If you haven't noticed some sort of abnormal obsession of the French you lived under a rock. About men and women alike, how to say, a little holier than you, sexier, better in love, well educated, better dressed, cooler, whatever?
I don't know where all the excitement is coming from, but maybe, just maybe there's a grain of truth here somewhere. And even though I'm writing this from the perspective of someone who's lived in France for the past 3 years - and also from the perspective of being married to one of these fascinating creatures, I promise I won't be. not too biased, okay?
Often stereotyped in what French is meant to be, there are a number of myths I would like to examine under The miscrosope of Love.
Myth number 1: all French men are hot
This is true, but only when they are behind the wheel (rash) - the statistics for road accidents in France are overpriced, astounding. But let's get back on track here. To prove my point, we have to look at some of the French idols, movie stars, etc.
Let's start with Serge Gainsbourg - a chain-smoking alcoholic singer - who by his own admission was not exactly an oil painting. He usually laughed at her exaggerated, highly prized features, nose, ears, referring to the thing that was swinging on top of her neck like a "cabbage head."
Additionally, the irreverent troublemaker has spoken openly about his addictions, burned money in TV shows, and thought nothing of recounting his sexual adventures with underage girls. Ok, so let's sum up our case study as provocative, talented and yet vulnerable. The tortured artist? The good old bad boy? Either way, it was obviously attractive.
Ask people like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. That's right, some of the world's greatest beauties have lined up in droves to be with the anti-hero. Why? Who knows? Surely not for the cigarette-breath-smooch-fest? On the contrary, his bad boy ways, outrageous demeanor, and self-mockery probably helped. Women love funny guys.
What about Gérard Depardieu? Rough around the edges, like a cheap Cotes du Rhone - he nevertheless managed to seduce the breathtaking Carole Bouquet and Karine Silla to name a few.
Then there is Daniel Auteuil and the 10-year relationship he had with Emmanuelle Béart? How did he do it? (Ok, he's also a movie star but other than that there's nothing for mom to write).
A little weird, with tousled hair and three days of growth, the unlikely screen idol, Romain Duris is the last hot actor from France, with Time magazine rightly calling him an "accidental idiot". Accidental because of its appearance. Heartthrob because of his capacity as an actor. The list goes on, but do you get my point? These men are far from the prisoner in the styling department, so what makes women swoon at home? We will come back to this a little later.
Myth number 2: the French know how to dress
Ok, there are basically 3 different types of French guys. In my opinion, the most interesting, like artists, etc. dress quite dirty and seem to have picked up the first thing they found on the floor that morning - or dressed in the dark (more likely). Much of the appeal is that it gives them that carefree look (I don't have to try so hard). Either way, it works.
Then there are those who dress "well and well"; they seem to be trying to imitate their parents or something. Flat, conservative and blah. Third, you get hooked on the label and it's just plain boring anyway. So I have to be honest and say that when it comes to innovation, style and individuality, go to London.
Myth number 3: they have a good sense of smell
I read somewhere that when it comes to perfume, the French are more adept at figuring out what is what. What are they, dogs ??? One thing is for sure… when it comes to aftershave, men (and women) overdo it or nothing at all. I have to admit that I prefer the latter. Most artificial / aftershave perfumes are a chemical nightmare, but that's another article.
Myth number 4: they can all cook
I've met men here who basically live on a diet of barbecue meat and chips. With one of my husband's friends, you would be lucky to have peanuts if you come for a aperitif. They have no idea. Why? Mum did the cooking and just because most of their moms are amazing cooks doesn't mean they are. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule (but you have to be lucky to find one).
Myth number 5: They strictly control your weight and expect you to be slim.
Hmmm… not sure about this one. But to better understand the French man, we must look at the French woman. People in France are not hung up on age. How refreshing is that? Everywhere else in the world there is this chose not to look like you're older than 30 days - that's not the case in France, where older women are admired and seen as sexy.
In France, you will frequently spot a woman in the 60s and 70s showing off her slender figure in jeans, mini skirts and high heels. And they don't look sour, they look proud. To be fair, European women are no strangers to plastic surgery and botox, but they aren't as obsessed with eradicating their wrinkles as some of their sisters in other parts of the world - preferring to leave it to nature. take its course and focus instead on preserving their body shape through exercise and reasonable diet. Women are comfortable in their bodies, which automatically makes them sexier. It's not those you wear it How you wear it. They are confident and knowledgeable about themselves and unlike some other cultures their hair and makeup have a more relaxed feel.
Bottom line - what they don't have in beauty, they make up for in their charisma, charm and chic. You see they don't avoir to, want to to where need à try on our creations so hard (oops, are we getting the similarity here)?
Now that we've done a bit of deconstruction, let's see what for another lies beneath the surface of the elusive French male?
Political error
They smoke, they ogle, they hiss and dare to cross certain lines of what is considered polite and correct public behavior. Many people and women who are not from the same culture seem to take offense at this frankness. The French are not offended. Either they expect or appreciate the attention, or they don't care.
Very charming
The French seem to have a lot of this stuff under pressure. It's part of their DNA. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone can learn this stuff. You either have it or you don't. Sorry.
A little Romance?
But yes of course !!! I'm surprised they don't come out at birth with gifts - Flowers, champagne and candles with a handbook on foot reflexology.
Give me an Alpha Man (without the steroids)
We like them because they are not the macho, bloated type, but rather the macho type who is not afraid of women.
The joy of living
They have it. The joy of living or "being in the moment", whatever you call it, but yes, I'm afraid the French have pretty much patented this formula. Honestly, they don't care what happened 5 minutes ago or what will happen tomorrow. For them, it's the only way to be.
Relaxed attitude
They are not stressed out and carried away by the small details of life like some of us are. This one is a great trait if you are a person who Is being stressed out by the little incongruities in life (oh, yeah, I know what I'm talking about).
Direct
Some may misinterpret this as rude, but I find it refreshing. Usually, men take the first step by asking you out on a date. Relieve the pressure, don't you think? All you have to do is say yes or no. Easy. No?
Passionate
Well, that goes along with not being afraid of girls and knowing how to deal with them. I understand that some people are shy when it comes to anything about the opposite sex, but it definitely helps when at least a the partner is less troublesome. Know what i mean?
Open
Some may say that the French are few also open, which calls into question the stereotype of all French people having a mistress. But listen, if that's true of the French in general, it's usually true of all men in the world. And one thing's for sure, if men do it, so do women. Maybe even better 🙂
Accent
Check! My husband makes a lot of mistakes when he speaks English.
Once upon a time (when I was in the details) I corrected it. I don't do it anymore because its 'mistakes' sound better than the real thing.
compliments
Bring them, I say. And yes, women shouldn't avoir to where need being told they are beautiful, lovely, smart, funny and sexy but that beats for sure not be told. Let's face it - fake compliment or not - whatever!
The end
In general, we thought the grass is always greener and we tend to mystify other cultures too much. Basically the world is a lot rounder than we think and people are pretty much the same everywhere. You probably don't want to hear that, but in France, like in every other corner of the world, it all really depends on the individual. man.
Good luck!
An exclusive FrenchFriends.info by Tanja Bulatovic
