I pop into the same boulangerie several times a week for une baguette blanche, a sablé à la confiture, a sandwich, or an early-morning emergency supply of chouquettes. I always order in French. Two months ago, the vendeur (the lovely human at the counter) asked why I always buy two of everything. I patted my very not-petit belly. He switched to perfect English: “That’s not why I’m asking.” Touché. I confessed: “I’m buying for my spouse too.” We laughed, a tiny friendship formed over crumbs.
Fast-forward six weeks. Yesterday I did my usual polite je voudrais… and—big flourish—ended with my shiny new closer: “C’est tout !” He paused, smiled, and said (in French): my French had really improved. Reader, I understood him. More importantly, he understood me. That little sentence felt like winning the baguette lottery. Four hours a day of lessons and practice are kneading their way into real life.
Is this a switch from vous to tu? Non. With professionals, I happily stay in Team Vous—respect is delicious. But there’s a sweetness that comes from seeing the same faces, sharing small jokes, and hearing that you’re getting better. It’s the everyday kind of progress that makes you walk home taller… and carrying two pastries (for strictly scientific reasons, obviously).
Mini phrasebook I’m leaning on:
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Bonjour/Bonsoir. Je voudrais … s’il vous plaît.
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C’est tout ! (That’s all!)
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C’est pour deux. (It’s for two.)
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Par carte / en espèces ? (By card / in cash?)
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Bonne journée, à demain ! (Have a good day, see you tomorrow!)
Moral: Keep showing up. Order in French. Laugh at the belly joke. One day, your boulanger will hand you bread and a compliment.