How to Discourage a Man From Bothering You in France

A woman traveling alone in France long enough will almost inevitably encounter at least one French man whose persistent attention or come-ons are unwelcome. The following steps should help shake one of these slimy fellows, called a "draguer" in French.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• French Dictionaries
• French Phrase Books
• Airline Tickets

1. Ignore him. He's looking for attention, so if you don't pay him any, he may get bored and look elsewhere.
2. If that doesn't work, try giving him a look that means, "Don't even think about messing with me, you speck of dirt." It's important to appear confident even if that's not the way you're feeling.
3. Walk away. If someone sits down next to you, get up and leave without comment. If someone walks alongside you uninvited, turn around and walk in the other direction.
4. If the previous steps don't work, tell him, "Laissez-moi tranquille," which means, "Leave me alone."
5. He's still there? Invent a husband or boyfriend. Try, "J'ai un petit ami," or, "I have a boyfriend," then walk away again.
6. If all else fails, raise a ruckus and embarrass him into leaving you alone. Shout, "Au secours!" (Help!), or call for "la police."

Tips & Warnings

• The more confident and assertive you appear, the less likely you are to be bothered by draguers. They often enjoy preying on women whom they think will be shocked or flustered by their advances.
• Don't expect men to leave you alone just because you tell them you're an American and you don't speak French. They'll enjoy the opportunity to practice their pick-up lines in English.
• Most men who pester you will be harmless, but always be aware of your safety. If you feel at all threatened, immediately look for a well-lit, densely populated place for safety.