I Said What?!

Drinking the French Truth Serum

It’s a well-known fact that the French are direct. Not just honest, but direct in a way that can cut like a steak knife.

American directness can feel more like a butter knife. We lather on the compliments, apologies, and other superfluous fluff to lessen the blow.

The French, however, have no time for that.

At first, this type of directness made me feel a bit nervous. I tiptoed around the French to avoid the inevitable sharp shot of honesty, but now I find all this directness rather refreshing.

You always know where you stand with the French. There’s no gray area; it’s either black or white.

Monopoly Money

Learning to speak a foreign language can feel like Monopoly money. Think back to when you had a bunch of foreign currency in your hands for the first time. It felt funny because none of it had any real meaning since you didn’t grow up with it. It’s more like play money that comes with a plastic cash register.

For example, to a native English speaker, the words below are emotionally char…