Aside from participating in the expected niceties—like bringing a chic hostess gift and not drinking all the rosé—what exactly can one do to ensure a smooth and pleasant stay?

“I think about their advice a lot,” Piazza admits. “I consciously wonder if I am putting in enough effort. I didn't really think about some of these things until I talked to the somewhat terrifying French ladies about it.”

As with any interpersonal exchange, the relationship should always be taken into account.