Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

That Handsome French Husband is Mine

               Frenchhusband

Once a year there is a tres chic, oh la la kind of party, that French husband and I attend. It is work related but in a very non work related way. The BCBG cream de la cream in investment attend. French husband’s partner is one of the organizers.

I tag along with French husband… I go for the food, to look at the decor, to dance and people watch.

Last year a very handsome twenty-something year old man approached me and said, "Your son is absolutely gorgeous!" Then he leaned in whispering in my ear, "Is he single? Can I have him?" I nearly choked on the cocktail I was drinking, and thought to myself how does this man know my son Sacha? Ewe wee, Sacha is just a boy.

I looked at him strangely and asked, "How do you know my son?"

Then as if he took a brick and hit me on the head, I realized he thought French husband was my SON. Oh ouch!

The analytical non-threaten side of me quickly did the math: I am nearly fifty, and French husband could pass for 30. So yeah that works. Then my sensitive side kicked in, and I had to hold back my tongue and my knuckle sandwich. Finally, I said to Mr. Handsome the twenty something year old man,

"Oh you mean him?" I pointed to French husband.

"Oui!" He replied quickly nearly drooling on my shoe.

"He is my husband and very taken by me." I said.

Poor Mr. Handsome nearly peed his pants with embarrassment. He apologized over and over again….and I let him. I patted his back and said, "Sorry darling. Though you do have good taste. By the way do you mind fetching me another drink. Champagne please, with a cherry on the side."

I wonder if I will see him tonight?

Comments

80 responses to “That Handsome French Husband is Mine”

  1. Marie-Noëlle

    Either wife OR mother… I would have been shocked and found this young man VERY RUDE (whatever his age and despite his good looking !!!).
    … and when that Apollo had brought me the glass, I would have eaten the cherry and thrown the champagne in his face…

    Reply
  2. Hasmin

    Another great story Corey. Did I just rhyme? sorry. LOL! Have a wonderful evening with YOUR French husband! 😉

    Reply
  3. Hanne

    Corey, Corey, I love your stories!
    Sometimes, like now, you simply make me laugh! Other times you encourage me, make me cry, make me reflect upon the wonderful gift of life, the reality of mortality and our relations to our loved ones.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  4. ally bean

    Oh. My. Goodness. How strange and funny all at once.
    “He is my husband and very taken by me.”
    . . . and taken with you, I suspect. 🙂

    Reply
  5. marita

    oeps, i would never had thought this scene to be happening in france, the netherlands yes…here remarks of that kind are common but france…ca alors!! however, have a nice evening and … be prepared, in case he shows up! i doubt it though!
    p.s. corey, by the way what was the comment of french husband on that??

    Reply
  6. Jeanne

    Everyone is attracted to a strong confident woman like yourself and you and your husband make a lovely pair.
    He obviously adores you.
    Love you Sugar Plum………..
    Beauty fades but loves lasts forever.
    Love you
    I adore you!

    Reply
  7. Catalina

    JA JA JA JA JA! 🙂 so incredible! I mean, how come he dared to ask you about your son!? (or daughter) I guess I would be less shocked if he actually asked about your husband….:)
    have fun! and tell us about it! (I am laughing and laughing….)

    Reply
  8. Anastasia

    haha very funny – good to see he nearly choked with embarrasment!
    people think my mother is my sister but she is only 18yrs older than me so could be….

    Reply
  9. rochambeau

    Dear Corey,
    You handeled this situation with grace. You get the golden star!
    I was at a New Years Eve party when I was twenty something. A man misguessed my age (I don’t even know why he wanted to try to guess). His guess was wrong by 10 years. I said wrong by 10 years and then he guessed up 10 more years!!! I didn’t handel it as well as you. I left the party and cryed that night and the next day. I went to my parents house and told them the story. My dad said that guy was crazy, and who cares what other people think anyway? that’s all it took for me to get back on board, and put a smile back on my face.

    Reply
  10. tut-tut

    If you do, you’ll have to search him out, as he’ll be cowering in corner. What nerve; I’d mark it down as drunken nonsense.

    Reply
  11. My Melange

    Funny Corey! Once my co-workers made the mistake of thinking the man taking me to lunch was my boyfriend…but it was my young looking Dad! (double ewe) Unfortunately I told him the story…an ear to ear grin came over his face…and he hasn’t stopped bragging about that story ever since!

    Reply
  12. Shannon

    OMG what a great story! It’s a good thing Mr. Handsome wasn’t at the nightclub in San Fran the night you and French Husband met. French husband would’ve had a lot of explaining and begging off to do!!
    Jeff gets the bedroom eyes from gay men ALL THE TIME.

