Diplomatic Circles: French Lessons
By: Vickie J. Rubinson
According to the New York Times, the French have rules that govern even the smallest activities. For example, never wear jogging clothes to buy even a pound of butter. The author of the article Elaine Sciolino says that as she dashed out of her Paris flat for some butter at the convenience store she had on her morning jogging clothes and not much else in the way of style. The problem was that the store was located on the Rue du Bac one of the most chic places to see and be seen on Saturdays. She suddenly heard her name called and turned to see a senior Foreign Ministry official, dressed in pressed jeans, a leather jacket and wearing an amused look, while carrying a small Nespresso shopping bag.
Kiss, but Be Careful Whom You Hug. Evidently Mr. Chirac never seemed to relish the formal, jerky air kisses. He is more of a hand-kisser. He knows how to cradle a woman's hand in his, raise the hand to chest level, bend over to meet it halfway and savor its feel and scent.
Mr. Sarkozy on the other hand, is "unpredicatable." When he's in a bad mood, he might offer a curt "Bonjour" and a quick handshake. With those he likes, he gets really close and hugs. They sometimes hug back, as did Israel's president Shimon Peres, during a visit this month to the Elysee. But the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has made it clear through her aides that she is not a hugger and needs her space.
Lastly, for French women, being sexy has nothing to do with age and everything to do with attitude. Arielle Dombasle, the actress and cabaret singer dared to expose her breasts on the cover of Paris Match and took off her clothes in a song and dance review at Crazy Horse in Paris. According to the article, some people feel she tries too hard. But give the lady credit. She's turning 50 and has a Barbie-doll body.
Chic French women also prefer to peel and polish rather than paint their faces. Too much make-up they say, makes a woman seem older, or worse, "vulgaire."
By: Vickie J. Rubinson
According to the New York Times, the French have rules that govern even the smallest activities. For example, never wear jogging clothes to buy even a pound of butter. The author of the article Elaine Sciolino says that as she dashed out of her Paris flat for some butter at the convenience store she had on her morning jogging clothes and not much else in the way of style. The problem was that the store was located on the Rue du Bac one of the most chic places to see and be seen on Saturdays. She suddenly heard her name called and turned to see a senior Foreign Ministry official, dressed in pressed jeans, a leather jacket and wearing an amused look, while carrying a small Nespresso shopping bag.
Kiss, but Be Careful Whom You Hug. Evidently Mr. Chirac never seemed to relish the formal, jerky air kisses. He is more of a hand-kisser. He knows how to cradle a woman's hand in his, raise the hand to chest level, bend over to meet it halfway and savor its feel and scent.
Mr. Sarkozy on the other hand, is "unpredicatable." When he's in a bad mood, he might offer a curt "Bonjour" and a quick handshake. With those he likes, he gets really close and hugs. They sometimes hug back, as did Israel's president Shimon Peres, during a visit this month to the Elysee. But the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has made it clear through her aides that she is not a hugger and needs her space.
Lastly, for French women, being sexy has nothing to do with age and everything to do with attitude. Arielle Dombasle, the actress and cabaret singer dared to expose her breasts on the cover of Paris Match and took off her clothes in a song and dance review at Crazy Horse in Paris. According to the article, some people feel she tries too hard. But give the lady credit. She's turning 50 and has a Barbie-doll body.
Chic French women also prefer to peel and polish rather than paint their faces. Too much make-up they say, makes a woman seem older, or worse, "vulgaire."
