American Quirks I Can't Shake Abroad | American Living in the Netherlands

[@ericavangerven9550]

Nice video Mike! I was born in Indonesia, but grew up in the Netherlands in a Dutch family (my biological parents died when I was six month old). I became so Dutch that I would not able to live in Indonesia anymore, although I still love my birth country, it's my favorite vacation country and it somehow feels like home when I'm there. I always say I became Dutch in my head, but I am still Indonesian in my heart. As long as you don't hurt anyone with being yourself, it's good! So be who you are, that's the best you can be!

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@ericavangerven9550 I love your comment, Erica! ❤️ What beautiful words. Thank you for watching my videos and taking the time to tell me a little bit about yourself. “Be who you are, that’s the best you can be”. Words to live by. Thank you again for sharing some of your story. 😊

[@dianesgardeninspiration]

This was a fun video! I’d love to see the type of food served in the Netherlands….just curious

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@dianesgardeninspiration Thank you, Diane. Good idea to document some of the food. 👍

[@musicfromtheheart100]

Hey Mike! Thank you for yet another lovely and interesting video! I think it's always beneficial to stay optimistic, especially given that there's so much in life that can easily get you down if you're not careful. I also get what you said about you speaking English most of the time, but at the same time I do hope that you don't try to actively avoid speaking Dutch for various reasons, one of which would be that you happen to be in a situation where it's pretty easy for you to learn a foreign language if you make enough of an effort. But it's all up to you, of course, just like with all the other habits you touched upon. Wishing you a beautiful day! ~Mike

[@Omaivo2904]

Thank you for this little insight in you. Nothing wrong with keeping some American habits.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@Omaivo2904 Thank you, Inge. You’re a sweetheart. ❤️

[@BabzV]

Nothing wrong with being polite, there's also nothing wrong with being more direct. I'm personally quite direct but I also appreciate nuance. You can be direct without being rude and that's where the nuance comes in. But the good thing about Dutch directness is(imo) that it goes both ways, so when someone says you should take off your hat in your own home they're allowed to do so, but that person can in turn expect a similarly direct answer and say 'no you don't get to tell me what I wear inside my own home'. And that's that, both people voiced their opinion(and it's up to you what you do with that opinion) and you just move on with your day, no man overboard. 😊

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@BabzV I’m with you, Babs. It’s all about balance and nuance. Still, imo, some things are better left unsaid. I’m a firm believer in freedom of speech and the right to express one’s opinion, of course, but kindness and self-restraint are also worthy (and often underrated) attributes. Therein lies the balance and nuance, I suppose. 😊

[@BabzV]

You make a good point there about certain things are better left unsaid, keep the peace, choose your battles wisely.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@BabzV I have a feeling you and I have been riding the same wavelength for years, Babs. 😊 Here’s wishing you a great day in lovely Limburg. 🌳🐄🌳🐑

[@BabzV]

Hey Mike goeiemorgen, This was so nice to hear you talk about your American roots and your cultural habits. Entrepreneurship was always one of the reasons many people moved to the US, one of the few countries where you could just set up any kind of business. But entrepreneurship isn't inherently an American concept though, the word alone is French and us Dutchies actually invented the Stockmarket and brought it to New- Amsterdam. But still, the US is still the best country to set up a business imo, less laws and stipulations around it. (more freedom in that regard) I personally really appreciate American positivity, it's so inherent to Americans. I also think Americans are really strong as a unit when you guys do unite, but unfortunately you are so devided. Most Americans I've met throughout my life were genuinely nice, positive and not the loud, dumb ones you see on social media. (not all of course 😉) Bedankt weer Mike, fijne dag. 😊🌷

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@BabzV Hi there Babs. Thank you, as always, for watching and commenting. I love receiving and reading your considered comments. It’s true what you say about the Dutch and their enterprising spirit. They are master money-makers, if you ask me. 😊 Americans, for the most part, are born optimists, often believing in the impossible, e.g. flying a man to the moon. 🌖 It is unfortunate that the U.S. is more divided than ever. The two-party political system is largely to blame. I try to avert my eyes. 👀 There are many loud, dumb Americans on social media. I’m doing my best to bring a bit of balance. 😉 Thanks again for your great comments. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week. ❤️

[@kristiina-f9h]

You are wonderful exactly as you are, Mike. ❤ Please continue sharing all that you want to share. 🎉Cheers 🎉

