Why the Dutch are happier than Americans & what we can learn from the Netherlands about happiness

The Netherlands ranked 5th in happiness in 2021 according to the World Happiness Report, far above the United States who ranked 19th that same year. In this video, I want to explore with you what it is that leads to more satisfaction and happiness in the Netherlands. I share cultural differences that I have noticed in my time abroad.
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I like to share my experiences of an American expat in the Netherlands. I describe both the unique and everyday aspects of Dutch culture, and life in Holland while enjoying every bit of it!
Blog website: www.dutchamericano.com
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[@rido1274]

I lived 2 years in the U.S. as an Expat. Although I tried hard to make connections with neighbours, strangers etc., there was no interest to meet again. I'm a very social guy and love to connect to anyone who's interested. The only people in the U.S. who were open and social to me are Latin Americans. No wonder work and money is the most important thing in the U.S. I couldn't stand it anymore and went back to the Netherlands.

[@lisettespek8950]

I’m 2nd generation Dutch (my parents immigrated from Holland) and yes, love my Mexican neighbors!!

[@Jetem52]

You are a very good observer and can explain it in “Jip en Janneke taal’ that’s a gift.

[@thomaswoelz]

I agree with every point! I'm from Brazil, but lived in USA for 5 years, and in the Netherlands for 3 years. It's all true what you said...

[@BryanRobertMusic]

You are verbalizing exactly why I have so much trouble living in the US. Thank you so much.

[@Nerd3927]

I think most Dutch people have some modest savings in stead of debts. That reduces stress and gives the freedom to get a better job if you are pushed to hard.

[@tim3440]

Everybody has debt. That is how our system works..

[@bobosims1848]

@@tim3440 I don't. I'm not super rich, but I have a little bit more than I need, and I don't owe anybody anything.

[@gerbentvandeveen]

Me and my wife don't have a Cerdcard either! And CANNOT STAND RED! On our bank account! OP =OP!! Deb, yes! 4 more years! Then our house is paid off!!

[@sharonswa]

@@tim3440 I don't have debt. Nor do any of my friends. Unless you have a mortgage there is no reason to have debt.

[@Marianneduetje]

@@tim3440 I have no debts. Through out my whole life I have had no debts. I do not own a house and have always rented. Therefore I miss out on huge amounts of stress. I consider myself a happy human being, being very contented. So there......

[@PEHowland]

Good observations. I would say "more content" than "happier", to be pedantic. I tend to think of happiness as a peak emotion, reserved for the highlights in life, where as contentment describes the steady-state. But yes, Dutch society is extremely balanced, efficient and pleasant place to be. I would struggle to live anywhere else now. I look back at my home nation (UK) with despair.

[@anouk6644]

Yes! Although I do think ‘being content’ is a big part of feeling happy. Needing things to be way above average to feel any happiness will set you up for disappointment which can lead to feeling unhappy. Striving for being content is less stressful and easier to obtain. I would dare to say that us dutchies are experts at that, even if we can complain a lot. With generally being content, accepting little discomforts as part of life, like biking in the rain, isn’t such a big deal. Also finding joy in little things like the first ray of sunshine or having a cosy talk with friends is really appreciated. This mindset might make us look happy compared to other cultures, especially those who always strive for more, more, more.

[@captainchaos3667]

The research this is based on is specifically about "happiness" though.

[@erikmulder2574]

Hi Ava, I enjoyed this very much and think you are a good observer. We do work 40 hours a week, or less in some cases, and that is protected by law. This gives us a good work life balance with additionally 4 weeks of paid holidays a year, sometimes a bit more. Well, that must be bad for economy and hurt business in general right? Think again, the Netherlands is in the top 20 of the world economies and has only 18 mln people. That is ridiculously high for such a small country, so working the 40 hours a week and the long vacations do not seem to have a negative impact. Having the time for our private lives means we have time to relax and rest. This allows us to work hard and effective during these 40 hours. Working 100 hours, deprived from sleep does not make you the best employee you can be. You are tired, might make mistakes due to that etc. Surely, I make mistakes as well, but would make much more when I would not have the balance in life as is. As most Dutchmen, I go by the rule, I work to live, I do not live to work. Thank you and till the next time.

