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• Respect a Dutch person’s personal space. Many value their physical and personal privacy.
• Engage in deep conversations with your Dutch counterpart if possible. People are generally open to converse about most topics. The Dutch enjoy discussing and rationally debating topics.
• The Dutch enjoy a good joke, so feel free to use humour when appropriate and if you’re comfortable doing so.
• In a shop or restaurant, people are expected to help themselves as much as possible before asking a service provider. Always show service providers the same level of respect you would show your friends. Many Dutch frown upon those who display a sense of superiority.

Don'ts

• Avoid displaying intolerance towards ethnic minorities or alternative lifestyles. This will likely lead to disapproval from your Dutch counterpart as many have a strong sense of tolerance.
• Do not ask a Dutch person how much they earn.
• Try not to make pretentious or boastful comments that give the impression that you see yourself as superior to others. Your Dutch counterpart is unlikely to appreciate this.
• Be mindful of stating criticisms of the Dutch royal family to older generation Dutch people. Some consider the monarchy to be the heart of the country and may find offense in such criticisms. For younger generations of Dutch, there is a general lack of interest towards or disdain for the monarchy, and thus criticisms of the monarchy are usually met with indifference or agreement.