What does it really mean to “be French”? Is it about the way I tie my scarf, the handbag I carry, or how I order my coffee? Or is there something deeper?

After more than two decades of living in Paris, I’ve wrestled with these questions myself. As an American woman running a business here, I’ve felt the pressure to fit in. But over time, I realized something surprising—my strength came from not trying to.

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about French culture and mindset, from confidence and self-love to the importance of relationships and the art of conversation. I’ll talk about why women are so often made to feel like they need to mold themselves to fit an ideal and why embracing who you are can be a huge advantage instead.

Through my own experiences and observations, I hope to offer a fresh perspective on thriving in a new culture without losing yourself in the process. Whether you love all things French, are navigating life in a foreign country, or are building a career on your own terms, I think you’ll find something in this episode that resonates.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Accepting Cultural Differences

03:06 The Pressure to Be French

05:37 The Secret to Being French

06:09 Rule 1: Love Yourself

07:01 Rule 2: Be Cultured

08:19 Rule 3: Don’t Be Apologetic

09:57 Rule 4: Take Pride in Your Appearance

11:04 Rule 5: Master the Inside Voice

13:06 Rule 6: Be Discreet

14:00 Rule 7: Treat Friends Like Family

15:17 Rule 8: Respect Time

17:15 Closing

Links

Connect with Jane Bertch:

Website: www.janebertch.com 

Instagram @janebertch

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm