Love France, but hate the French?

That was a term I began hearing quite a bit when I started expressing an interest in traveling to France for a semester. And I have to say that, while I think I understand the reasons for it, I just can't see it that way.

On the contrary, there are some real annoyances that come with being an American in France. But one of the things that constantly relieves me of the stress caused by these annoyances is the French. I'll give you an example: I speak very little French, to the point that I really can't hold my own in daily conversations. This is... problematic. Several times now, I have had French people express their sympathy for how hard it must be for me to get along in France (particularly Reims) without the ability to speak French, since next to no-one speaks English.

Every time I hear this, I'm a little taken-aback. The thought immediately runs through my head, "Do you have any idea how hard it would be for a French person to communicate in America without English?!" It's a breeze here; with maybe only 5% of people speaking French, I can get along. By contrast, no one speaking only French could function in most American towns.

I may later post my thoughts on why the "Love France/Hate French" attitude develops. Perhaps after I feel I have actually gone through culture shock (it just can't be as easy as it has been thus far...). For now I have to say that one of the most pleasant experiences I've had so far in France, is communicating with the French. Even when lingual barriers make that communication difficult.