Dating in France vs. the Philippines can be a wild ride, and if you’re dating a French man, get ready for some surprises! Here are 10 mind-blowing signs to watch out for!

Grayson is the only French gentleman I’ve ever dated, and honestly, I had no idea what to expect at first! Navigating the early stages was a mix of excitement and mystery. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you’re dating a French man, communication is everything—and keeping an open mind makes all the difference.

Also Read: Breaking the Stereotype: Debunking the Myth of Filipinas Seeking Foreigners for Money

1. You Will Know If They’re Interested

When a French man is into you, trust me—you’ll know! They don’t tiptoe around their feelings or play mind games. They go straight for what they want. And if they’re not making an effort to see you? Take the hint and move on.

Before we even started dating, Grayson would call or video chat—even when I had just woken up. I turned him down a few times (because, let’s be real, I’m not a morning person), but I explained it to him, and he totally understood. So if you’re dating a French man, be prepared—he’ll reach out a lot!

Oh, and one more thing—a French non isn’t always a hard no. Sometimes, it means maybe or even yes. So if a French guy asks you out and you’re not interested, don’t sugarcoat it. Just be direct.

2. Dating A French Man May Seem Fast-Paced

I had no idea we were already dating—until, three weeks into our video calls, he casually mentioned having a girlfriend. My first instinct? To call him out for leading me on! But then he clarified… he was talking about me.

Cue total confusion. If you’re dating a French man, don’t be surprised if the relationship moves faster than you expected. In their minds, if you’re spending time together and the connection is there, well—félicitations, you’re officially a couple!

3. Exclusivity Is Often Assumed Before It Is Given A Label

If you’re dating a French man, don’t even bother asking, “So… what are we?”—because The Talk just isn’t a thing in French dating culture. Instead of defining the relationship with labels, they let it evolve naturally as you spend time together and grow closer. Basically, if you’re seeing each other romantically, you’re together—no need for a big discussion. Simple as that.

4. The French Don’t Kiss And Tell

If you’re dating a French man, get ready for a mystery novel—because they can be seriously tight-lipped! Unlike most guys I’ve dated, Grayson is probably the most reserved. I remember playing 20 Questions with him, and in true me fashion, I went straight for the juicy, intimate stuff. His reaction? Absolute horror.

He did answer—truthfully but very hesitantly. While some men wear their personal lives like a badge of honor, almost as if they have to prove something, the French? They prefer to let their actions (and subtle hints) do the talking. It’s all about the je ne sais quoi!

5. The Rumors Are True – They Truly Are Romantic

If you’re dating a French man, get ready to hear some of the most swoon-worthy lines ever! Grayson casually drops things like “Je pense toujours à toi” (I always think about you), “Je suis accro à toi” (I’m addicted to you), and “Tu me fais tourner la tête” (You make my head spin). My usual response? “Tu es un beau parleur” (You’re such a smooth-talker). But let’s be real—deep down, I wanted to pounce on him.

But here’s the thing—they don’t just say these things; they mean them. And they prove it.

Grayson knew The Little Prince was my favorite childhood book, so he sent me his copy—in French. Two months later? He surprised me with 21 more copies in different languages, including Italian, Russian, and Korean!

Last Valentine’s Day, we spent 15 hours and 46 minutes (yes, I checked Messenger’s timestamp) on a video call because he couldn’t be with me due to travel restrictions. But before that, he made sure an enchanted rose snow globe arrived a day early. Oh, and he once wrote me a letter using only Beatles lyrics—because he knows I love the band.

French men aren’t necessarily extravagant, but they do know how to make you feel special. They’re incredibly attentive, picking up on the tiniest details that most people overlook.

Honestly? He ruined every other man for me.

6. Expect Tons of Pet Names

If you’re dating a French man, get ready for a never-ending list of adorable nicknames—some romantic, some… well, questionable!

Grayson has called me everything from “Ma belle” (my beautiful one) and “Ma chérie” (my darling) to “Ma biche” (my doe—though, let’s be real, it doesn’t translate well in English). Then there’s “Mon Minou” (my kitten), “Ma souris” (my mouse), and “Ma puce” (my flea—seriously, why is this a term of endearment?!). Oh, and “Ma choupette”, which comes from chou (cabbage), because apparently, being compared to a vegetable is cute in France.

But did I mind? Not at all! Because let me tell you—everything sounds sexy when a French man says it.

Of course, I had to come up with a nickname for him too. So I call him “Mon Râleur” (my grumpy one). And every time I say it, he just chuckles—because he knows it’s true!

7. They’re Blunt And Likes To Voice Their Opinion

If you’re dating a French man, get ready for brutal honesty—because the French don’t do sugarcoating. They say things exactly as they are. If you’re slacking at work, they’ll tell you straight to your face. If they think you’re gentle and kind, they’ll say that too. No mind games, no tiptoeing around feelings—just pure, unfiltered truth.

And honestly? I love that about them. It’s refreshing to be around someone who tells it like it is, without all the unnecessary fluff. With a French man, you always know where you stand.

