The Parisians: Take 1

I’ve given you a pretty long string of descriptive posts, so I’d say it’s high time for some social commentary.

One obvious question to tackle: Are the Parisians really as chilly as they are reputed to be?

I cannot bring myself to say yes or no. So allow me to deconstruct the question a bit.

Will the average Parisian smile at you on the street? Absolutely not.

If you smile at a Parisian, will you receive a smile in return? Perhaps (but not probably).

Already, I have become so used to being the one to initiate social contact that when someone actually smiles at me or says, “Bonjour,” I nearly jump with surprise/joy. (Needless to say, this someone is generally a fellow American.)

From my experience, a Smiling American Girl will generally receive one of the following reactions.

a.   The Leer (Unpleasant and, thankfully, rare. Further explanation unnecessary.)

b.  The Smile-Back (Rare but pleasant and refreshing)

c.   The Look Away (“Smiling girl could be dangerous.”)

d.  The Stern Stare  (“I have no reason to smile at you.”)

e.   The Double-Take. (One of my personal favorites)

Katie: Smile

Stranger: Quick, reflexive smile followed by frown of uncertainty.

Katie: Still smiling…

Stranger: Another smile upon the realization that this girl does not have shady intentions…

While the lack of widespread conviviality initially unsettled me, I find that I do not mind it so much anymore. After all, the Parisians cross paths with so many people every day that smiling at each one would lead to a very early onset of wrinkles. And I do sympathize with the Stern-Looker. Why should strangers be forced to smile at one another for no reason?

But for those of you who may be wondering whether I will return to the States with a Parisian air of sophisticated detachment, fear not. I have tried in vain to acquire said air. It simply does not work. For better or for worse, I shall always be That Smiling American Girl.