So the French think we're quite nice
7 steps
Every now and then, a survey pops up in my inbox that isn't necessarily incredibly useful and world-changing, but is certainly very amusing to read. Frankrijk.nl asked their Paris headquarters what they thought of the Dutch. It turned out that the French find us particularly friendly. That might also be true because we find many French people incredibly unfriendly. Especially those residing in Paris. It's quite difficult to get a smile out of them.That we have no culinary tradition, is also a relief. Lunch boxes, cups with buttermilk, the French understand absolutely nothing about. And neither do I, really.
Frankrijk.nl asked their Paris headquarters what they thought of the Dutch. It turned out that the French find us particularly friendly.
What I also found an amusing point is that the French think we often look like we've just come out of the shower. That is probably true, but that's beside the point. The French often look a bit messier. Let's just say it's undone. Especially Dutch men can look incredibly groomed. I like it, they find it ‘striking’. In that context, it might be nice to mention that the French find Dutch men attractive but note that they can't flirt. Well, they have a point. Let's also take the Dutch woman into account through the eyes of the French. Attractive but not elegant. Eeeen thank you.
Especially Dutch men can look incredibly groomed. I like it, they find it ‘striking’.
That they find us stingy doesn't surprise me. They have that image of those Dutch who drag jars of peanut butter, potatoes, and cans of applesauce on vacation. At the same time, we are generous. A round here, a tip there. I've had the pleasure of surrounding myself with many French people. My colleagues from Marie Claire France, my dearest editor-in-chief and friend Agnès Michot, so I'm going to soufflé you now in seven steps on how to behave the way the French like.
Vousvoyeer
The French find us far too quickly familiar. You, thou, all the same. In France, there is a very strict hierarchy. In age and class but especially in the workplace. Always say 'vous', if they want it differently, you'll hear it. My middle ground was to address my French director by her first name, Laurence, but still use 'vous' with her.
Don't talk too loudly
The French don't find our language, uh, particularly beautiful. My international editor-in-chief even pointed out to me once that she didn't find our words graphically very nice. Because we use many letters that are prickly like the K, the T, the F, and the W. Yeah, I hadn't thought of that before. But we speak ‘clumsily’ and loudly. Especially in the Thalys, that's not a good idea.
Don't be too forward
We are quite easygoing. For the French, that can come off as a bit rude. I had a Dutch boss (a really nice person by the way) who could calmly drink my glass of wine during lunch if she felt like it. That look from the French director. That look.
No makeup check in public
Brushing your hair in company is a disgrace. Not to mention touching up your lipstick during dinner. In any case, you will find few Françaises who wear lipstick, but touching it up when others are around? Mais non.
Drink in moderation
France is the land of wine, and it can indeed be the case that an alcoholic beverage is consumed during lunch. Although that turned out to be quite the opposite in practice, uh I mean; with. But a Française drinks a glass, maybe two, and then it's enough. Going home in a drunken state is a no-go. That's probably why they think we can throw great parties. That much is true.
Speak softly
Especially when you answer the phone. The French whisper on the phone, we chatter. Don't do it. Not classy and incredibly annoying.
Don't gossip
So do gossip. We are a bit more straightforward and tell our supervisor clearly what we think about everything. The French never do that, never, jamais. But as soon as the boss has lifted the medium-heeled shoes, it bursts loose. In a whispering manner. But oh la la, everything, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is shared.