[@picobello99]

You're so right about the competitiveness. I was recently at a sports game from work (between several companies) and the team from my company had their slogan "we're not here for the sport" on their shirts. Meaning: they didn't care about winning or losing, but about "gezelligheid"!

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

Interesting video, I like the more 'conversational' style video to change up the more list style videos! Another big factor that I think contributes to Dutch happiness compared to the US has to do with general safety and security, which seriously reduces stress. This goes very broadly, from having less financial worries about losing your job or being exploited because there's better labour laws, to having less stress about your health because of relatively cheap healthcare, to streets being far safer because of better infrastructure and strict gun laws, in the US there's so many things that threaten your safety and security in life that you have to worry much less about in the Netherlands. My American friends always seem much more stressed and on edge because the USA is just far less safe in many different aspects of life.

[@denniston4249]

One of your best vlogs from the time I m following you. My brother Fabian is a Dutch man living in the US , so I get to know a lot from both sides thanks to you. Dutch people are generally happy, I’m one of them. To go deeper into the minds of Dutch/US people is sometimes harsh, but you did it. Let it sink people, please. 😁👍

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

She is a liar. Rutte is destroying NL and he is destroying the farms and cattle industry and gas is 9 euro a gallon. 2.5 x more than usa. you will all freeze to death this winter.

[@stephenvanwijk9669]

Complaining makes me so happy.

[@KootFloris]

Can I complain about that? ;)

[@marekdg]

Omg you’re so right about Americans are learned to be good consumers. I was lucky (this was just before the pandemic.) to visit my aunt in NM for a month during Christmas. And I’ve to be honest I was kind of in shock about the consumerism. Everything was about buying stuff. People do even talk about it as the Dutch complain about the weather. I remember it felt so weird. Especially scince I’m Dutch/Polish, we’ve always celebrated the Christian holidays in the Polish way. So tradition, tradition, tradition. That makes it feel really lovely because everything forms around the dinner in the evening with all these dishes that represent specific things. And I remember joking with my brother about the shop opening hours during Polish Christmas: shops close a day before Christmas Eve 23dec I think to let people prepare everything. Then 24, 25, 26 everything was closed… and the 27 and 28 it was pretty common to see shops still closed. (Probably to recover from all that holiness 🤪) anyway the American Christmas felt a bit shallow 🙈😳

[@eddys.3524]

Hi Ava. I loved the video/rant on happiness. About turning everything people do into a competition, you're right... it kills the fun it was intended to provide. Doing fun stuff can be viewed as psychological income. Can't be measured in money, but is essential for keeping a balance in life and staying happy.

[@weerwolfproductions]

Me (Dutch, working 4 days of 8,5 hours with 7 weeks of paid vacation time): Yo boss, I've got enough financial means to cut back my hours, can i work 7,5 hours per day starting january? Boss: Yeah sure if that's what you want. Me: Yes! I work to live, I don't live to work. I have Legos to put together, jigsaws I haven't made yet, books to read, DnD to DM for 3 groups etc. Boss: Have you seen that new Lego Medieval Castle set yet? Me: I've got it but haven't build it yet. US citizen: 'BUT YOU PAY SO MUCH TAXES!!1!11!1!!'

[@talgenkin4723]

This video made so much sense to as someone who lived to in the US for 4.5 years and just moved to the Netherlands 4 months ago. I could totally see the things you talked about here.

[@emilyannfrancesmay3919]

Happy Holidays, Ava. I think happiness is a transient emotion. Unhappiness can happen at any time and happiness can vanish or give way to another feeling. I think the Dutch have a sense of confidence and security that comes from what appears to me a very strong safety net. The public-private partnership for health insurance and health care alleviates one from the oppressive worries of medical bankruptcy or being turned away for care. These are my impressions from interacting with Dutch internet friends. I'm open to corrections or clarifications from other Dutchies.