Example:

HIM: You’re not wearing the right underwear for the shorts you’re wearing, and your shorts are too short.
ME: Excuse me?

SEE WHAT I MEAN?

NOTE: And before anyone freaks out, no, he doesn’t verbally abuse me. Relax! We’re just both blunt as heck, and honestly? It works for us. He’s a smart-ass, I’m a smart-ass, and we thrive on it. It’s all in good fun, and neither of us takes it personally.

If you’re dating a French man, get ready for some next-level criticism—because in France, compliments are rare, and perfection is basically a myth!

Even when they think something is amazing, the best you’ll get is “C’est pas mal” (It’s not bad). Saying something is perfect? Pffft, non! According to my French man, if you’re too easily impressed, people won’t take you seriously—it makes you seem not selective, not exigent, maybe even mediocre.

At first, I thought this was just his personality, but nope—it turns out the French have a natural talent for complaining. I find it hilarious sometimes, especially when I don’t even see the point of complaining… yet there he is, ranting about people who complain about Daylight Saving Time.

But here’s the silver lining—when a French man actually does compliment you? That means you’ve seriously impressed him. And trust me, that’s a big deal! Because if there’s one thing they’re consistent about, it’s having something to say—whether it’s praise or, more likely, a critique.

8. They’re A Little Tradi (Old-fashioned)

If you’re dating a French man, get ready to be treated like a queen—because French men are naturally chivalrous.

My French man told me that most men in France instinctively jump to a lady’s aid, whether it’s holding the door open or helping her with her coat. Some hardcore feminists might raise an eyebrow at this, but hey, that’s just how they were raised! While they treat all women with respect, their woman gets special treatment. And let me tell you—I’m not complaining.

One thing I truly appreciate is how much he values my opinions. He listens intently, shares his own thoughts without being condescending, and never makes me feel like he’s trying to outsmart me. It’s a level of respect that speaks volumes.

I can totally vouch for this French chivalry. I remember when I was in Nice, France, and stopped by a convenience store. My hands were full of shopping bags, so I was about to shoulder the door open when—voilà!—a total stranger held it open for me. I looked up, half-expecting it to be one of my tour-mates, but nope! Just a random gentleman. I flashed him a bright smile and said, “Merci bien!” He simply nodded politely and walked off like it was no big deal. Classic French charm.

Oh, and another thing—they don’t badmouth their exes. Unlike some guys who spill all the tea about their past relationships, my French man keeps it classy. I had to pry information out of him! Like I mentioned earlier, they don’t kiss and tell.

And let’s talk about arguments—because, yes, they do get mad. The few times he’s been in a foul mood, he might have raised his voice, but to the point of yelling? Never. Instead of shouting profanities, he eloquently described just how aggravated he was. It’s like listening to an artfully crafted complaint.

So, if you’re dating a French man, expect a mix of chivalry, class, and the most refined rants you’ve ever heard!

9. They’re Naturally Charming, Which Can Occasionally Come Across As Flirting

If you’re dating a French man, get ready to feel truly heard—because French men are amazing listeners.

One thing I’ve noticed is that they don’t just wait for their turn to talk—they actually listen. They’re not busy formulating a response in their head while you’re speaking; instead, they’re fully tuned in, absorbing what you’re saying.

Aside from my French man, I’ve met a few others who were equally likable and a pleasure to be around. They don’t interrupt, try to dominate the conversation, or turn every discussion into a brag-fest about themselves. You won’t catch them mansplaining or giving unsolicited advice like they’re some kind of guru. Instead, they make people feel heard, and trust me, that’s a rare and beautiful thing.

So if you’re dating a French man, cherish this—because having someone who truly listens? C’est magnifique!

10. They’re Cultured

If you’re dating a French man, get ready for some intense intellectual debates—because the French don’t just talk, they analyze, question, and challenge everything!

One of my favorite things about our conversations is how they often escalate into full-blown debates—and as a nerdy, know-it-all, I find this incredibly refreshing. The French take great pride in their rich literary and philosophical heritage, so don’t be surprised if a casual chat turns into a deep discussion about art, books, politics, business, or current events. Before you know it, you’re sitting there gawking at how well they articulate their thoughts.

In many cultures, people avoid controversial topics like politics or philosophy to keep things light and friendly. But in France? Debating is practically a national sport! They love a good intellectual sparring match, and opposing views don’t prevent them from being friends. The more they debate, the sharper they get—because to them, the brain is like a muscle, and constant exercise is key.

And trust me, they question everything. They won’t accept something as true until they’ve challenged every detail, examined the subject deeply, formed their own opinion, and convinced themselves it’s logical. This means they’ll even debate Charlotte Brontë’s motivations for writing Jane Eyre—because, well… why not?

So if you’re dating a French man, be ready to defend your opinions—because he’ll expect you to bring your A-game.

Have you ever been in a relationship with a French person? Or maybe someone from another country with their own unique dating quirks? Drop your stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear all about your experiences!

PS: The handsome man in the banner? Yep, that’s French actor Lucas Bravo from Emily in Paris. Just thought I’d mention it here—because, well… you’re welcome.