    Reply
  13. carolyn

    Oh Corey you are so funny, hope he buys you a drink tonight.

    Reply
  14. sheila

    I’ve heard of young men asking a father for daughter’s hand in marriage, but boy did he get a wrong number.
    If he’s there this year, with a boyfriend, you should approach him and flirt outrageously, cryptically remind him of your meeting last year, in very conspiratorial tones, and make sure his BF hears..
    ;o)
    I’m so evil…!

    Reply
  15. Julie Loeschke

    Oh Corey, you are so smooth!I want to be you when I grow up! (Even though I’m five years your senior.)Have a great time!

    Reply
  16. BOSSY

    Bossy thinks you should have said, “Him? He’s my husband and he prefers younger women like moi.”
    (Notice how Bossy broke out her high school french: moi. See how she did that?)

    Reply
  17. candy

    I wonder if he’ll remember you enjoy Champagne with a cherry on the side. It would be really great if he showed up at your side with one in hand. Maybe then he could redeem himself. You have such a great way about you, Corey.

    Reply
  18. deirdre

    I would have loved to see the look on his face. Have fun tonight.

    Reply
  19. cruststation

    Ouch! Yep, he sure have good taste and as do you. Did you notice that handsome man in the crowd watching you from a distance wishing that they were dating the chic American lady? 🙂

    Reply
  20. jenny

    LOL!! that is too funny corey, 😀

    Reply
  21. stephanie s

    oh what a great story…. i am sure you will come home with another one. it is the way you view the world, seeing all it’s hidden charms. i am looking forward to your report.

    Reply
  22. melly

    Your style and elegance shows in everything you do.
    Have a wonderful time tonight. Should he be there, it will be another person whose respect you have earned.

    Reply
  23. UP

    I laughed so hard that it is a good thing I have a catheter and a Foley bag.

    Reply
  24. just julia

    Corey,
    (With the utmost respect) I remember seeing photos of your husband on your blog when I first started reading a year ago. He is either extremely handsome or very photogenic! After hearing this story, I suspect he is NOT only photogenic!
    Some people have all the luck! 😉
    Aren’t you glad that you went out dancing that night in SanFran? I am happy for you!

    Reply
  25. Lorene

    Corey,
    LOL!! I laughed and gasped! You will have to let us know if you see Mr. Handsome again at the party. Have a great time.

    Reply
  26. Kim H

    That’s so funny… but you handled it with such FLAIR!

    Reply
  27. Lisa Oceandreamer

    Well I admit my first reaction after reading this was “ouch”….then I composed myself from the fury and thought how well you must have handled that entire situation…typical Corey class and grace. I,however, would probably have done what Marie-Noelle suggested in her comment! 🙂
    XOXO

    Reply
  28. elizabeth

    You are incredibly well restrained, I must say! I would have felt like throwing up! I was once to a dinner with a man who “wanted” my husband and it was most obvious…I could not eat. Funny thing, my husband could not see what this guy was about…and I was somewhat concerned for my young son too…I had to insist on the parting of ways with that one!! It is one thing to “compete” with women…quite another… It is hard to deal with what the genes cause to our bodies as we age. My hubby is white haired or he would appear younger than me too. Plus his beard covers the aging skin of his face. Were I thinner, no doubt he would appear my son as well…saggy skin, etc.

    Reply
  29. eb

    what a wonderful story – I’m with Sheila – might as well continue the fun
    several years ago while shopping with my Dad (who was waiting for me by the door) – the cashier said to me – “your husband is over there” – yes ouch! altho Dad is pretty youthful
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  30. Loretta

    You are full of grace!
    I picked up my second grader, my youngest, at school one day and the school guidance counselor, who was easily 25 years my senior, asked my daughter if she enjoyed having her “grandmother” pick her up.
    I consoled myself by realizing that we were living in the South were most of the mothers were unwed teens.
    See – you are so much more full of grace than I!!

    Reply
  31. Delila Jemaiel

    *smiling*
    I love these kind of funny “stories”.
    Thank you for sharing this Corey!

    Reply
  32. Cousin Linda

    Once I was in Fort Bragg with my dad on a fishing boat. This captain had seen us together before and when my dad was paying, he said “so this for you and your wife.” My dad was particularly embarassed and barked out, “no she’s my daughter.” I was about 50 at the time and my dad at 71 still looked 60, so it was an easy mistake. I didn’t mind being mistaken as my dad’s wife, but it seemed to bother him. On the other hand, one day I was with my mother in a store and someone commented that we looked like sisters. Now that seemed like quite a compliment to my mother but not to me. Whadda ya gonna do!

