There used to be a huge difference between provincial and Parisienne French ladies .
I far preferred the more down to earth provincial types .
But in Pau !
Where they from - Paris ?
But -
I know from my French friends that they are sometimes amused and actually appalled by the standard British woman's gung ho attitude to diet , exercise and clothes .
They are usually taught by their mothers from an early age -
to concentrate on eating healthy meals savouring each mouthful and not snacking watching the telly as we tend to do .
Fast food chains are looked down on .
We Brits tend to hold back when we see a family member or friend gaining weight - they certainly don't !
Fresh fruit , salad and vegetables are important .
They also have a few perfected dishes in their repertoire .
I was surprised at just how limited a standard Frenchwoman's expertise was .
If having a dinner party - desserts would be bought .
I noticed that they don't talk about diets especially in mixed company.
If they diet -they usually go to a doctor and the whole thing is extremely discrete .
They also plan their wardrobe choosing pieces to augment what they already have .
Expensive items are treasured .
I can't imagine them going to Primark and buying a lot of cheap throwaway stuff .
They also take great care of their clothes -ironing , repairing and dry cleaning them .
I think that control is the keyword .
I was told that I eat too much and too quickly , that I buy too many cheap clothes , which I don't look after !
I was reprimanded for not pressing a dress and cleaning my shoes prior to going out .
And they don't hold back on making comments about your hair either !
But a huge compliment - that I am an accomplished /adventurous cook and here's the sting - for a Brit !
