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Umbert loves to wander around the city during his monthly weekends, or at night.

He knows that the new etiquette and good manners demands to be always discreet and not to disturb others, even in the street and in all circumstances.

He also pays attention to respect the people and their country when travelling.

If someone asks him his way, he always responds kindly, or apologizes if he doesn’t know the answer.

When a car driver gives him the passage, he thankfully nodded politely.

 

« Courtesy is the main part of the etiquette, it is a kind of charm by which one is loved by everyone » Jacques Deval, artist and filmmaker

« La courtoisie est la partie principale du savoir-vivre, c’est une espèce de charme par où l’on se fait aimer de tout le monde », Jacques Deval artiste et cinéaste

 

In this article :

1) Public transportation

2) When shopping

3) Rainy days

4) The priorities, especially with women

5) With your group of friends

6) The cleanliness

 

1) Public transportation

Always stay behind the line and let the people exist first, especially in the subway, taxi or bus stations.

Let your seat to older persons, women or persons with disabilities, if the other seats are taken.

Put your bags under your knees, they don’t need a seat.

It is not convenient to eat or unpack food, the smell will disturb the other passengers.

Please don’t talk loudly on the phone, wait that you will be arrived.

Always be nice with the driver in buses, or any employee from the public transportation company, they try to make their job the best they can. Umbert always say « good morning » or « have a nice day » to the driver.

 

2) When shopping

Umbert loves to shop around and discover new things and trends.

When he goes to a shop, if there is a push door to open, he always hold it if someone wants to enter after him or exit.

When it is a pull door, don’t forget to hold the door first, to let the other enter or exit.

When the elevator arrives, let the the people exit first, then enter and let some space for others. This is the best way to not waste your and others time.

In the escalator stay on the right side so the people in a hurry can walk fast on the left side. People, especially in the cities are working, so if you respect them, they will also respect the tourists.

 

3) Rainy days

They are part of the charm of Paris and North Europe in general.

These days are often synonymous with congested sidewalks, because many streets in old cities are narrow. Do not forget that this is what makes them historic and charming.

Umbert pays attention not to jostle someone by walking too fast, and not to disturb everyone with his umbrella.

He always lowers his umbrella to let a woman pass.

A woman, meanwhile, will lower her umbrella to let an older woman pass.

Don’t forget that many work and are often in a hurry. They should therefore be given priority.

On the opposite, if you are in a hurry, do not “stick” the person in front.

When Umbert inadvertently hustles someone, even if he tries to never do, he immediately apologizes.

 

4) The priorities, especially with women

Umbert is a gallant man, when he sees a woman walking on the same sidewalk, he leaves her the side along the wall, proof that he takes care of her safety.

He always leave room for a woman on public transportation.

A man does not turn around and look at a woman. It’s a proof of respect.

If he meets a married person with another man, he pretends not to have seen them. He lets the woman come to him, if she wishes.