My first friendship with a Parisian woman began before I even moved to Paris. I had met a guy in a cafe when I was over here checking out schools and apartments and in our ensuing conversation (he was an American living in Paris) he had given me the email address of a woman whom he thought I would like. She and I exchanged some emails a few time before I got here and then we quickly met for a coffee when I arrived three years ago. We have been friends ever since.
Sylvie defies the stereotype of the Parisian sophisticate. She is highly intelligent - a Magistrate in the Parisian judicial system - but is as unassuming as you could imagine. Open and always ready to laugh, she sees the world as good.
No matter how depressed I can feel about this or that, when I am with her somehow all the good that is in my life shines through. Her attitude is such a gift.
There is lots to learn from such an attitude. I can't tell you how UN French an attitude like her's is! Most French people are "glass half empty" types. Even the happy ones. It is a national disease. They are soooo good at seeing what could go wrong and why something you want to try will definitely not work.
C'est pas possible, is probably the most common phrase in the French language. Even MFM, who tries to be so supportive, can see hurdles and blockages in an open field.
There really is something to that good ol' American can-do attitude.
I love living in Paris but I am so glad that I am an American. The sky isn't always falling on me like it is for so many of my French neighbors.
Except not on Sylvie.
So, which are you? Half empty or half full?
Posted by: Carrie Dern | September 17, 2009 at 06:42 AM