15 French Habits That Are Unacceptable In America

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15 French Habits That Are Unacceptable In America

When comparing lifestyles between France and America, we notice some interesting differences in everyday habits and social norms. French culture includes practices that might seem unusual or less accepted in American settings. Let’s explore these differences, which range from social interactions to work habits and personal choices.

Long Lunch Breaks

In France, workers often take long lunch breaks, sometimes lasting two hours. This tradition allows them to relax and enjoy a meal, often with colleagues or family. In contrast, American work culture prioritizes efficiency and quick lunches, often eaten at the desk or skipped entirely. French lunch breaks offer a time to disconnect from work, which might be a challenge to implement in the fast-paced American workplace.

Cheek Kissing

In France, it’s common to greet someone with a kiss on both cheeks. This form of greeting, while friendly and affectionate in French culture, could be perceived as too personal or invasive in the U.S., where handshakes or verbal greetings are the norm. The cheek kissing habit in France underscores a broader cultural emphasis on close personal connections and familiarity.

Public Wine Consumption

Drinking wine in public places, such as parks or city squares, is quite accepted in France, aligning with their strong wine culture. In contrast, many parts of America have strict open container laws that prohibit consuming alcohol in public spaces. This difference highlights the more relaxed French attitudes towards alcohol compared to the often stricter American viewpoint.

PDA (Public Displays of Affection)

French people are generally more comfortable with public displays of affection. It’s not uncommon to see couples kissing or holding hands openly. In America, while holding hands and small gestures are common, more overt displays might attract disapproval or discomfort from onlookers, reflecting a more reserved societal norm.

Extended Vacations

Taking long vacations, often several weeks at a time, is quite standard in France. This practice emphasizes the importance of rest and leisure. In the U.S., however, taking extended time off work can be rare and sometimes frowned upon, as the work culture values constant availability and productivity.

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Political Debates at Dinner

In France, it’s common to engage in lively and even heated political debates during meal times. This is seen as a part of intellectual engagement and social interaction. However, in the U.S., such discussions are often avoided during meals to keep the atmosphere light and avoid conflict, reflecting different social etiquettes regarding sensitive topics.

Late Dinners

Eating dinner around 9 PM or later is a common practice in France, fitting into their lifestyle of relaxed evenings. Americans typically eat dinner earlier, around 6 to 7 PM. This difference in dinner timing can be linked to the faster-paced American lifestyle, where evenings are often less leisurely.

Smoking in Public Places

Despite increasing restrictions, smoking in public places is still more prevalent in France than in the U.S. This habit points to differing attitudes towards smoking, with France having a more accepting view, although changing, and America implementing stricter non-smoking policies in public areas.

Formal Titles

Using formal titles such as “Monsieur” or “Madame” is customary in France, reflecting a culture that values respect and formality in verbal interactions. In America, interactions are typically more casual, with first names often used even in professional and formal settings.

No Tipping

In France, service charges are usually included in the bill, and tipping is not expected. This contrasts with the U.S., where tipping is customary and seen as a significant part of the service industry’s earnings. This difference underscores varying approaches to service compensation and customer service expectations.

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Frequent Strikes

Strikes are a common form of protest in France and are widely accepted as a way for workers to express dissatisfaction and demand changes. In America, while strikes do occur, they tend to be less frequent and can carry a more negative perception, reflecting different cultural attitudes towards labor rights and collective bargaining.

Laissez-faire Parenting

French parents often adopt a more relaxed approach to parenting, which might include less supervision and more independence for children. In contrast, American parenting styles can be more protective and structured, highlighting different cultural values placed on independence and maturity in children.

Public Restroom Etiquette

In France, it’s common to pay to use public restrooms, a practice that ensures maintenance and cleanliness. In America, public restrooms are typically free, reflecting different public service expectations and standards of accessibility.

No Air Conditioning

Many homes and businesses in France do not use air conditioning as liberally as in the U.S. This reflects not only differences in climate but also varying attitudes towards energy consumption and environmental considerations.

Sunday Closures

Most shops in France close on Sundays, reserving the day for rest and family time. In contrast, Sunday shopping is common in the U.S., reflecting a more continuous consumer culture and less distinction between weekdays and weekends.

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