The directness one cracks me up. Is that where the word ‘frank’ comes from? Also, ime, they’re pretty direct when no one asked.
The second reason we might think the French are not nice is because of their direct communication.
Ah, the famous French frankness! Unlike some cultures where things are left unsaid and hints prevail, the French often prefer to say things as they are. This transparency aims to prevent misunderstandings, but it can be surprising, even shocking. But believe it or not, it’s often done in a spirit of clarity and mutual respect. After all, why waste time guessing what the other person is thinking?
So, don’t be surprised if a French person speaks directly to you and doesn’t tiptoe around you.
I’ve heard it described similarly. In much of the US, it’s pretty normal to smile or nod at someone you’re passing as an acknowledgement. But in cultures that aren’t accustomed to that, I’ve heard it feels like if someone walked up to your car at a red light and knocked on your window just to say hi.
Is not showing a will to live part of becoming fluent in French?
It’s more a question about using or abusing a smile:
https://www.ohlalafrenchcourse.com/en/blog/article/why-aren-t-the-french-nice
I know that in some (many) cultures, the American “smile” can be unnerving
Hell it’s unnerving to my American ass, lots of people very blatantly weaponize smiles here
The directness one cracks me up. Is that where the word ‘frank’ comes from? Also, ime, they’re pretty direct when no one asked.
I’ve heard it described similarly. In much of the US, it’s pretty normal to smile or nod at someone you’re passing as an acknowledgement. But in cultures that aren’t accustomed to that, I’ve heard it feels like if someone walked up to your car at a red light and knocked on your window just to say hi.