The hardest part about being in a relationship with someone from another country is the cultural divide. At the beginning of my relationship with Benjamin, I often asked myself, "Is he being a jerk, or is he just being French?" This internal conflict highlighted the challenges stemming from our different backgrounds and values, specifically around issues like air conditioning and smoking habits that are deeply rooted in our respective cultures.
When I Actually moved to Paris, the question came up again. Our apartment had no A/C, and I wanted to order a portable unit. He railed against it. He said it was only hot a few days a year, and the noise would keep him up. What about the environment? Oh, and that thing about it making him ill, he reminded me as he cracked open a window to smoke a cigarette. The irony.
I soon realized that few private homes in France have an A/C unit. Many French people believe that air conditioning can make you sick. It's like an old wives' tale. This reflects deeper cultural beliefs and practices that don't just influence personal comfort, but also highlight how lifestyle choices like smoking are embraced differently in our two cultures.
If Benjamin pulls out a cigarette while we're walking down the street, I always remind him to slow down. I don't want the smoke hitting me in the face. 'Oh la la,' he often says and rolls his eyes. But he does as I ask nonetheless. This interaction illustrates the playful negotiation of our differences, where humor softens cultural friction.
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