Le Frenchman

The Frenchman has a reputation, an aura, a je-ne-sais-quoi that you can spot a mile off.   His character is complex, at times arrogant but often incredibly charming.   Interested in the world around him, ready to talk on any subject, quick to erupt if you pick the right subject, yet equally happy to be calm, tender and romantic.

A little French boy is taught to be charming from the cradle on.  He  learns how to please, taught to find pleasure in making a woman happy (starting with his mother).  Being charming and polite is just part of good manners here.   

Paying a compliment is a pleasure - both to give and to receive.  French women aren't particularly hung up on feminism, there's no danger of a French girl finding it sexist to be told how attractive she's looking.  Equally many men like to help their wives choose their wardrobe, a shared pleasure in the beautiful and elegant final effect.

Physical contact is part of everyday life here.  Schoolchildren kiss on the cheek or shake hands, and adults continue  though their life.   When a Frenchman meets a woman for the first time, he'll look her in the eyes, the contact will be direct.   Their first physical touch may be a handshake, a light kiss on the cheek or sometimes still a kiss to the hand.

If I had to choose a few key words to describe a Frenchman they may well be

romantic

charmer

individualistic

passionate

elegant
volatile
elegant

But I'm seeing this from the standpoint of someone married to a Frenchman, well OK a Corsican, someone who lives here.  ..... So I'm interested .... what is your image of a Frenchman?  Which nationality carries the most romantic image in your mind?  Is it the accent that does it for you, the gallic nose, the dress sense?  Stuck in a lift for a day, who'd you choose to be with?!!   Dangerous questions I know, but fun, .......   I'm looking forward to your answers

Frenchman in order of appearance  Guillaume Canuet, Vincent Cassel, Alain Delon and Mathieur Kasovitz.