Letters: Saying bonjour really makes life easier in France

To the Editor,

Peter Wyeth’s recent article about French politesse and saying bonjour reminded me of the time I was travelling from Manchester to Nice.

I got to the head of the queue at security where the man was allocating passengers to the security belts. 

Read more: Letters: Readers share the drôleries of getting by in French

I said ‘Good Morning’ to the chap. He looked me up and down and in a marginally aggressive way replied: ‘What did you say?’ 

When I repeated my greeting he said: ‘Look, I've been on shift for four hours, and you are the first person who has said good morning.’

Because of that, he opened the fast-track security and ushered me and my wife through.

It probably only saved me 15 minutes – but it showed the benefits of courtesy.

Ian Booth, by email

Have you had a positive experience when using a polite greeting? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com