. The family is the social adhesive of the country and each member has certain duties and responsibilities. . The extended family provides both emotional and financial support. . Despite their reputation as romantics, the French have a practical approach towards marriage. . Families have few children, but parents take their role as guardians and providers very seriously.
Relationships - Public vs. Private
. The French are private people and have different rules of behaviour for people within their social circle and those who are not. . Although the French are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with their close friends and family that they are free to be themselves. . Friendship brings with it a set of roles and responsibilities, including being available should you be needed. Friendship involves frequent, if not daily, contact.
Etiquette & Customs in France
Meeting Etiquette
. The handshake is a common form of greeting. . Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. . First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. . You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. . If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbours with the same appellation.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13, which is considered unlucky. . Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they are used at weddings. . Prohibitions about flowers are not generally followed by the young. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. . If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines. . Gifts are usually opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a French house for dinner: . Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. . The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. . If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. . Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is not as relaxed as in many western countries.
Table manners:
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. . If there is a seating plan, you may be directed to a particular seat. . Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. . If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. . Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. . Finish everything on your plate. . Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. . Peel and slice fruit before eating it. . Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.
