to France 16 years ago: surprising difficulties, wins

I moved from the United Kingdom in France 16 years ago.

When I arrived, I was so focused on learning a new language that I did not think much about the other cultural differences that I met.

Some have been subtle, but many took me a while to adapt. There are also a few to which I might never get used to it.

Adaptation to French consumption habits has been interesting

I appreciated the social scene at home – Nothing like relaxing with friends on a few glasses in the pub after work.

In France, however, the culture of advertising does not really exist. Here, alcohol consumption feels more on taste and tradition. It is woven in meals and conversation rather than being the main event.

It is normal to order a glass of wine with lunch or dinner, although it is intended to be savored instead of being returned. The French seem to know instinctively when to stop drinking, and I do not often see public intoxication here.

I also got used to long meals with small portions

The first time I was invited to dinner by my French neighbors, I was surprised how long it lasted. I arrived around 7 p.m., and it was good after midnight when I left.

Here, dinner is a social event. The conversation flows between lessons, and people rarely seem that they are in a hurry to finish.

Just as the French savor their wine, they also appreciate their food.

Back home, meals are no longer in a hurry, and I don’t really remember taking the time to enjoy the flavors of our food.

Although meals here often have several lessons, the portions are smaller. I find it hard to eat too much. Back home, I used to have a large course, my stacked plate. I have often found myself uncomfortably full.

Many places have closed on Monday

I cannot count the number of times I jumped in my car and I went to the bakery (bakery) to get a baguette, only to realize that it would be closed because it was a Monday.

Where I lived in the United Kingdom, I was used to open stores almost every day. Here, the majority of them are closed on Monday – for many here, it is considered the day of rest.

Throughout the week, it can also be difficult to find many open places between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., because many stores close for lunch.

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It was difficult to master French and the social label that accompanies it

In French, there are two words for “you” and there is a big difference between “you” and “you”.

In general, “you” is used for foreigners, in professional situations or when they speak to groups – it is more formal and polite. “You” is for friends, family and children.

I always mix them from time to time, but I tend to get away when they hear my accent and realize that I am not French.

I also used to greeting people with a kiss on the cheek here that I must remember not to do it when I return to the United Kingdom. I think people from home would wonder what I was doing if I was doing if I suddenly leaned for kiss.

In addition, in France, “hello” is not only a greeting, it is good manners. Forget to say it in a store and you can get an icy reception!

French children tend to be so polite

A huge advantage of having children grow up in France is that they are bilingual. However, what makes me really proud is when people tell me that they are so polite.

They are respectful when we go out, and although it comes down to the way they are raised, I think that French children are generally more polite.

The boys shake hands, girls often kiss, and my children’s friends call me “madam” (which makes me feel a little old, but it is undeniably respectful).

I appreciate simple manners, like saying “please” and “thank you”, which is second nature here. It is clear that children are well raised in public in France – anger crises and noisy voices are not as easily tolerated as I came from.