Here’s the thing: I do not believe that the French are rude at all. They greet each other everywhere they go, not just to me, but also to each other. They always start by saying, “Bonjour” or “Bon soir” (depending on the time of day) and they make sure to always say “Au revoir” and/or “Bonjournai” in closing.
On my first visit to Paris, my friend and I were hunting down our lodging in the Latin Quarters. I had a map in my hand, but I wasn't looking at it and I was pretty sure I knew where we were going. Suddenly, an older lady stopped and spoke to me in French. I couldn't understand her, but seeing as she was pointing at my map, I guessed she was asking if I needed directions. I pointed at the map and said, "Rue St-Germain?" She reeled off a few more French words, pointing in the direction I was walking towards. I smiled and said, "Merci!"
On my second visit, I was picnicking at Jardin de la Fontaine in Nimes, quietly minding my own business and enjoying the sunshine when an elderly man, dressed in the stereotypical old French way with the tweed driving cap and strolling with his dog, tipped his head at me and with a sweet smile he said, "Bon appetit."
Does any of this sound rude to you?
