French commitment culture treats significant agreements as creating mutual obligation—both parties are bound, and each party can hold the other accountable. This means commitment relationships involve reciprocal expectation, not one-directional demand. You can expect French partners to honor their commitments to you just as they expect you to honor yours to them. Failure of mutuality—demanding commitment while refusing to honor reciprocal obligation—violates the relationship’s foundation.
When entering commitments with French counterparts, clarify mutual expectations: what you are committing to and what they are committing to. Both sides should understand and accept their obligations. This mutual structure creates genuine relationship rather than mere transaction; both parties are invested because both are bound.
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