By
eHow Culture & Society Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- French Dictionaries
- French Phrase Books
- Airline Tickets
Step1
Ignore him. He's looking for attention, so if you don't pay him any, he may get bored and look elsewhere.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
If the previous steps don't work, tell him, "Laissez-moi tranquille," which means, "Leave me alone."
Step5
He's still there? Invent a husband or boyfriend. Try, "J'ai un petit ami," or, "I have a boyfriend," then walk away again.
Step6
If all else fails, raise a ruckus and embarrass him into leaving you alone. Shout, "Au secours!" (Help!), or call for "la police."
Comments
MrsLizzy said
on 7/15/2007 Another useful phrase: "Vous rigolez!" "You're joking!" Not meant literally and accompanied with the appropriate expression - it will still be understood as a definite brush-off.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If a stranger volunteers to help you, assume a scam is possible. Seek help with tickets and travel from qualified persons.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Something important to remember when visiting France is not to smile at passing strangers (especially on the bus or metro). While in America it is perfectly normal to smile or nod at strangers with whom you happen to achieve eye contact. In France this may be construed as you showing interest.