Dutch Dating

[muriel]

I am seeing someone from Holland... and I'm a bit confused.... I was curious what the most common dating ettiquette is in Holland... from romance to going to dinner... to communicating through the week... whatever... i want to know if things are different or if I've made a less than stellar match and therefore I should be worried?

[Bieneke]

Hi Muriel,

Answering questions about the Dutch language is probably more my cup of tea but since no one replied yet, I decided to give it a try. I looked up "Dutch dating etiquette" on Google and I only found websites explaining what 'going Dutch' on a date is.

To what extent Dutch dating is different from what you are used to, depends on where you are from. Dutch dating etiquette ... With the emancipation of women, I think much of the etiquette has changed (or causes confusion ). Dating (dinner, dancing, theatre, etc.), having dinner at his/her place, ..., sounds very common to me.

If it turns out to be a stellar match, you can always come back here to learn the language of your sweetheart.

[Daniel]

Hi Muriel,

I also decided to go to the Netherlands and before my arrival I was also wondering about these topics. I found a website with all kinds of experiences of foreign students in the Netherlands. Maybe it will help you: http://www.memyselfandthedutch.com

[Ibiza]

Too bad this is an old topic. If you think you have not made a 'stellar' match then you are most likely dating a typical dutchie. They aren't romantic typically, though some can be a little.....those are the ones that have probably been outside the country or exposed to other nationalities though. They are Cheap! Expect cheap gifts, etc. And they are stubborn so it is hard to work out a relationship issue if it involves any type of confrontation or compromise. You will also hear them say pretty blunt things to your face. There is no chivalry towards a woman, in other words. On the positive they seem more faithful.

[kwalijkje]

Too bad this is an old topic. If you think you have not made a 'stellar' match then you are most likely dating a typical dutchie. They aren't romantic typically, though some can be a little.....those are the ones that have probably been outside the country or exposed to other nationalities though. They are Cheap! Expect cheap gifts, etc. And they are stubborn so it is hard to work out a relationship issue if it involves any type of confrontation or compromise. You will also hear them say pretty blunt things to your face. There is no chivalry towards a woman, in other words. On the positive they seem more faithful.

Harsh words, he?
I've found the Dutch to be quite romantic. Alot more chivalerous than the English, I find. And bluntness is a typical Dutch attitude (which is good for relationships: wouldn't you rather someone told you the truth than skirted it for an entire relationship?).

[Bieneke]

Thanks for standing up for your fellow males from the other side of the (little) pond, Kwalijkje.

This topic completely escaped my attention; I think we should have locked it a long time ago. This little subforum was intended for people who are actively studying Dutch on this forum and who would like to discuss their own experiences/frustrations/expectations regarding Dutch or Flemish culture (without having to practice their Dutch while doing so).

Dus bij dezen: gesloten
[so herewith: closed]