The Famous Economy with Money
Are the Dutch tightfisted, stingy people who make Scotsmen look like lotter-winner churchgoers with a guity concisence? Is there any truth behind the rumour?
Personally I would say it is true that Dutch people spend less, and when they do spend it is on more practical items than extravagant decorations and status symbols. This is what I think has given rise to the "Dutch people are mean" stereotype. They are not mean. They'd never hesitate to buy their round, chip in the cost of a shared purchase or offer a gift. All those are examples of what being mean ah.... means. But, given a chance to practically economise, they will. For example, for every 15 litres of petrol I put in my car I get one AirMile. I mentioned, jokingly, to a Dutch friend that I should try and put 15.1 or 30.1 litres in every time, even if I could take more. "Now you're thinking like a true Dutchman!" approved my friend.
See what I mean ? It's not meaness as such, it is just a desire to economise because it is sensible and practical. Like two other friends who were seriously considering taking a jerrycan or two full of petrol with them when they visited Berlin, because they have company cars with free petrol cards valid only in the Netherlands.
Other countries, notably Britain, either wouldn't think of such measures (and therefore become a little jealous when they see the Dutch saving money, and are too proud to follow) or there would be a kind of social stigma attached to actions such as the precise filling of one's petrol tank in order to maximise AirMiles collections.
Is this attitude good or bad ? I don't think it's fair to say either way. It's a personal opinion, choosing between a solid, practical, reliable people who treat you as you are, or perhaps opting for a showier, more extravagant country which is not as fair or as practical, but looks better and is noisier. I should mention at this point that the company I worked for in the Netherlands gave its staff a most generous Christmas present. Wine, quality glasses, shopping vouchers, restaurant vouchers....a package worth about 300UKP. Hardly stingy !