    Reply
  33. Jenny

    I nearly had an “accident” when I read this Corey!!! You are grace and class personified. You both make a beautiful couple. Your husband is very handsome and you are very beautiful and KICK ass! 😉 Something similar happened to me about 10 years ago while vacationing with my Dh and daughters. My daughter was 16 at the time and browsing in a gift shop by herself. I was sitting out of view outside on a bench watching my other girl who was 5…my DH who is a strapping 6’3″ well built blackhaired farmboy was out side by the door trying to make a call on his cell. Because of the mountains he was having touble getting the call to go through. A bald and nice looking man ( the owner of the shop) yelled out at Dh some advicxe and offered to make the call for him. Then…he asked my 16 year old is DH was HER husband!!!! Dh was 43 years old at the time…she said shocked…”NO he is my dad.” Then the man told her he was very hunky…and moved in for the kill. When he went out sdie and saw ME sitting there with my other girl his face dropped AND I guess he realized it was fruitless to continue. I smiled at him and shrugged my shoulders. But the thought of him thinking my husband was my teenage daughters HUSBAND was a bit of a stretch.

    Reply
  34. clarice

    Ohh Cory this is soooo funny, oh my gosh I will smile about this story all day. You will have to let us know if you see him. Have lots of fun by the way. xoxoxo Clarice

    Reply
  35. Mary

    That is such a good and crazy story! I love your reply.
    And from reading your blog, I agree that your husband is very handsome. Just what I would picture a Frenchman to be.

    Reply
  36. Mary

    That is such a good and crazy story! I love your reply.
    And from reading your blog, I agree that your husband is very handsome. Just what I would picture a Frenchman to be.

    Reply
  37. frenchgardenhouse

    oh, you handled that just as I would have! 🙂
    I hope you are at the start of a fabulous evening just now. Looking beautiful and glamorous, laughing and dancing with the wonderful French Husband.
    My own European husband gets winked at by young men at times, I am sure they think I am his Mother, too!lol
    Lidy

    Reply
  38. Betty @ She’s Sew Pretty

    Oh good for you. That happens in reverse to me and my husband. We took my wedding ring in to be sized and the jeweler said…”here, let your dad pay”. We didn’t say anything. Next time I’ll use your line.

    Reply
  39. Do

    morte de rire!
    Corey you do know how to tell a story. You reacted with a dignityful humour (does this term exist?)

    Reply
  40. Nora

    French husband is very lucky to have you. x

    Reply
  41. susanna

    Oh Noooooooooo! Oh Corey! Well, you had me laughing out loud again. I swear you have the funniest stories. I so hope we meet one day!

    Reply
  42. susanna

    PS – Have fun at the ball tonight! Drink lots of champagne, go dancing, and know that you are one sexy woman! If you see Mr.Handsome, make sure French Husband dips you in front of him. Maybe even toss Mr.Handsome a wink while you’re down there!

    Reply
  43. AnnieElf

    This is wildly funny Corey. You were great. Exactly the reaction I would expect from you. Rock on, C. I bet if you DO see him this year, it will be across a crowded room and he will steer clear. LOL

    Reply
  44. Star

    Oh, my! But you know, at the end of that night (and every other one since and to come), French Husband will be coming home with you. Hope you have a great time tonight!

    Reply
  45. Kitem

    Franchusbande très mignon alors. And very lucky to have you as a wife.

    Reply
  46. rel

    Corey,
    I’ll bet he brings his own “son” with him next time! 😉
    rel

    Reply
  47. angela marie

    Oh Corey! What a funny story! And you handled it with such grace! You will have to tell us if he was there! Stinker!

    Reply
  48. Darlene

    I’ve thought long and hard as to how to reply to this topic. You are quick witted, and took Poor Mr. Handsome to task! All I can say is that it makes me happy to know that you and French husband are together. You make a great pair!
    p.s. I still think Yann looks like he should sing for Il Divo — can he sing? LOL

    Reply
  49. Linda

    There’s nothing more handsome than a man in a suit. I’ve had the same thing happen to me only with my sister. She was thrilled, I was ticked.

    Reply
  50. Colette

    Oh, good one, Corey!!!! “Still very much taken by me” will be your answer this time!
    Bravo! xox

    Reply
  51. Rosemary

    OMG Corey,
    I’m sure your husband is very good looking! ooh la la!!
    I just bought a new dress the other day BCBG for my daughter’s rehearsal dinner. Love it.
    Well have loads of fun. I am going out with my husband to a work related business party tonight too.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  52. Sally

    You are too cute! You have bushels of class and grace and behaved with a dignity I do not possess…a knuckle sandwich sounding quite apropos to me! 😉
    Wishing you a lovely evening Corey!

