The French really are different when it comes to extra-marital sex

FRANÇOIS Hollande’s sexual adventures are a private matter, with no bearing on his public role — French public opinion confirms.

French laws on privacy afford protection to everyone — presidents and CEOs as well as secretaries and football players. But the widely-accepted rules of the affair in France also mean that players should be discreet enough for affairs to remain invisible, even to close companions and partners.

However, friends will cheerfully discuss their affairs with each other — in complete confidence of course. French people perceive their social environment as tolerant and permissive, so that they can rely on tacit (or even active) support for any affairs. Three-quarters of the French believe that their close friends would favour extramarital flings and affairs: they would certainly not seek to dissuade anyone.