Letters: Saying bonjour really makes life easier in France
Connexion reader shares their experience of how a polite greeting can go a long way
In France, always greet someone first with 'bonjour'
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To the Editor,
Peter Wyeth’s recent article about French politesse and saying bonjour reminded me of the time I was travelling from Manchester to Nice.
I got to the head of the queue at security where the man was allocating passengers to the security belts.
Read more: Letters: Readers share the drôleries of getting by in French
I said ‘Good Morning’ to the chap. He looked me up and down and in a marginally aggressive way replied: ‘What did you say?’
When I repeated my greeting he said: ‘Look, I've been on shift for four hours, and you are the first person who has said good morning.’
Because of that, he opened the fast-track security and ushered me and my wife through.
It probably only saved me 15 minutes – but it showed the benefits of courtesy.
Ian Booth, by email
Have you had a positive experience when using a polite greeting? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com