    Reply
  53. Amber

    I hope you have a WONDERFUL time!
    🙂

    Reply
  54. Beverly

    Corey,
    You are so funny!
    And what a charming life you lead!
    (Hope Mr. Handsome is there tonight, just so you can have some fun!)

    Reply
  55. herhimnbryn

    Grace.

    Reply
  56. Elaine

    Oh, Corey, you are so funny! You are such a beautiful woman and you should have a handsome husband.
    A number of times, my granddaughter has been asked “Is that your Mom?” and she always answers yes. I admit that I enjoy that very much.

    Reply
  57. Miz Booshay

    My hubby has the opposite problem.
    A little girl ran past my huband and said,
    “Hi, Katie’s grandpa!”
    Opps. Not grandpa.
    Just dad :o)
    You and your husband make a beautiful couple.

    Reply
  58. Debi

    You handled that much better than I would have — I wouldn’t have been quite as eloquent and tactful as you were.
    You’ll have to let us know if you see him tonight. ;o)

    Reply
  59. BMA

    Haha I love your stories they make me laugh 😀

    Reply
  60. naturegirl

    This story was too funny! Oh my what a laugh you and French husband would have had!hugs NG

    Reply
  61. pusa

    what a lovely story.. and i really admire how you handled it. i would have been hysterical and might punch that bloke in the face if that was me 🙂

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  62. rochelle

    handled masterfully with fantastic poise!

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  63. Jeannene

    “Very nicely done!”
    Once, I had to take my dad to physical therapy when i was around 23 or 26 years old. “He was in his late 40’s early 50’s…right?”
    Well, when he was taken back to get his therapy…the receptionist at the front desk ask me;
    “What happen to your boyfriend?”
    I know it was definitely a compliment for my dad..Wow, was it one for me??”
    LOL
    Jeannene

    Reply
  64. Lei

    “and he is very taken by me.” – love that response!!! Good for you!

    Reply
  65. Blue

    Let us not forget you look amazing yourself. If anyone deserves a thirty-year-old-looking husband, It is YOU my dear!!!
    xo
    Let them wonder…

    Reply
  66. tommiea

    You really did make me laugh…..It is a wonder I didn’t wake the babes.
    Great response….what did French Husband say when you told him?

    Reply
  67. Mountain Dweller

    Ouch.. but such a gracious reply!

    Reply
  68. steph W

    I found you from the Next Designs blog. 🙂 This looks like a fabulous party! I’m often in the position of being mistaken for my husband’s daughter, so I know how this goes. I have good laughs about it! 😉

    Reply
  69. Lynda

    My dear, you handled that very graciously … I’m not sure I’d be quite that, ahem … nice about it! ♥

    Reply
  70. jann

    humm….you were very gracious…. a good laugh in the end, though!

    Reply
  71. Cleopantha

    You are women in every sense of the word. Your poise and humor only confirms this… Well handled!

    Reply
  72. ParisBreakfasts

    OMG
    If you’d had a gold ball necklace you coulda bunged him over the head with it…
    🙂

    Reply
  73. ParisBreakfasts

    PS
    Gracious and poised for sure.
    But cherries and champagne?
    That pony don’t ride 🙁

    Reply
  74. Jill

    I am impressed with your ability to handle such a situation with grace and charm….I probably would have given him the knuckle-sandwich!
    Great story.

    Reply
  75. ParisFlirt

    YUM!
    Can you clone him?

    Reply
  76. Sadie Olive

    My my! You do have a handsome hubby!

    Reply
  77. Carol

    Your response to him just cracks me up! Well done!

    Reply
  78. Shelley Noble

    As everyone has said, you are grace and charm embodied!
    I’m loving these reports from Marseillais.
    The two of you taking in the twilight is Sooooo romantic!

    Reply
  79. Ania

    LOL! Ouch and *comfort* and whee you handled that situation perfect 😀 Poor guy :p Come to think of it I’m pretty surprised, if somebody asked me the same about my son when he becomes of age I wouldn’t really mind regardless what lane he’ll take, but I can see a number of mothers becoming upset when a boy and not a girl asks :p

    Reply
  80. Anjanette

    Too good…what a come back! I will have to share with Dean in the morning as he lays snoring next me. Hope your flight was, well, as comfortable as it can be. Hello to Yann from the Martins, see you soon! :O)

    Reply

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