The 10 Strangest Unwritten Rules of Different Cultures

7. France – Keep Business and Personal Life Separate

In France, there is a strict division between work and personal life. Unlike in the U.S., where casual small talk is common in the office, the French prefer to keep work relationships professional. Asking personal questions (such as “What do you do for fun?”) in a business setting can feel intrusive. Similarly, discussing work matters at social gatherings is generally discouraged. Why it matters: French culture values privacy and clear boundaries between work and leisure.