[@celinecathz2280]

Hello! the point about scheduling time for friends was very interesting (I mean it, I don't mean "interesting" as a euphemism for "rubbish"!). I am a French mom living in the UK and I can tell you that the tendency to say "let's keep in touch" and not do it, is not just American. It is oh so common in the UK too, which is much smaller than the US. I have long lost count on the number of times when someone said "we'll have to agree on a time to meet-up for coffee/for dinner, etc." and it never happened. Fortunately sometimes it does happen, but here, one must never bank on it. I really like that in many parts of the continent, not just the Netherlands, although people may say it less easily, when they do say "let's meet up", they mean it!

[@Alvicatchannel]

Happy to have watched this video!

[@remcohoman1011]

Dear Eva, HCR needs to see this and hear this from you, he seems confused still on the planning subject, you explained it very well...that is indeed why we dutchies plan your visit, so all time is to be spent with you..only a family death would interfere, nothing else..litterally.

[@theoswinkels5499]

Wish I had 10% your ability to tell thoughts this clear. Love your channel.

[@bulletproofhappiness1111]

excellent thoughts🙌🏻

[@TransylvaniaGirl]

3 months living in the NL now and your vídeos are very insightful

[@TerryVogelaar]

Great content, Ava! It all sounds so "normaal" for us Dutchies, but I never made the connection that these things contribute to our happiness. I met an American Christian, and we had a 2-minute conversation about faith. In the end, he asked me my name. He wrote it down and promised to pray daily for me. My first thought was: "No, you won't." Imagine having to work through an ever-increasing list of names of all the people with whom you had a conversation of more than a minute... daily! Even praying is "work" for them.

[@RFGfotografie]

Awesome video yet again :)

[@BaRtJuHh083]

About the complaining i think thats a part of our directness but also i think it helps if you let out your frustrations with words instead of holding it in. Its a bit of stress relief once its out its out and you can go on. Why only talk about good things with your friends if they are good friends they will be there in good and bad times. Just say it like it is..let it all out and grab some drinks afterwards.. Ps i really enjoy your videos its sometimes easy to forget how good we have it and focus on all the shitty stuff you are opening my eyes bit by bit to how wonderfull live can be and appreciate the smaller things...i really needed this

[@enricio]

Nicely thought out. 🔥🥳✨🍷

[@AreHan1991]

One of your best videos, so well spoken. Your description of attitudes in The Netherlands is also a good description of Scandinavia - and Europe at large maybe?

[@vincentvermeulen6703]

I believe you forget one thing about Dutch people that is quite powerful. When people engage in something that is extravagant in your eyes, they will tolerate it as long doesn't harm you or society.

[@royklein9206]

Jeeej an unexpected midweek DA video :)

[@scotturner3178]

Excellent intelligent insightful video. I've cycled around the Netherlands a little and have noticed the phenomena you discuss, but could never piece together the cultural drivers.

[@arturobianco848]

Very good point on the stress factor i think thats one of the major ones about feeling happy. A good work life balance is a very importanted factor in that an other one is i think security (in a general sence). How safe do you feel overal, like do i need to worry i can get feed myself, have decent medical care, have a roof over me head, or for parents can i give my kids a decent education and ofcourse percieved fysicical/psychological safety. All of thoose are pretty good in the Netherlands and thats why we are happy. You gave some nice perseptive on how or perhaps better why we accomplished that.

[@paulinaarevalo7203]

Hi Ava! I love your videos😊 always a topic to think about and different perspectives👍🏻 There are studies about happiness in countries and what they meassure is GDP, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, perceptions of corruption so The Netherlands ranks very well👍 BUT in my opinion, after living 10 years in the US and 7 years in The Netherlands, my perception of dutch people (I have a dutch husband too) is that they are in general very negative, not only they complain about everything but they are very pesimistic about situations or what could go wrong😂 you cant have a conversation without having a down comment about something......so that bubblely positivity is exactly what I miss the most about the US❤️ And lets not talk about the many cases with burnout here in The Netherlands, over stressed is definitely a thing here too.

