Why do the French not smile?

[La Vette]

I read in 'French, Friend or Foe' that the French save their smiles for people they know and care about.  They think we are weird to go into a shop and greet the vendeur with something that to them signifies love and affection.  A curt bonjour should suffice.  However, I always get a wave and a cheery smile from my neighbours, most of whom I haven't even spoken to yet.

 

[Monika]

Thank you CA, it worked a treat and I am sure I have made many people smile. I sent it even to our Maitre d'oeuvre to beg him to hurry along, it might work, one never knows!!

[Cassis]

[quote user="Cathy"]

You are right 'MissYesBut'.  (What is your real name?)  The French do greet and say 'Bonjour' a lot e.g. to everyone in the queue for the baguette (or un part de flan in my case...).  But that is in 'buildings'.  Out in the street, they DO NOT smile.

[/quote]

I think it depends where you are.  If you say bonjour and smile to people in any of the villages round here you'll get the same in return.  But you don't do it in town because there are just too many people.  You'd be regarded as a nutter, like the bloke on the bus no-one wants to have come and sit near them.

[powerdesal]

Can someone translate the bottom line of Miki and Cassis current postings ?. Is it Greek, Russian or what and why?

Regards

[Dave]

Last time i bothered to look it was Russian.....[8-)]

[KathyC]

[quote user="Cathy"]Keith Richard - that dates you[/quote]

I thought it was a palm tree, not dates!

[Cassis]

  It should be 'Keith Richards - who dates you'.  And who wants Keith Richards to date them?