32 Differences between French People in the U.S. and France

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French expatriates suddenly realize when they return to France from the U.S.: they aren’t the same as their French friends in France. Here’s how we’re extra-terrestrial:

32. French expatriates don’t understand obscure acronyms like RSA, CFDT, CNAV, etc. 

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31. And a “large Coke” in France seems minuscule:

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30. You complain less about French television…

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29. …than the decline of France.

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28. Besides, France isn’t so bad.

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27. For a long time, you don’t think your French is retreating…

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26. And you make fewer mistakes in English.

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24. For you, La Sécu is a treasure compared to Social Security and U.S. healthcare:

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23. As is the baguette.

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22. You’re more optimistic…

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21. …and less grumpy.

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20. You can wear hoodies in the street.

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19. And respond to emails quickly.

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18. You know every single series that’s going to be broadcast in France the next year.

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17. But you get no vacation.

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16. Which is okay, since that’s part of the American dream.

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15. You start to think the French in France don’t care about anything.

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14. And don’t understand how anyone can be against Netflix.

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13. Or against Starbucks.

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12. Or against brands in general.

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11. You don’t understand the inaction in France.

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10. Shops being closed on Sundays.

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9. The waitstaffs in Paris.

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8. You’re a little scandalized when there’s no vegetarian menu at a restaurant in France.

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7. And you get uncomfortable when the waiter hasn’t checked on you in the last five minutes.

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6. You’ve completely lost the habit of waiting before asking for the check.

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5. You don’t get lost in airports. 

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4. You shake hands with women.

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3. And hug men.

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2. You annoy the French in France with your “Franglais.”

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1. But you appreciate your friends all the more when you come back home.

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