Only the very foolish would accuse the French of being sympathetic—in true Gallic fashion, they have even changed the meaning of the word. The French word sympathie actually means nice, pleasant and friendly. No. Definitely not French. The lack of sympathy is particularly apparent when dealing with the bureaucracy, these absurd rules and regulations that simply can’t be contravened. You broke both legs on a skiing trip? Too bad you still have to pay for your tango lessons. Your family was abducted by aliens last week? Well, sorry, but school lunch fees are still due. It’s the rules you know…
However, it’s useful to know that there are two simple phrases that will always induce sympathy and instant absolution in France, even in the hardest of hearts. If it’s a medical condition forget the usual tearjerkers and go for gold: Explain that you had a crise de foie (basically indigestion). Whisper that you think it was the seafood platter. Eyes will brim over and your offence instantly forgiven. Explain that you were obliged to lie in a darkened room, unable to move and hence couldn’t attend a friend’s dinner party, give evidence in a court hearing, file your taxes etc. Cures and advice might be proffered. Accept them gracefully.
The French tend to be pretty highly strung—good qualities in a race horse but not always ideal in a neighbour or work colleague. However, excessive (and that term is open to discussion) irrational behaviour, rudeness, incivility, cruelty, and a host of other failings can all be explained away by saying that the person in question had a chagrin d’amour. That’s a lovely way of describing a broken heart. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a mass murderer acquitted on this basis. For in France love is not simply an idle hobby, like train spotting, but a true passion, a raison d’être. And let’s face it, the French excel in the domain of love--after all isn’t that what has drawn us foreigners to this country for the last couple of centuries?