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@kristiina-f9h Thank you, my dear Kristiina. ❤️ Hugs to you from Haarlem. 😊

[@mariavandenbosch2723]

After growing up in Haarlem/Aerdenhout I worked and lived in the USA for over 20 years. Even after returning to the Netherlands 21 years ago, I'm still hanging on to some of my American Habits. You're nr. 10 is my pet peeve. Why are people so rude? I've been brought up with politeness, courtesy and understanding. There has been a dramatic change in duch behavior and attitude sind my immigration and returning to Holland. Unfortunately.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@mariavandenbosch2723 Thank you so much, Maria. I am comforted by your response to nr. 10. I have also noticed a tendency in some people to delight in being rude with the pretense that it is being direct. I have come to appreciate the transparency and efficiency (even honesty) of Dutch directness, but I have no room for unsolicited insults. Thank you for watching, and thank you again for taking the time to leave a comment. I love, of course, that you grew up in Haarlem/Aerdenhout. ❤️

[@mariavandenbosch2723]

@BetterTogether-UnIr1 It's a beautiful neighborhood to live and grow up in. Well behavior lessons credits go to my parents and our local schools.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Kudos to your parents and the local schools then because it is evident to me that you are a “class act”. 😊

[@mariavandenbosch2723]

@BetterTogether-UnIr1 thank you for such a lovely compliment

[@TheHighlander71]

Don't lose the optimism. It seems like a good trait to have, regardless of where you were born. And let's face it, American entertainment is often the best in the Western world. It's no surprise that it's so popular.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

I agree. Optimism is everything. I often think it’s not so much WHAT we see but HOW we see. 😊 I also agree with you about American entertainment. Say what you want about the United States (and goodness knows there’s plenty to say!), American entertainment is second to none, in my opinion. 😊

[@aquarius42]

Dankje wel voor je inzicht vanuit Amerika naar Nederlands toe.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@aquarius42 Thank you for your comment, Margo. Always good to hear from you. 😊

[@gertstolk]

Hi Mike, so far you haven't said 'y'all' a single time 😅 The bottom line is to always be true to yourself. When it comes to optimism we can learn a thing or two from the Americans. Funny you should mention still wearing american clothes. Since 1979 all my Levi's were bought in the States, 511 size 30×32. I always travel to the US with an empty suitcase. When it comes to rushing through a meal, restaurant staff also make it clear that they don't want you there all evening. Thanks again for another informative and entertaining video Mike 🤠🚍

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@gertstolk Howdy Gert! Oops. I mean, “Good evening, Gert”. 😂 Once again - we’re twins separated at birth, I swear! Love those 511s. 30x30 for me. Thanks again for your good comment. Keep on bussin’. 😃

[@gertstolk]

@BetterTogether-UnIr1 You bet, till March 18 🚍😄

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Amazing, Gert! It’s just days away! And since you’re my twin brother, I would not be entirely surprised if you started your own KZbin channel once you’re retired. When you do, I’m going to be your first subscriber. 😊 That’s a promise!

[@gertstolk]

@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 😘

[@annemieke186]

Goodmorning Mike... Again an entire reaction from my part vanished after half an hour. I do hope you did not rush trough your celebration for your 1000 subscribers? Glass of wine, tapas, candles...good company...? I had a lot to say, but it comes down to: love your accent; it is charming...sometimes hearing Dutch people speaking English and not even trying to make it sound English...not so charming 😅. If someone is breathing down your neck...take a very small step back and lean backwords...the bigger your aura... Some people just do not understand personal space...they have " een bord voor hun kop". Laughing imagening you in a Dutch clothing store, drowning in long sleeved shirts 😂. Again very nice video...😊

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@annemieke186 Thank you, my dear Annemieke. ❤️ I am sorry to hear that your reactions are vanishing. Glad this one got through. 😊 I tried my best to savor the 1000 sub celebration. I was singing throughout the day. 🎶 Thank you for your sweet words and sound advice, especially the part about the big aura. Love that. Yes…haha…drowning in the long-sleeved shirts is an understatement. Until I can afford a personal tailor, I have to stock up on clothing whenever I’m in the States.

[@Be-Es---___]

Renters are pretty good protected by law. Once you have a renter in your house, it's not easy to get them out. 😮

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

So true! Pros and cons, depending - I suppose - on what side of the equation you find yourself. Thanks for your comment. 😊

[@Annemie43]

Just stay who you are, Mike, your accent is charming.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@Annemie43 Thank you, Annemie. ❤️

[@ottot3221]

Did you learn to use your knife and fork like we do here or do you still do the switcheroo like people in the US seem to do in the rare cases they use them?