[@Indiamood4love]

When you say that Dutch people tend to take vacation days at the same time, well, that mostly goes for people with children who are still going to elementary or high school. They will follow the school vacations if and when their job allows, especially in the summer.

[@daluzsoares]

You get better at it and that without a coffee mug !!👏🏻👏🏻 but what I wanted to say is that the American dream that is stamped into it since childhood .This Dream is not realizable because individuals always want more than what they and therefore end up in a state of dissatisfaction. In addition, the dream reduces social cohesion because it encourages individualism and an overemphasis on material possessions.

[@KootFloris]

And when sporting with friends, for fun, I noticed we don't run to 'win', we run to play and don't care about winning. So competition isn't really what makes people run. Competition is a trick to turn people against each other and everyone loses.

[@silviosantos6553]

Hello Eva. I love listening to you. I can assume there's a lot of food for thought in this video. Americans tend to live to work and this generates a totally different dynamics in life. It generates much more anxiety, pressure and frustration. We do have a trend here in Brazil as well . However, It is now changing a bit. We are lucky somehow because we do have a very socializing and spontaneous culture and that prevents us to not forget to enjoy life. As to the Dutch, I guess they are more sensible in that regard and they do enjoy life to its fullest. It's certainly a lesson to all other countries. I guess that enjoying life in all its aspects makes people happier overall because you're not concentrating your life in only one field. You have a bunch of other interests to fulfill yourself.

[@user-lu9nq4cj4i]

I like your channel!👍

[@peli71]

Eva, two words: spot on!

[@bobosims1848]

Hi Ava. Great video! If you observe the US only through the window of films and TV-series, you get the impression that almost everybody sees a shrink on a regular basis. And considering some of the things that you mentioned, which can also be seen in those films/series -that everyone is so busy competing on a professional level and having very little time to themselves, and that they sleep so little-, I'm not surprised that so many people NEED to see a shrink. They don't give themselves any time to live, and to process what all is happening around them. Of course, they are stressed, so they need that shrink to help them work out what really should come naturally to them. And of course, this is only what you see in those shows -fiction-, but the fact that American society is usually portrayed like that, must also come from somewhere. For there to be this much smoke, there has to be a fire somewhere nearby. We Dutch have that a lot less. I think that's a big part of what defines the difference in happiness levels.

[@gordonwallin2368]

Well said Ava. My late friend who worked for years in the US, said to me that Americans are so competitive. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@argenieuwenhuijzen2557]

Hey Ava, maybe you should add that with most hobbies, be it sports or something creative, there’s usually a ‘derde helft’/‘third half’ in the pub or canteen to ‘evaluate’. 😁

[@letitiarademakers6304]

​@@millvillagerno, it's having a drink with the team. Evaluating the game, the walk or the project in a relaxing environment. ( a voetbalmatch has 2 "halves" and then the 3rd is added afterwards).

[@argenieuwenhuijzen2557]

@Laura Like Letitia says it's only about having a drink after the activity.

[@TheExplorder]

My hobby is brewing beer at home, and I concur, the evaluation beers are always a blast haha

[@plonss]

Your observation of fashion becoming a kind of "uniform" because no one wants to stand out from the crowd, here you hit an important point !

[@Bruintjebeer6]

Something els next to family and friends. Stop making everything a competition. Stop looking at what others have and be happy with what you have. Fun and a nice day out does not have to cost money. Be creative. Happiness is a mindset. Work to live. Don't live to work.

[@guuskaitjily8581]

Hi Ava I have to say this was a very good vlog ,and I do agree on your spot on observations.I like to add that rich dutch people instead of showing off there wealth, here do hide it .The balance between work and time to relax, financial security(even when unemployed) and access to healthcare is the key to happiness I suppose .

