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13. Topics to avoid
Updated January 23 2003
Topics to AvoidA Person's Age
How much money they make
What they do for a living.
The very “icebreaker” question that starts most conversations in America “ What do you do”? , is strictly none-of your-business in polite conversation to a stranger you have just met in France, even at private parties among friends of friends.
In the beginning, the less said about your personal life or theirs, the better. So, what are you going to talk about? The French are well informed about World Politics, history, and the arts. They have opinions and the will be interested in hearing yours.
Money and Banking The French have a very uncomfortable relationship with money. They find the subject of money indecent. The opposite of the stereotypical American. Socially, of course, “old money” is more respectable than “new money”, and the third generation nouveaux rich. Still the topic of money is usually not discussed casually.
It is not polite to ask someone what he or she does to make money. No French person wants to judged on that basis. This is quite difficult for Americans an Asians to understand. In business, no particular status is awarded to a person based on how much money he has or how quickly he has proven he make it.
In Hong Kong and New
York, money is the measure of all things. In France, it is more likely to be held against you.
York, money is the measure of all things. In France, it is more likely to be held against you.First rule to remember: DO NOT LET YOUR FIRST QUESTION TO A STRANGER BE, “SO WHAT DO YOU?”
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Paris Chapters13. Topics to avoid