If you're a Seinfeld fan like me, you may remember "The Butter Shave" episode, where Jerry and George discuss the differences (or non differences) of the Netherlands, the Dutch and Holland. Having lived in Amsterdam for six years and recently brought a Dutchman (aka my fiancé) back with me to New York about a year ago, this conversation is all too recognizable.
While this small country may be relatively unfamiliar to many -- who confuse its guttural language with German and tall, blonde citizens with the Danes -- there is actually a wealth of life lessons that Americans can learn from the people of the low lands. Here are my top 10. And no, none of them have to do with red lights or herbal delights.
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- Don't spend more than you have. If you understand this, you understand the Dutch people. They simply don't buy things they can't pay for in cold hard cash. I once had to painstakingly explain to a colleague the difference between a debit and credit card; because in Holland, your credit card balance is generally deducted from your bank account at the end of each the month. I resisted it at first -- I mean, why even have a credit card if you're just going to pay it off in full?! But once I did, I found it's liberating to live within your means. And that's a feeling even money can't buy.
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