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@ottot3221 Gosh, Otto, this is news to me. I guess I still do the switcheroo. I have noticed, of course, that the Dutch are accustomed to eating their sandwiches open-faced with fork and knife. I tend to do the same now since the open-faced sandwiches are often too big to put together and eat with your hands. Every now and then, though, I can’t stand all the fuss, and I put everything together like a…er…sandwich…and eat it American style. I’m incorrigible, I know. 😊

[@Heartburn1220]

Another great video. I tend to be overly polite too and I'm from Texas so there is that.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@Heartburn1220 Thank you! 😊 Don’t mess with Texas…please. 😂

[@StrawberryHills211]

Noting wrong with being polite. Love your en-suite doors btw.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@StrawberryHills211 👍 Thank you. 😊 The en-suite doors are a highlight of this little benedenwoning from 1901. They make it possible to open up the space for light and air or close it to create more intimacy.

[@StrawberryHills211]

@ I had those in my former home, but not with the coloured glass. You’re so lucky your neighbour sold their floor to you! How many floors is it?

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Yes, we are very fortunate. We waited 18 years for it to become available. The benedenwoning has one floor; the bovenwoning has two floors. Altogether, we have three floors now and - best of all - no upstairs or downstairs neighbours. I love my neighbours, mind you, but not living above or below me. 😆

[@StrawberryHills211]

@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 especially those old houses. Krak kraak kriech 😂 And you’ll make good profit if you want to sell it one day.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Yes, you understand me perfectly well. I had such nice, polite and considerate neighbors, but in such an old building - wow - I could hear every footstep and every cough, laugh and sneeze. Now, blessed silence. Worth every penny! 😊

[@paulc8799]

Oh dear, accents. I hate mine when I speak English, the funny thing it isn't a problem when I speak German, even though I'm not fluent in German anymore. A question for you, 'slightly' influenced by the last habit (first time I actually didn't start typing): What would you do, in the company of others, should you notice that green crud from their meal, tightly located between their teeth? An American friend wasn't too pleased when I made her aware of said situation. Took even the utmost care how I said it, shielded her from others who saw. Still can't over the way she reacted. Oh well. 😅

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@paulc8799 I’m with you, Paul. If I noticed green crud in my dinner companion’s teeth, I would bring it to their attention discretely, just as you did. And had you done the same to me, I would be most appreciative. But, as I mentioned in the video, I would never offer an unsolicited insult in the guise of directness. To me, that’s ill-mannered and inconsiderate no matter how you slice it. But that’s very different from what you are describing, which I would consider a friendly gesture. Everybody’s different, I suppose. 😊

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

Ah, the accent. After 51 years in the Netherlands I still have a slight American accent, but my Dutch accent in English is stronger as I almost never speak English any more.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@richardbrinkerhoff That’s impressive, Richard! I’ll be 87 years old before I will have been here 51 years. There’s hope yet. Maybe by then, I will be speaking Dutch exclusively and will have shed my persistent American accent. 😊 What brought you to the Netherlands so long ago, if I may ask?

[@carlkuss]

Your English has gotten hyper clear as you pronounce each word in a kind of distinct and discrete way. I find myself doing something similar actually. Perhaps it has to do with thoughtfulness . I lived for 23 years in the Netherllands as seminarian and priest in Limburg

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

Thank you, Carl, for your kind words. 😊 Beautiful Limburg. 🌳 🐄 🐑 🌳 You must miss it.

[@RickLane-x4j]

Btw, your cap is often weared on old mans heads lol... or farmers also the oldies. But it's timeless ofcourse. My dead wore also that as his daily cap or hat.

