I never thought about this until just this moment, but there's such a stark difference between asking someone like, "Where's the best ex?" versus "What do you think the best ex is?" And it seems like a strategy, maybe anywhere in the world, but especially in France, might be to make all of your conversations very personal to the person you're talking to.

You nailed it. That is exactly what it is. I mean, the French want to feel like you're inquiring them because it's them, and not just that they happen to be a body that lives in proximity to some other stuff. I think that's an accurate way of assessing what they appreciate.

Just like they don't expect you to be fluent, you don't need to get bent out of shape that you can't have a full-on conversation with them, but they do really appreciate you trying, whether it's with just the sort of salutations or asking, "Where's the bathroom?" Just try.