What is dating like in France?-?

Question

Ok so I'm American and hosting a foreign exchange student (FES) girl from Sweden. There are a couple of the FES's at my school and since my mom works with the exchange program I get to spend a decent amount of time with them. One is a French boy...and the more I get to know him, the more I like him! Eventually I would like to date him...I was wondering, what is dating in France like? And I suppose I should take the American approach (since we are IN america...) but how do most French boys react to the American ways of dating?

Say he liked me, and wants to date me...what would be the typical French way of making that happen?

FYI I'm 17, he is almost 16....if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

Answer 1

it's exactly the same, we have the same occidental culture, why do you bother? there are no rules

Answer 2

I'm a 32 year old French woman living in the states. The dating is very different in the states I think. It is much easier to hook up with a French guy than an American guy. French guys are usually very straight forward.

If he's smiles at you and says that he likes you. Then that's what it is. Love is not taboo in France. so don't be embarrassed and don't play hard to get. He is basically asking you out. He likes you, point!.

Also, French people have very "tight" social groups. Its more likely that you and he will "hook up" if you and your friends go out with your French beau and his friends. Although french people are formal, most initial dates star out sort of informal.  

That said, a formal "date" is also not out of the question.  In France ,we love to walk around the city and sit at cafes and chat.(A lot of French people like to smoke cigarettes.No age requirement is needed, so don't be alarm if he's a smoker). An ideal first date would be very simple yet intimate. Avoid movies or uncomfortably long dinner experiences (unless its the group of friends kind of date).

Another idea would be you being his tour guide if he's new to the area and go on a discovery of your town and show him the American way of living. That could be great fun for him. Take him to the places you enjoy.

But most importantly if you like him then he probably like you. This is the chemistry of love. So if you like him, say that you'd enjoy to go out  with him. Just be yourself and relax. Don't get too caught up in the mechanics of the date. Like I said even a nice walk in the park, sitting on a bench and chatting, maybe getting a coffee or pastry or something like that is fine.

If you have more questions just ask.

Have fun,

P.S. in france it is common for women and men in general to share the same interests. For examples sports fashion art etc...

Not like in the states where boys play cowboys an girls play with Barbies.

Despite this advise do not do anything you do not want to do.Stay true to yourself.

Answer 3

Dating in France is quite direct. I remember my first date with my husband (who is French). He held my hand right away, tried to kiss me multiple times, etc. etc. Things move a lot faster than in American dating.

I also worked in a French high school so got to see teens dating on a daily basis. Makeout sessions in the hall, in the yard, basically everywhere.

so...if he likes you and wants to date you, the typical French way of making it happen would prolly be to kiss you or to say flat out 'I want to date you."

Answer 4

I am Australian married to a Frenchman. I think French men are very direct they are also very romantic. When my husband was wooing me, I received flowers every month when I was living in Sydney, and my roommates were so jealous!

I also received other gifts like jewels, high quality chocolates, and vacations with him!

After I married my husband and moved here...

Well, when I go out (especially if I am alone), from time to time there are French men they come and they are so direct, they wink at you; they are not shy at all! They are sharp and clear of their pursuing intention, (I get other ethnics pursuing me too not just French, and they too are very direct)!

Answer 5

I am really intrigued now. I've lived in France  for 30 years and haven't been on a date for a long time. But just what is the "American way of dating"? I suppose I never knew, and went straight into the French way, whatever that is.