La Politesse

Yesterday afternoon we went to the Bridge Club for a monthly competition and we experienced a lovely example of the inherent politeness of French culture.

There were 14 pairs at the competition, so 28 people in all.  This meant that we all spent ages greeting everyone as it is customary to wish a Happy New Year to someone on the first occasion you meet them anytime during the first month of the year! Thus everyone is making a circuit, kissing the women and shaking the hands of the men (unless you're a woman in which case it's kisses all round).

And, at the end of the meeting, a glass of champagne was on offer ... because it was New Year!