[@maidenekker]

Thank you for this refreshing view on our society. I believe you are right, a lot of people in the Netherlands are quite content with their lives, allthough i know some people who are worried because of other things, like the costs of living, the gasprices. There is a lot of hidden poverty right now. But that is not your subject and i agree with wat you are saying. I work as a psychiatric nurse and there has never been any competition in my kind of work. The pay is allright, not so much as people who work in different professions, but i can have a good life. I was happy to see my children both chose an occupation in health care. My son is a fysiotherapist and my daughter studies medicine. No professions that will make them rich, but that was not the main concern obviously. They chose what they wanted to do in live.

[@Nerd3927]

Ambition is not the same a making more money. Ambition is solving engineering issues too, like living below sea level, increasing Efficiency in Fishery and Farming or being the Go To country to solve all kind of marine engineering issues. You will find some really driven and ambitious people in those sectors. Not just for the money...

[@TheSimArchitect]

You're talking about collective ambitions versus individual ones. Here they crush you if you want to ever be able to afford one of those nicer houses by the water instead of living in a small shoebox. You're also left without a choice to allocate more budget towards better health care since they force everybody on a single system that's designed to be frugal instead of being good.

[@Nerd3927]

@@TheSimArchitect There is collective ambition in those fields, but individuals have a role in that. Saying to a Dutchy that something can't be done, is a strong motivation to prove that there's a way. Lots of intrinsic motivation if bad company policy doesn't crush it.

[@TheSimArchitect]

@@Nerd3927 That kind of motivation only go so far. Ambition and greed is WAY more effective. Yes, perhaps people overwork in America, but they wouldn't sacrifice their own health to improve our lives if they weren't seeking a shiny carrot. Plus this "collective" thing is bad because people hide being average instead of competing with each other for excellence. Yes, they're happier but much less motivated. It's a good system for the employees but bad for the consumers and business owners. Many things work pretty well here, though, so I have to admit it's NOT bad, but I notice segments where there's competition like telecom and discretionary spending provide us a much better service than health care, housing, government, public services (PostNL 🥴)... Grocery stores won't even have bathrooms or accept credit cards because they don't care about their customers. McDonald's charges for Ketchup! But yes, workers are paid a living wage and if they survive 15 years waiting in line they get to rent a social apartment/house for a price that's compatible with minimum wage. 😬

[@weerwolfproductions]

@@TheSimArchitect 'this country does things differently than my own and therefore it's all bad'. That basically sums up all your posts here. I've pointed out several times already that the things you point out as bad are actually a result of capitalism, yet you want more capitalism to 'fix' it somehow. Most of the things you say are complete lies as well. The Netherlands doesn't use creditcards because we have debit cards that you just hold against the machine, type in your pin, and you're done. Creditcard companies charge EXTRA for their service, and either the grocery store charges you for the extra costs, or they have to lower their profit in order to accomodate the one village idiot who takes a creditcard to a grocery store. No. Why should a grocery store owner or manager make less profit because there's one customer once per week who insists to pay with a creditcard, knowing that it is more expensive than a debit card? And when paying with a credit card is more complicated? When instead that customer could have taken his debit card. No charge. Credit cards in The Netherlands are either used for online shopping (where the customer always pays the surcharge) or shopping big stuff. But like 30 Euros of groceries? Debit card. Also telecom, like the post, are public services, and both have been privatised. Post.NL is a private business that has been appointed by the Dutch government to deliver post. It's competitors are DHL, FedEx, UPS, Deutsche Post etc. Back when it was still PTT (Post, Telegraaf, Telefoon) what is now KPN wat the second T in that company. Privatisation forced the former state owned company to split up and become stock exchange registered in all its seperate divisions. Want to improve the PostNL service? Buy stock and go to the shareholders meeting and demand improvement like a good capitalist.

[@TheSimArchitect]

@@weerwolfproductions It's not all bad. At all. Just some of it. Don't you expect more in return when you pay more for something? It's just about it. Also, the lack of real choice. But that's my opinion. Do your own research on how bad (and good) experiences surrounding Dutch services are. Some if it is great, but too much of it is lacking and everybody knows there's shortage. You're free to correct me if I am wrong. 😬 Also, on the credit card, try arriving in The Netherlands without a "wonderful Dutch PIN Card" and doing anything "normal" when you're a tourist or recently arrived and you only have Mastercard / Visa cards (credit/debit) like most people overseas and you'll understand my perspective. I hear some grocery stores don't even want cash anymore. They could just charge those 2% extra when you pay with a credit card, problem solved.

