diversity and common ground!

Hi,
I am french and in a relationship with an american guy since 3 years.
We are together often making fun of each other: you french are so rude! You american can't understand us!
I suppose when people are traveling to foreign countries, they're expecting to meet diversity : in customs mentalities and behaviors ...and they get prepared to the famous cultural shock.
The differences between french and american cultures apparently seem subtle, that brings us to neglect it until one gets upset and lashes out at the other.
Lots of clashes happened that way between my boyfriend and I. I would hurt his feelings with my harsh ways and my straight to the point comments...He would hurt mine judging my culture without really trying to adapt it : french are lazy, french are dirty, examining everything (in good or bad) from his american standards.
But we sticked together because our differences were at the end more attractive than repulsive! and learn to deal with our communication problems.
I would say although american's savoir vivre is less sophisticated than french's, they are more consensual people, better skilled at communication and live in a more extroverted oriented society .
French are probably closer to wild animal! Although very likely to follow complicated rules in society, they can be defensive, but once "tamed" are very devoted and laid back people.

It depends also on our personality and our capacity of adaptation in one's environment. I have been living for one year in Japan, but failed to adapt most aspects of its culture. I just don't fit in japanese society because of my sensibility although i enjoy and grew a lot from this experience.

Some do feel good around french, some don't.
There is definitely some truth in stereotypes, I just can't give credit to people who are overcritical and fuel blind controversy.

Bye! A bientot!

Julie 13 Aug 2008, 09:45 - Verstoß melden