When I decided to study abroad in Lyon, France, I had a picture in my mind of a culture full of romance and baguettes. While both of those things are true, the culture is so much richer and more complex than I could have ever imagined. The French live by a different set of rules for courtesy than what I was raised with in the Midwest. It was always a rule that “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say it at all” or “think before you speak.” The French tend to speak their minds regardless of how other people may react because they fully expect the other person to do the same.

The biggest shock for me coming to France and engaging with the culture was how honest the society is. No one will pretend to not be impatient with you. I got a bunch of impatient “Oh la la’s” while I was having trouble communicating with the cashier at the grocery store. That is not to say that French people are rude. Although I was very aware of the displeasure of the shoppers behind me, no one glared at me or seemed to have any ill will after they expressed their displeasure. They simply wanted to be heard. They really wanted me to know I was taking too long. The French are very vocal about what they think and feel.

During my first few weeks in Lyon, there were several protests in the streets of Lyon demanding that President Macron change his policy on pension reform. These protests were not violent, and they were not made up of a single demographic; men, women, young, and old all came out to voice their concerns about the policy. The protests gained a great deal of media attention, and the French people remain relentless in their efforts to force the president to reconsider. The French do not mind speaking their minds. What I had originally considered a lack of politeness on behalf of the French, was them just operating to a different set of standards. I had never considered that politeness did not mean the same thing in every culture and living in France has shown me that if they were not honest, they would consider it a disservice to the people around them.

About the blogger

Kaitlyn F. is studying abroad on the Universite Jean Moulin-Lyon III program in Lyon, France.