[@Gee_Jay]

GREAT that You Speak out on this Topic !! -- Both Objective (Quality of LiFE) - And Subjective (Self-Report) "Happiness Economics" - Indexes Support this. Jason Slaughter (@NotJustBikes) Also Points to the Netherlands' Cities, Towns & neighborhoods Being So Walkable & Bikeable - Drawing You Outside, Getting some Sun - or at least REAL Daylight - some relaxed interacting with strangers, etc.

[@PrinceWalacra]

Thanks again for your spot on analysis of society. I know it is kind of provoked by the difference in US and NL cultures or lifestyles but as in a cultural perspective this also does point out the differences between individuals. Of course there are Americans that are less obsessively ambitious and there are Dutch people who actually are. Differences in society do influence individual behavior but people can change themselves too. It’s the “critical mass’ that eventually changes society. But i have to say that it also needs help from the gouvernement by using it’s steering tools like more or less taxes or even to forbid / obligate in case of for example environmental issues.

[@peterhendriks1602]

Great observations, but you have one blind spot. Dutch people are also content because they feel safe. Not only because there is no gun violence, but also because there are social safety nets in place. Falling ill, losing your job, suffering from a burnout, you will always have plenty of time to return to your old form. Your income is guaranteed foor two years. Dutch people also have excellent pension plans and don't have to worry about their retirement. Then there is the certainty that what ever happens to them medically speaking, they will always receive te best treatment available and ones income bracket doesn't pay a role. Your annual 'own risk' is only a few hundred euros per year. If you never have to worry about all that your life becomes a lot lighter. Americans always live with all those 'what if' questions in te back of their minds.

[@TheSimArchitect]

What's "best care"? Because I come from Brazil, a third world country, and if you have good private health care (or use the private system entirely out of pocket) you get much better care that's actually focused on the patient's best interest instead of doing it's best to be cheap and "good for the collectivity" instead. I have heard of horror stories surrounding old patients with cancer treatments being denied because they'd be too old to return enough benefit to society after costing "too much" to society. It's also clear Dutch doctors don't have a preventive care / early diagnosis policy in place and they love to send people back home with a Tylenol until they are really sure patients are seriously ill. I am 44 years old and I was never invited for a routine checkup after living here half of a decade. I also hear it takes several months to see an expert here where in Brazil, provided you have private insurance, you can see an expert directly without a general practitioner gate keeping you in a couple of days (or weeks, depending on your insurance tier etc). We have to admit there's no "free good service for all". Surely not in The Netherlands. Sorry.

[@peterhendriks1602]

@@TheSimArchitect In the Netherlands there aren't any private hospitals. Everybody gets the same very good care. You first go to your GP and discus what the next step is supposed to be. He refers you to a specialist in a hospital of your choice.

[@weerwolfproductions]

@@TheSimArchitect We're taught to go see the GP when we think something is wrong with our health. Some risk groups get a yearly or other frequency check, either with the GP or with their specialist. When the GP thought I had something bad with my lungs (i thought i had a bad case of flu - he was more concerned) i was refered to the hospital the same day, in the evening, instead of waiting to the next morning. Since the cause wasn't clear i spend 2 weeks in the hospital and was only released when they were sure they had found the cause and i was mending again. Within 2 weeks i had another visit with the specialist to make sure i was still mending, and i got extra information on the treatment plan. All that cost me only my personal risk on top of my (around 100 EUR) monthly health insurance. Despite the total bill being more than 5000 EUR including all the tests and the hospital stay and the ambulance transfering me from a hospital without available beds to one with available beds (it was the height of flue season). I've seen hospital bills from the US charging a patient 100.000 USD PER DAY. With elderly patients and cancer: the specialist will talk the treatment plan through with the elderly person and if the patient wishes, the direct family (either spouse or children). What they will give is alternatives and prognosis. The older a patient is, the less likely they are to survive the treatment - if the treatment helps, and that usually staves off the inevitable by months, at a highly reduced quality of life. Religious patients will likely opt in for the treatment, since their god likes suffering for some reason. Atheist patients will likely opt in for pain reduction and euthanasia, since quality of life matters to them. But it is still the patient's choice. Care will not be witheld if they choose so.