[@RickLane-x4j]

Weared or worn ugh.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@RickLane-x4j Well, considering I’m an old man and grew up on an island across the street from a cornfield (farm), I guess it makes sense. 😂 Your dad had impeccable taste, if you ask me. He wore cool caps and had a son like you. 👍

[@RickLane-x4j]

@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Oops I called my dad "dead"... it sounds about the same. I always use my old technical school english and never google translate so I might make some typo's. My dad was an officer in the army. Born 1920, died in 2011. He often smiled when I was fooling around with him. Sure nice dad. Miss him and my mother too 😞... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXrPk413hZ10ibMsi=Ai7krWPmbr9b_nTb

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ No worries about the typos. I’m fluent in typos (and accents). 😉 My dad was also in the army (born 1928). He died in 1997. My mother is still alive and thriving at 93. ❤️

[@henkkoning2250]

When i walk in a supermarket, i don’t like it when people get to close (1m distance please)

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

I’m with you Henk. I have been known to stand in line with the shopping cart BEHIND me to prevent people from bumping and nudging. 😊

[@petervanderwoude6316]

The "easy" way to ditch your accent is to speak from less deep in your throat, or preferably from your mouth. Then again, you are you, stay authentic 😉

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@petervanderwoude6316 Thank you, Peter. 👍

[@MartinWebNatures]

Nice video❤ 👍

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@MartinWebNatures Thank you, Martin. 😊

[@sophiesmeenk1076]

I must say I've lost my optimism regarding the US in November last. I hope Jay Kuo will be able to restore it somewhat. But I love hearing your quirks and Americanisms. I was wondering: when we (the Dutch followers) respond in Dutch, do you put the text in google translate or are you able to follow it (more or less accurately)?

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@sophiesmeenk1076 Hello Sophie. Always so nice to hear from you. ❤️ The result of the election was disheartening, indeed. There is some comfort knowing that more than 75,000,000 Americans did not choose this outcome. The only other consolation is that it will be over in four years. Let us hope that not too much damage is done in that time. As far as Dutch comments, I am able to follow along without translation. My Dutch comprehension is good. I can read Dutch perfectly well.

[@sophiesmeenk1076]

@BetterTogether-UnIr1 over in 4 years 🤔 I devoutly hope so but I'm very afraid. Wat geweldig dat je Nederlands kunt lezen! Ik vind dat superknap, want het is een b**ch van een taal voor buitenlanders.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ 😂🤣😝 You gave me a good laugh with your “b**ch van een taal” remark. Too funny! I’ve always liked reading, so I think that’s why reading Dutch is not a problem for me. Speaking Dutch is the “b**ch” for me!

[@sophiesmeenk1076]

@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 je kunt het! Je kunt het! 🎉🎉🎉 (Ik kan geen cheerleader pom-poms vinden 🤣

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@sophiesmeenk1076 Where oh where are the cheerleader 📣 pom-poms when we need them? 😆

[@mavadelo]

Talking English: I understand your reasoning but does this exiend to situations where Dutch would normally be the go to language? Speaking Dutch in every day interactions is something we would expect from people talking any other foreign language as well after all. I suspect 2:34 should read "My Dutch is improving"?? (and really, just curiosity Mike, you do you) And listening to American Music is probably shared by 99% of your audience.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@mavadelo Actually, I meant to say “My English is improving”. It was a tongue-in-cheek remark reflecting the fact that I speak English both professionally and personally. I do not often (ever) find myself in situations where Dutch is the go-to language. My experience might have been different had I married a Dutch person or had my occupation not required me to read and write English at an advanced technical level. Fortunately, my reading comprehension of Dutch is very good, and I understand spoken Dutch perfectly well, but I have had little opportunity or practical need to speak it.

[@HALLO63]

Enjoyed your newest video, Mike🍀. How you say "onderwoning" en "bovenwoning" is marvellous. Nothing wrong with an accent. When I speak Dutch, I have a slight Frisian accent. People from the south have "een zachte G" and that sounds lovely 💕. Your optimism is needed for the next 4 years, isn't it? Won't say I'm a pessimist, but hearing Trump's inauguration speech made me feel sad and even a bit depressed. You voted for Harris, which is no surprise. You have enough common sense 💙, that was already clear to me. Don't know if you can call all these MAGA people polite? Of course I know they are as polite as a @&#%$§*😁. You seem very polite to me, but one can also be too polite and then it tends to be fake. That's not the case with you, Mike ❤. I've never been in America, but I see Americans on television and often with such a "toothpaste smile" and that seems often fake/doing polite to me. The Dutch and especially Frisians don't do that....perhaps some 😏. They are more "recht voor de raap". I like that and I'm rather direct too. Making money is more American than Dutch, despite our past as a "handelsnatie". I do something in stocks and crypto, but I don't buy the Trump coin or Tesla stocks for example. My impression is also that Americans are less interested in non-American things. They don't know much about the world outside the USA, am I right or wrong? It's of course logical, because the USA is soooooo much bigger than the Netherlands. Let's quit, because I'm writing a book here 📖😊. Warm greetings from a proud Frisian 🍀

