Ever since I moved to Paris, Spotify has played me ads in French. I actually don’t mind this because, since I understand so little, it’s easier to tune them out.

One of my first purchases here was shampoo. I bought a bottle labeled “ultra doux” (ultra soft) in an olive oil scent. I expected essence of olive oil, but it turned out to be basically pure oil. I haven’t been able to fully rinse my hair since we moved here, so I was thrilled yesterday when Colin said the sweetest words: “We’re just about out of shampoo. Let’s add that to our shopping list.”

While in Antigua, I read three books: At Home in the World by Tsh Oxenreider, When in French by Lauren Collins, and Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery. (Yes, I’m in a bit of a travel mood right now.) I made some startling discoveries about my own French proficiency, thanks to When in French. For starters, je suis excitée does not mean what you think it does. Excité has a rather, um, sexual connotation. I don’t even want to think about how many times I’ve declared that I’m sexually aroused to be living in Paris. Lesson learned!

Similarly, but infinitely less embarrassing, is the difference between the verbs aimer and aimer bien. J’aime bien is a good way to say you like something, like a book or coffee or traveling the world. J’aime is a good way to say you love someone, like your husband. I definitely told our property manager that I was in love with our apartment.