[@TheSimArchitect]

@@weerwolfproductions I wish you are right. Sadly I feel the system is designed to be frugal and I hear and read too many cases of people complaining of care being given at lower quality to save money. I also believe it's much nicer to schedule an appointment directly with an expert in a matter of two or three days instead of having to see a family doctor that acts as a gate keeper and even if you're sick you may sometimes have to wait months if your case isn't urgent, even if you could benefit from a shorter wait. It would be perfectly fine if there was a second system where you can pay more to have better care. I only have a problem because there's no other choice and that happens because if there were one the deficiency of the existing system would be much clearer as people would have something else to compare what they have and they'd be very unhappy seeing their less frugal peers receiving way better care while they're stuck in line for months. Imagine yourself being a doctor. You can stay here and make 5000 euros per month or you can move to US and make 10 or 50 times as much. 😬

[@williamgeardener2509]

@@TheSimArchitect "You can stay here and make 5000 euros per month or you can move to US and make 10 or 50 times as much." And that's where the difference lies. Dutch people working in healthcare aren't out to earn millions. They have chosen the profession to help people, not because they want be part of a ratrace where your succes is measured by the amount of prescriptions you write and how many patients you gave unnecessary but expensive treatments. The American healthcare system is the most costly and most inefficient system in the world. It's a great system for people who are wealthy and fit, it sucks when you're poor and have a chronic illness like diabetes, rheumatism or asthma.

[@jeanpierreviergever1417]

On work culture: if people always mention they are busy with work and have to put in long hours in the Netherlands people are either concerned about that person about health and well being, or think that they simply aren’t good enough in their job to do it in normal hours. Not a good thing to say in the Netherlands.

[@edgaracostadavila204]

The Netherlands has "WELL BEING"... don't confuse "WELL BEING" with "HAPINESS"... Happiness is an ambiguous term, and everybody define Happines in their own terms, for me Latin America, are countries that don't have too much well being, but they can enjoy openly without limitations their time, they have HAPINESS in every moment.

[@wisecat.]

"Make time for your friends'? I kept doing that until eventually I ended up losing all my friends because the friendship was too much one-sided. They always said to me when we were saying goodbye: "Hey let's meet up again, I call you." I just knew they wouldn't. I always was the one calling them for something. I became so sick and tired of it that I stopped calling them. Guess what, the never called me either again. So byebye friends. I'm Dutch btw

[@dutchyjhome]

Hey Ava, you are right! You do not need to hate USA to see differences between USA and Netherlands. It all comes down to a huge difference in mentality. It basically emphasizes the difference between the Anglo Saxon Economical Model and The Rhineland Economical Model: The Rhineland business model emphasizes medium- and long-term thinking, whereby business continuity is more important than taking quick short-term profits. However, the Rhineland-style company is often more closed than the Anglo-Saxon variant, which obtains its financing mainly through the stock exchange, whereas the Rhenish company is financed more through families and banks. The Rhineland business model is also seen as a 'stakeholder model', while the Anglo-Saxon business model is a 'shareholder model'. More value is attached to the autonomy of the directors who, unlike the shareholders, work within the organization, are better informed, and simply have to be able to do their job. (Short-term) profit is seen as a closing item and it is considered more important to pay all other stakeholders first before the shareholders have a say. Consensus between all stakeholders is the basis for decision making. Hostile takeovers do not fit in here and protective constructions are also more accepted than in the Anglo-Saxon model. Equities are usually relatively less attractive as an investment in countries with a Rhineland business model than in a country with an Anglo-Saxon model. Shareholders are just one category of the many stakeholders where the emphasis is placed on being financially last. In addition, the tax burden is by definition higher and since interest is deductible, bonds become more attractive. Investors will also see more in lower yielding but more stable bonds.

