tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881993293647462179.post3017869839068307674..comments2024-01-06T16:35:56.730-05:00Comments on EMILIE JOHNSON: Last Night.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298487943673122863noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881993293647462179.post-70146074470288264052009-10-16T18:50:51.095-04:002009-10-16T18:50:51.095-04:00oh no shelli! stay really positive with the french...oh no shelli! stay really positive with the french. i think our interactions have so much to do with what we give off first, so it is a cycle. we give off generosity and we get it back. it is one thing i've had a hard time doing here sometimes and if i could do (could have done) anything better, it would be that. i would really try to assume less and just be open - not to box people before i interact with them. i value that so much and at times, i've been caught up in stereotypes and differences more than in really trying to connect. i admire that you are doing that...Emiliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01298487943673122863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881993293647462179.post-15555195719316638612009-10-16T16:49:43.886-04:002009-10-16T16:49:43.886-04:00Emilie, it's not that I have any more 'so...Emilie, it's not that I have any more 'social grease' than you, I'm quite sure. You've been here a lot longer and are deeper into the fabric and I think you probably are right in your observations. <br /><br />I really am wondering if maybe what I assume is acceptance on the part of French friends is something closer to tolerance of my foibles as an American. Just another example of American insecurity, no doubt. <br /><br />I'm going to miss your blog when you leave Paris.<br /><br />ShelliShellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17216113290904322091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881993293647462179.post-79889419254120202102009-10-13T18:32:21.646-04:002009-10-13T18:32:21.646-04:00yes, shelli - i suppose i must come off sounding r...yes, shelli - i suppose i must come off sounding rather categorical, trying to group people and their actions a lot here. there are differences between cultures - that is unequivocal. but stereotypes are only as useful as they are. i am pleased to hear that you manage to be much more nuanced in your approach with the french and don't find yourself lacking 'social grease' as i do at times.Emiliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01298487943673122863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881993293647462179.post-40842732809018498642009-10-13T18:24:04.717-04:002009-10-13T18:24:04.717-04:00You know, I keep hearing that Americans who behave...You know, I keep hearing that Americans who behave in the ways you describe, American cultural interactions, are looked upon askance by the French. And so I find myself wondering if the French friends I have made think of me as some sort of pet, someone who's accepted only on very specific terms. I hope not. That would make me sad. I prefer to think the stereotype of both types of cultural interactions is just that, a stereotype, and not in fact true.<br /><br />ShelliShellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17216113290904322091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881993293647462179.post-11475330306271416502009-10-06T11:53:22.513-04:002009-10-06T11:53:22.513-04:00I was so jealous when Kendall said he was going to...I was so jealous when Kendall said he was going to visit you. I would loved to have been there, enjoying that honey and laughing with you. I'm so glad you enjoyed his visit. <br /><br />I can't wait for him to get home so I can press him for all the details!!Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05832602177068743447noreply@blogger.com