Dutch Traits: 5 things you realise when you are becoming a bit Dutch

Dutch traits

The other day it hit me. It has been almost 10 years since I arrived in the Netherlands. Time really flies, but what struck me the most is that slowly, slowly I may have been adopting some so very Dutch traits. Maybe you have as well? In which case you may be ready to become Dutch following these 12 steps.

So how do you know you’ve been hanging out so long in the Low Countries? You’ve adopted these Dutch traits…

You know you’re becoming a bit Dutch when:

1) You hit the beach on the first day that the thermometer registers 12ºC

Even if it is not Spring yet. You become a true sun-worshipper, and if you are not dependent on the school holidays, you probably leave for the sun during cold, dark February, like a migratory bird.

2) You start collecting coupons, studying catalogues and doing all kinds of tricks to save money

You realize you have become obsessed with getting the best deals, buying everything in discount or better yet -second hand- and collect, trade and send coupons to friends. It’s like a sport. I get a thrill of buying stuff (that we would normally buy anyway, like detergent, toothpaste or bread) at half of its price. It reminds me of Lily Allen’s: ‘Nan you’re a window shopper’ (“You only buy the paper to cut out the coupons, you’re saving 50p but what do you want with tampons?”). We’ve always tried to be frugal, but I am taking this to a whole other level.

3) You realize that HEMA is your second home

No really – there is nothing better than the HEMA at 9:00 am, often the only shop that is open in cold windy mornings. They offer a more or less complete breakfast for 2 EUR (though it used to be even better) and I always find it fun to see people of all walks of life getting in line to eat their first or second breakfast while trying to see the city from one of their big windows. There are the businessmen, the construction workers, the moms with their kids, the old Dutch, the new Dutch, the young, the old… Everybody gathers there. Oh, and how could I not mention their famous hot-dogs and smoked sausages (rookworst).

I can hardly ever enter the shop without the 5-year-old asking for an hot-dog, but I can’t blame her, they are tasty. And I love how they are always on trend whether you are looking for stickers, Easter decorations, accessories for your bike, envelopes, toiletries or a cheap and warm sweater. I realized I might be becoming Dutch this one time I came back from a trip back home and the first thing I did was meet a friend to catch up at the Hema over some traditional stamppot, with sausage, of course.

I must not be the only one loving this Dutch institution because there are 2 books gathering stories of Dutch citizens abroad that is called “Ik mis nog steeds de Hema ” (I still miss HEMA) which has even gone to print the 2nd volume of their stories.

4) You love your bike

It is your main way of transport and you use it to go everywhere; to carry all your things; as a means to stay fit and to relax all in one. Seriously, whenever I am stressed just breathing the air while I bike grounds me and makes me happy.

5) You carry an agenda and it is full of appointments

These appointments are for way into the future (like, the next 2 months). You still like to arrange spontaneous meetings with friends, but have noticed that you need to check twice before making a date.

Did I miss anything? What Dutch traits have you adopted? Let us know in the comments!