I am nice.

I went to the post office this afternoon. Who would have known that it would be a pleasure to go to the Poste in France. I have always had a great fear of foreign post offices. I have had a few dramatic experiences. I am always so happy to see the little man behind the counter. He is really tiny, maybe 5'2. He is just so nice. We speak in French. Today, one of the other workers wanted to borrow his "scotch" ( scotch tape in French and in Italian). He only had one and was not willing to share. I completely understood. I am touchy with office supplies myself.

The Post was somewhat crowded. There was a tall wide man all in black in front of me. He was slightly disheveled with messy gray hair that needed a cut and . He had modern metal glasses. Astoundingly, a couple that I had recently met walked into the Poste and a conversation ensued. I think I am getting more social. I walked out with them and went on my way down the road to the pharmacie. It was one of those errand filled afternoons.

As I was about to enter the pharmacie, the disheveled man went to enter at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed. Had my French been better, I would have said something like..."are you following me?" He may have said just that in French. I told him the best that I could that he should go ahead of me as it will take me longer as my French is not that great....Oh no, a French gentleman, even a messy one, always defers to the lady. Merci, Merci.

I was called to the counter. I told the woman that I am English speaking but that I want to speak French, Please...She couldn't speak English anyway. I almost was able to handle the whole transaction but there was one part, I didn't want to take the chance of getting wrong....so the woman called the other woman over, she speaks some English . She had been waiting on my friend in black at a counter on the other side of the store.
There were a few woman in between, shopping. I told her that I could wait but the man insisted she help me.

and here it comes...I say loudly to the man, with a big smile, trying to use my French " I AM NICE"...I meant, YOU ARE NICE....I have heard people use this phrase in polite conversation. I did this before if you remember...I said I AM , but, I caught myself...everything came to a stop in the store and all eyes were on me....slowly, my brain realized and I quickly announced.....NO!   YOU ARE NICE!....directed at the smiling man....everyone laughed....it was very funny...and I added a quick....I AM TOO! Moi aussi.

I take this as progress.