Home Considerations
- Children are encouraged to voice opinions at the table — a Dutch guest may push back or disagree confidently. This is normal, not rude
- Don't ask about income, relationship status, or religion unless they bring it up — these are private matters
- Your guest may have been financially and practically self-sufficient from a young age — don't assume they need looking after
- Dutch families actively push children toward independence — leaving home at 18 is the expectation, not the exception
- The Dutch are direct — blunt feedback is not rudeness, it's honesty. Don't read into it or take it personally
- Don't boast about possessions or achievements — modesty is a deeply held Dutch value
- Shake hands with every person individually on arrival — and again when leaving. Don't skip anyone, including children
- Always offer a second round of coffee or tea — your guest won't ask for one
- Three cheek kisses (right-left-right) between close friends and family — men kiss women, women kiss women. Men shake hands with each other