Are they really romantic?
Yes. This one is true. I don’t know if this is because I’m in the south, France, or the south of France, but they are different. I am not saying that every man is respectable or swooning women with roses and candlelight dinners and saying whatever he wants to say in French simply because it’s French, but they do their part. And girls, when they try, oh boy do they try!
I can officially say I’ve been wooed by a Frenchman. My first week here I met a boy from Toulon. He joined our group for an evening out at a chill pub and it soon became a night I never want to forget. There was a live American music tribute band and this guy led me to the dance floor. He didn’t care that we were the only ones out there or that the song was Outkast’s “Hey Ya” and not very slow-dance worthy, he just wanted to dance with me. He would spin me around and then pull me in close and hold me for a little and then do it all over again. And at the end of the dance, he got down on one knee and kissed my hand! I’m almost blushing just writing this. In the States, this would be cheesy and desperate. But in France, it’s what they do. (Not to mention they have the accent pulling for them too. Oops, guess I mentioned it.)
Yes. This one is true. I don’t know if this is because I’m in the south, France, or the south of France, but they are different. I am not saying that every man is respectable or swooning women with roses and candlelight dinners and saying whatever he wants to say in French simply because it’s French, but they do their part. And girls, when they try, oh boy do they try!
I can officially say I’ve been wooed by a Frenchman. My first week here I met a boy from Toulon. He joined our group for an evening out at a chill pub and it soon became a night I never want to forget. There was a live American music tribute band and this guy led me to the dance floor. He didn’t care that we were the only ones out there or that the song was Outkast’s “Hey Ya” and not very slow-dance worthy, he just wanted to dance with me. He would spin me around and then pull me in close and hold me for a little and then do it all over again. And at the end of the dance, he got down on one knee and kissed my hand! I’m almost blushing just writing this. In the States, this would be cheesy and desperate. But in France, it’s what they do. (Not to mention they have the accent pulling for them too. Oops, guess I mentioned it.)
Do they smell?
No no no. The French really take time to make sure they’re presentable, smell included (more on that later). They generally all smell good, but it’s the same scent. I’m pretty sure all of the men use the same soap, the same deodorant and the same cologne. The most amazing part of it all: none of them smell like smoke. Yes, here we have another stereotype; smoking is much more prevalent here than in the States. I have yet to meet one French man who doesn’t smoke. But whatever Frenchy cologne they wear must have some kind of smoke-repellant guard on it because they all smell good! Occasionally, yes, I get a strong whiff of BO on the bus or in a group of people, but it’s less of a big deal here. You’re much more likely to find a man who likes his cologne than one who skipped the deodorant step that morning.
No no no. The French really take time to make sure they’re presentable, smell included (more on that later). They generally all smell good, but it’s the same scent. I’m pretty sure all of the men use the same soap, the same deodorant and the same cologne. The most amazing part of it all: none of them smell like smoke. Yes, here we have another stereotype; smoking is much more prevalent here than in the States. I have yet to meet one French man who doesn’t smoke. But whatever Frenchy cologne they wear must have some kind of smoke-repellant guard on it because they all smell good! Occasionally, yes, I get a strong whiff of BO on the bus or in a group of people, but it’s less of a big deal here. You’re much more likely to find a man who likes his cologne than one who skipped the deodorant step that morning.
Are they rude?
Yet another myth busted. If you go on any blog written before mine, you’ll read that it’s mainly a cultural thing. And yes, that’s part of it. They don’t feel the need to smile at every person they pass, but we don’t wish everyone a good meal before they eat either. It doesn’t hurt to learn at least a little bit of the language either. Just because most of the world learns English gives us no right to demand someone else speak a second language in his own country. Try. They appreciate the smallest attempt, trust me. I’ve actually found the people here to be more helpful and friendly than back home.
I’ll also add here that the French men I’ve encountered haven’t forgotten chivalry. When we go out and the girls want to leave the bar early, they don’t let us walk back alone. At least one of the guys stops what he is doing to walk us to the tram, no matter how much we insist he stay. One of them told me how if something happened to us, he would feel responsible and that it was his fault. I’ve had another give me his coat on more than one occasion in the bitter cold because he’d rather be cold than watch me shiver. Rude? I don’t think so. Find me one man back home like this, I have at least four of them here.
Yet another myth busted. If you go on any blog written before mine, you’ll read that it’s mainly a cultural thing. And yes, that’s part of it. They don’t feel the need to smile at every person they pass, but we don’t wish everyone a good meal before they eat either. It doesn’t hurt to learn at least a little bit of the language either. Just because most of the world learns English gives us no right to demand someone else speak a second language in his own country. Try. They appreciate the smallest attempt, trust me. I’ve actually found the people here to be more helpful and friendly than back home.
I’ll also add here that the French men I’ve encountered haven’t forgotten chivalry. When we go out and the girls want to leave the bar early, they don’t let us walk back alone. At least one of the guys stops what he is doing to walk us to the tram, no matter how much we insist he stay. One of them told me how if something happened to us, he would feel responsible and that it was his fault. I’ve had another give me his coat on more than one occasion in the bitter cold because he’d rather be cold than watch me shiver. Rude? I don’t think so. Find me one man back home like this, I have at least four of them here.
Are they all attractive?
I must say, European men know what they’re doing more so than Americans. (If you need a reminder, reread the romantic section above.) They care about how they look, which is probably what makes them more appealing to American women. I mentioned this already, but they really care. Like as if they tried this hard back home they’d get a lot of questionable looks. They love scarves and their clothes actually fit them. On more than one occasion, I’ve had them ask me which shoe or scarf or jacket looks better with their outfit. Baggy jeans, sweats, tennis shoes and gym shorts are a no-no. Even the gangsters have good style. One of them curled my hair with a straightener. The other day, another girl and I waited an hour and a half for the guys to get ready. I advise you let all of that sink in before moving on.
I must say, European men know what they’re doing more so than Americans. (If you need a reminder, reread the romantic section above.) They care about how they look, which is probably what makes them more appealing to American women. I mentioned this already, but they really care. Like as if they tried this hard back home they’d get a lot of questionable looks. They love scarves and their clothes actually fit them. On more than one occasion, I’ve had them ask me which shoe or scarf or jacket looks better with their outfit. Baggy jeans, sweats, tennis shoes and gym shorts are a no-no. Even the gangsters have good style. One of them curled my hair with a straightener. The other day, another girl and I waited an hour and a half for the guys to get ready. I advise you let all of that sink in before moving on.
Some last minute, random things about the men I’ve noticed:
- They love small dogs! This is one of my favorite things about the guys here. So many people here have tiny dogs and they take them everywhere with them (I mean everywhere). If it’s not a man walking the adorable ball of fur, there is most likely one nearby admiring it.
- They love singing American songs. And I love listening to them guess the words.
Well, this has easily been my longest post so far. Good work, men. Keep it up 
Thanks for reading! Until next time…
(Original post: February 15, 2012)
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