This. Two years ago I visited Paris for the first time. I knew four phrases: hello, please, thank you, and "my name is.." and I expected ridicule and people bei

This. Two years ago I visited Paris for the first time. I knew four phrases: hello, please, thank you, and "my name is.." and I expected ridicule and people being rude to me left and right. It turned out that attempting to be polite in French bought me enough good will and sympathy that I was able to communicate without getting rude looks or annoyed responses. I may have a different experience in the French countryside - less tourists, less patience? - but I was pleasantly surprised the whole time.