I think the Dutch are very open. They like to make a lot of jokes, I think, just like the British. They can be more direct and to the point than the British and they do spend less time on saying things out of politeness. They just want everything to be clear.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I think I observed this with Dutch people... It's definitely something I can appreciate, and which I strive to do myself (keeping things as clear as possible).

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Yes, the opposite side of the same coin is that I sometimes get confused if people are less clear.

I had a Turkish room mate at work and I asked him whether it was okay to open the window. Het said yes (at least I thought so), so I opened the window. The he started talking about people he knew that got pneumonia and he put on his coat. So, I closed the window again. That is something that might typically happen if you are not used to the difference between really yes, or yes, but actually no out of politeness.

It does not bother me too much, but it is quite typical. I just hope I am not creating issues with my lack of understanding.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Ahh, thanks for characterising this