A few days ago, over a pain au chocolat in Paris, my French friend Benoit shared relationship advice. While it was something I’d heard before, somehow coming from a French man in Paris, delivered in his charming French accent, it had more gravitas.
DG: Benoit, the French have an international reputation for love, romance and sensuality. You’ve been married over two decades. What do you attribute your long-term relationship success to?
Benoit: It ez very zimple. Anyone can understand.
DG: OK. Tell me.
Benoit: You must court your love az long az you are together.
DG: Is that it? Is there more?
Benoit: I tell my wiv I love her every day. I tell her in different wayz.
DG: Like what?
Benoit: One day I tell her she is beautiful. Another day I tell her I love how she smellz. Another, how sexy she is. Another, what a good cook she iz. I compliment her on the different thingz I love about her.
DG: Does she do the same?
Benoit: She tellz me in different wayz. I know she lovez me.
DG: And you feel that is the secret to your long-term happiness?
Benoit: Abzolutely! We appreciate each other every day.
So there you have it — straight from a Frenchman’s lips! I agree with him wholeheartedly. Dating and courting never end. It keeps the allure and passion alive.
Now, if I could just find a Frenchman with whom to try out this idea.
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