A Bit of French Inspiration Could Revitalize American Bedrooms, If Not the Whole Global Economy

The Huffington Post headline says it all: Strasbourg is for lovers?

Strasbourg never stood out as the love center of the universe in my mind, but let's remember that we are in France.

President and Mrs. Sarkozy; via Huffington PostHaving spent many months of my life in France, I promise you that France is for lovers, the home of Smart Sensuality thinking, a place where a woman is not defined primarily by her career and role as "top mommy", but by a positive appreciation for herself and everything/everyone she touches: food, flowers, family, friendship, the fundamentals of being an evolved, independent woman in every way.

Let me also add that older women are revered in France as evolved, sophisticated, sensual creatures.

My dear friends, it's an entirely different world across the Atlantic. This is why equal numbers of French women believe that her best years -- when she is at her peak -- are 35 and 45. The American women answer 25. This is a stunning differential in self-image that has enormous negative repercussions for American women, in my opinion.

Being a good lover is something that French women value. You do not carry them kicking and screaming into the bedroom. Now that condom sales are up in America, perhaps women will be more inspired to explore life behind the Red Door.

Personally, I don't think that FOTUS and POTUS need much help in expressing their sensual devotion to each other, but perhaps in the midst of all the dinners and high-level meetings, they will feel a rush of marital inspiration -- French style.

Consider it an act of political and professional revitalization.

FOTUS and POTUS in France; via Huffington PostWith all the pressure on these two, especially POTUS, the gym isn't the only place where a bit of steam-letting is exactly what the doctor ordered. And if he didn't, well science makes it very clear that quality time in bed -- asleep and not -- is at the top of the health priority list, especially for busy, stressed-out people.

The French have understood this fact for years.

America is a young country, but perhaps this economic slapdown will get us out of our training wheels, go-go mentality and on the road to being grownup, self-realized lovers, where sexual passion isn't just leftovers on our plate, but a main event so important to nurturing, that even a Big Mac can't side track us from getting at the really important food of life.

Anne