Pourquoi tu rigoles?: The sequel

Due to my recent negligence of my poor, all-but-forgotten blog, I decided to write one more installment before my vacation.

Lately, some of my bevvy of beautiful English assistants have been feeling the effects of the French affect, or lack thereof. I cannot reiterate enough how unfriendly and, often times, hostile the people here come off as being. Smiles are few and far between and, as I have mentioned before, only the crazies giggle to themselves on the street.

A sourpuss stands out in a crowd

This grating unfriendliness has left some of my girlfriends feeling isolated and, as a result, properly homesick. They feel torn between wanting to be more integrated into French customs while still maintaing their patented, American level of pep and good cheer. If one walks down the street, a smile dopily plastered on their face, the attention they receive will likely be unfavorable. But the alternative option of being completely unapproachable isn't exactly desirable, either. What do do, what to do...

Dopey smile--not for every day use.

For a while we made jokes about trying to perfect our perfect "French ennui" face, otherwise known as "brat face" (censored for PG audiences). Walking down the street with a near scowl that said something between "leave me alone" and "what smells like rancid meat?" became the goal. This was mainly to deter creepy, cat-calling men. No eye contact + stink face would surely = no creepers. Wrong.

Ennui face. So bored I could die. Literally.

The creepers are used to the stink face. In fact, I think they take it as a dare. They see a lady with her tough-chick face slathered on like war paint and want to be the one to break it into a raised eyebrow or little coquettish grin. They see you walking towards them at a quickened pace, more of a huff really, from blocks away and think to themselves "Challenge accepted"! They spew whatever comes to mind at passing women like: "Oh how your eyes sparkle in the sunlight" or "Ooh a sporty girl! I like sporty girls..." Normally for me, this leads to a severe scowl or the surprised raising of the eyebrows paired with a look, taken from "Clueless" Cher, that conveys the reaction of "As if!" as my tough-chick self blows past them without missing a beat.

Stink face in Italy

So what is the point of this post? I've nearly arrived. Recently, I've decided that since the men are going to be piggish no matter how a woman is carrying herself, a pleasant face is worth a try. Not only have men stopped bothering me as much (maybe the more approachable you look, the less appealing you are), but other, more welcome company has sprung up. In the last month, I've been approached by four or five elderly people on the street. They ask for directions or simply want to have a little chat.

The social interactions include a depressing story from a little old woman, who I met while waiting for the bus, and how she and her sick husband couldn't live together anymore since he was in a hospital in Paris and "Isn't that sad?" to which I replied "Yes, ma'am, that is terribly sad. I'm so sorry. Here comes the #23". "Thank you, dear."

Result of a Google search for "Cute Old People"

I also had a woman stop to tell me that she feels ashamed for having such a strong public pension and that she wonders why the youth of France has not decided to revolt in protest . This was on the sidewalk while I was on my way to work--running late as per usual. But I couldn't resist the chance to discuss the situation of employment and social benefits with her. We chatted for nearly ten minutes (sorry, students) before I left on my merry way.

And most recently, an elderly man on the street waved me down and asked if he was on the right track to the doctor's office located in my building. I assured him he was with a beaming smile and he thanked me for stopping.

Laugh lines be damned!

So that's it. That's the point of this seemingly endless rambling. When you look pleasant, lonely elderly folk stop for a quick chat or for a small favor. I'm always obliged to help...I simply can't resist their adorable shuffling and timidity. Tourists are also more prone to stopping to ask for directions or advice when you look like you aren't going to bite their children or kick them in the shins. So if you want to be in the business of brightening a day or two while simultaneously avoiding Creepster McGees, a pleasant little curl of the lip is all it takes.

Normal, pleasant smile used to attract unsuspecting elderly folk

It has also helped me to find more of a balance between my cheerleader-adjacent perkiness that is so acceptable in the US and the somber, European stoicness that is so common here. So, bevvy of beauties, this has worked for me and I'm fairly certain it can work for you.

If you're needing proof, here is an article I found on the benefits of smiling: http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongbeauty/tp/smiling.htm It's not the most reputable source, but it does the job.

Peace, Love, and Death Metal


Ann