Expat Diary: Three Questions I Am Constantly in France!
Paris, France | Seine River
MA VIE: So living in Europe is interesting, full of intrigue, and not for the thin-skinned American. Not that it’s a tough life… it’s more about what questions an American might be asked in a general sense; yet it can be misunderstood by “some” because it could be perceived inappropriate or rude.
These are the three questions I have been asked more often than others. As people get to know me, they feel it’s okay to ask questions to answer the “unknown,” yet I know my facial expressions say otherwise. Hiding my facial expressions isn’t easy depending on the tone or environment.
Constantly asked if I am really American? When I tell them yes and that I lived in California, I am if California has finally run out of water!
When I tell people I am from Detroit, I am often told I “speak politely to be from Detroit,” and when I am asked “why did automotive plants leave Detroit?” (By the way, they aren’t gone…) #BigThree
Asked why Americans own guns? I ponder how to include the “Bill of Rights” in my answer, but instead tell them it is one of our fundamental rights. I think about why I am being asked this question; my expression wonders if they think I OWN a gun!
There are a plethora of other questions, but for now… these are the ones I get most often. Let’s see how it changes as life in Paris continues. To see more expat and European oddities, follow me on Instagram!