Dating a Dutch Guy; Common Things Dutch People Do

Wow! Look at that! I've been in The Netherlands for nearly a year now (and I felt like I haven't accomplished anything yet. LOL)! 

Anyhow, living in this country versus just being here for holiday are two very different things. And by staying here longer than 3 months means that I have seen a lot more.

Wedding Parties

I have not attended weddings in The Netherlands that much (only 2), but I have heard that they do that like three or more batches of guests. This is because the ceremony and the parties have different counts for their invited guests. What I mean is, everyone can attend the ceremony, which is normally held in the city hall (gemeente) and it basically consists of the bridal march and the signing of papers. The second part was a meal with the newlyweds. And that only consists of family and close relatives and friends. Then after, there is a party in a rented hall, like the reception with drinks and small things (finger food). Of course, the couple decides who they invite on these three different sessions within their wedding day.

Opening Presents in Front of the Giver

In The Philippines, when someone gave you a present, it is automatic that you keep it and wait for your "alone moment" to open them. Yes, that's what I like to do. Because in my hometown, gifts are something that you want to enjoy for yourself the first time you see it. But here in The Netherlands, when someone gives you a gift, they expect you to open it and let the world see what you got. Sometimes, it is even written, "Open Me Quick!". Hihi. I am not sure which is best, but yeah, that's how it is.

Open a conversation with the Weather

If ever you are an introverted person but you really want to broaden out, you can simply start a conversation by stating your feelings about the weather. You can say that the weather is pretty nice today, or it was so bad yesterday that you spent the whole day as a couch potato. Believe me, no one will judge you. Because the weather in The Netherlands changes every after five minutes, it is the best topic of all to talk about.

Toilets After the Front Door

This thing inside the Dutch houses is very practical, I find. Normally, toilets are found in the innermost part of the house. But here in The Netherlands, one is always somewhere near the entrance, which is very nice for visitors who knocked just to ask if they can use the loo. You don't need to escort them and had the hassle of having their shoes roam around your house cause it is just a few walks in the inside. So yeah, I really appreciate this part of the house.

And that's it for now. Of course, there are still a lot of things but I am definitely sharing them in a separate post. Take care!