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@HALLO63 Thank you for the good bedtime book! 😊 It warms my heart that you like the way I say “benedenwoning” and “bovenwoning”. I love those words, for many reasons. 😉 We don’t really have an equivalent in English. I also like the Southern “zachte G”. Yes, we will all need to be optimistic for the next four years. I did not watch the inauguration. I have decided to withdraw my attention. The great American poet Walt Whitman once said, “Dismiss what insults your soul”. I am polite, you’re right. But, trust me, you won’t find me being fake polite, certainly not if I’m crossed. 😆 Your “toothpaste smile” remark made me chuckle. I have come to value Dutch directness when it means straight talk and being transparent, honest and efficient. But not when it’s used as an excuse to insult others. That’s just rude. Punt. I think making money is plenty Dutch. Americans are more showy about it, which can be obnoxious. The Dutch are subtle, but they are highly adept at making money. Their distinguished past as tradesmen carries on, in my opinion. I think it’s probably true in general that Americans are less interested in non-American things, partly because - as you said - the country is so large and the culture and language are so dominant. Then again, it is difficult to generalize about a population of 330,000,000+ people, particularly one as diverse as the United States. I am probably not a good example of a “typical American”, whatever that may be. The very fact that I left the country and have been living in the Netherlands for almost half of my life makes me an “atypical American”. 😆 And I’m happy for that. 👍 OK, that’s enough of my bedtime book. 💤

[@dittedatte8046]

I never watch Dutch tv programs or Movies. And never liked Dutch music, nothing wrong with that. Just a matter of taste. 😊

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

You’re so right, Freckleface. 😊 May I call you Freckleface? I sincerely hope so; it’s such a great name. Thanks for your comment. It makes me feel better about confessing to my penchant for American music, movies and TV. ❤️

[@dittedatte8046]

@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Ofcourse you can ☺️ I think that American productions are more professional and well made. Dutch movies are most of the time cheap knockoffs, like Desperate Housewives and Gooische Vrouwen. Even Drag Race Holland was not much fun at all.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Thank you, Freckleface. 😊 You say what I don’t dare to say. ❤️

[@dittedatte8046]

@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Maybe because I'm from Holland...☺️

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ That is absolutely why. Love it! ❤️

[@RickLane-x4j]

That church behind you is famous. That Saint Bavo church has a wonderful great organ. And Bach in a Jazzy way is kewl ;-) You oughtta play it on a hifi stereo set. > Une musique divine qui sonne céleste....

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@RickLane-x4j Yessiree, that Bavo kerk is the bomb! Many moons ago, the church organist, Anton Pauw, gave me a backstage pass so I could play that famous organ, the very keyboard once graced by Mozart’s deft hands! 🙌 Hey, I love that jazzy Bach. Wow! ❤️

[@RickLane-x4j]

@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Great organist ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKC3k4ZnbNKcnpIsi=odxUId9t-M3h6nyE

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Absolutely. And a very kind man. What a beautiful video! 🎥

[@RickLane-h4n]

Not a problem to hear your southern accent. I think when I visit Tennessee they wil notice I am a Dutchy. As I said earlier this is an old account and member 2 for you 🙂 But still Mark* kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqSog4mwa5KriNksi=3gCUj7oSrRRIq_71

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@RickLane-h4n Thank you, Mark, for the second subscription! And thank you, as always, for the great songs. 🎶 Johnny has a song for everything, doesn’t he? Love it. ❤️ Thanks to you, I’ve been learning to play I’d Rather Die Young on the uke.

[@RickLane-x4j]

@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 On the Uke.. awesome. I sent a Ukelele band from the UK with the song Wuthering Heights somewhere. Not sure via Mark 1 or Mark 2 lol.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@ Hmm.🤔 It must have been lost in the shuffle, but I just looked it up. A jazzy rendition of Wuthering Heights on multiple ukes. Awesome! 👏

[@justmandy6572]

Hell no. Real Southern folks, you need subtitles. On the capitalism part, owning a home isn't really "capitalism" . What I do notice is a lack of "sense of community" as in caring for problems that people outside your own community have . If that makes sense.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@justmandy6572 Haha. 😆 Thank you, Mandy. I mean, come on, right? ❤️

[@piepkwiep4312]

Ge het unne schone klak.

[@BetterTogether-UnIr1]

@@piepkwiep4312 Bedankydoo!