I am now entering my second week in Paris. It is understandable how the city has coined its title of the ‘city of love’. Not only are the men here extremely forward in their approach, but there is an excess of couples that appear to be eating their partner’s face off. At dinner last night we were lucky enough to be seated inches away from a couple that appeared to be only on a first or second date. The woman proceeded to make it clear to the man that she was dating other men and he is competing with a large selection of allegeable bachelors. I then unwillingly had to listen to her explain what she would do to him later while continuously kissing his hands… It would be surprising if this man got more than three words in throughout the entire duration of the date. Two things I have learnt about the French: 1. they do not care about how insufferable they are being to the general public 2. they are passionate in love.

My friend Lara and I, since being here, have been determined to make friends during our stay in Paris. I am afraid so far we have about 20 new Instagram followers from retail assistants, coffee shop attendants or strangers on public transport asking for our details. None of them are interested in fostering a friendship. The only person I have been able to make a genuine connection with while being here is a young man named Adrian who I met at a bar last night. Adrian is not French, but instead Spanish. Which may say a lot about my personal disinterest in French men. While we were talking, he was able to give me valuable career advice as we studied the same degree at university. As Adrian is only 24, he had great tips on how to break into the industry post-graduation.

Adrian was also able to give me a glimpse of the social constructs of romance in France and surrounding countries. He explained that French women were very shy, but very intense behind closed doors. While Spanish and Italian women are quite fiery, however, all talk. He also gave some words of warning that though French men may be very charming, they are also saying the same exact thing to a sea of other women. Adrian was a pleasure to talk to, however, due to his busy work schedule and weekends abroad, there is little hope that I will see him again before I depart. My greatest lesson learnt, go for Spanish men in France. Not French men in France.

Much Love,

Daniela’s Movie