[@kaans695]

i don't have a full social calendar and i like it :)

[@Zoe_studio]

I was born in Nederlands I lived there for 7 years almost 8 years and l’m 8 years old now I live in USA

[@dutchman7623]

A lot also has to do with being satisfied with what you achieved, and seeking satisfaction in other aspects of life. If you have a good job, you also want a good family life, and feel good about how you spend your time. A factory director can play music in a 'Hoempa' band, just for fun and have social contacts. Not to be an excellent musician. And he/she can be proud about it as well. Can't imagine an American to say: I am manager of the biggest division of Apple, and play tuba in a Mardi Gras band.

[@mrdarkmagic8437]

Mostly agree with you but I will say that especially in college people still like to compete about how busy they are in The Netherlands. I had a day where students in my class were literally having a conversation about how they slept like 4 hours in 3 days and have been so busy. I think being busy is generally a thing people are proud of in western culture

[@barbarawarner4645]

Nearly spot on! I agree Dutch are more content and anxiety free. However I don’t see a lot more actual happiness or joy. They ARE sober! 😂 The Dutch have an amazing safety net in terms of health care, education, shelter, etc. Americans deal with food insecurity, homelessness, health care costs, etc. Oh, and they have to worry about being shot dead at school or while shopping, working, or partying! And the overworked element is sadly so true. it’s no contest! Life is easier, safer, and more predictable in The Netherlands. However, I’d rather go to a party in the US than in The Netherlands.😂 I hadn’t thought of American competitiveness aspect but it’s true. . . and sad. Good video. Thanks.

[@stormchaser419]

Facebook in the US is nothing short of a comparison game

[@vtxgenie1]

The overwhelming consumerism in the US isn't only due to keeping up with or comparing with others, but inflation is so overwhelming that even to afford the same things one grew up with (possibly a house, car, tvs and stereos, gas being cheap, etc) to afford those same things you need significantly and increasingly higher income, and then to work for unregulated companies for a tiny portion of profits makes it all worse. Balance in life is much more healthy and leads to much more happiness in life

[@corjp]

A big thing , I think , is that we Dutch do not need to have 2 or more jobs just to get by. The greater part of this nation is happy with one job and have some time for your self and or friends/family.

[@BrazenNL]

I think the US (the country itself) doesn't help. I mean, how can you be equal if you don't share the same restroom, or even get into a discussion with your boss? How can you get rest when it's frowned upon to use all your vacation days? How can you relax on that vacation when people expect you to be reachable? How can you not stress about medical costs when the country doesn't want to share those costs? I think it's fantastic that people want to start taking care of themselves, but a lot of things have to be in place for that to happen if you don't have financial freedom and freedom of responsibility.

[@AlSpice]

I have a question, my partner and I are thinking about immigrating to The Netherlands at some point. I'm currently trying to learn Dutch. My partner and I both have pretty "different" fashion styles, would it make it hard to get along with others if we continued to dress uniquely there?

[@williamgeardener2509]

Most Dutch people don't care about your clothes as long as you cover your genitals and don't look like you just left an SM-session. If you want to wander around dressed like a SS-Übergruppenführer you'll find out that a lot of people take offense and some will attack you. But perhaps you're lucky and you only get arrested for wearing fascist clothing. Other than that you can be as extravagant as you like, as long as you're not wilfully and knowingly offending people.

[@sylviahupkens3579]

Hi, no you can be dressed different, that is not a problem at all. You see a lot of diversity here, especially in the big cities.😊

[@VulcanOnWheels]

The competitive spirit you speak of in the U.S. is something Jaspreet Singh also speaks of, perhaps with more emphasis on how to make money.

[@oldman4049]

Doe maar normaal (act normal) ,is just half of the saying. The complete saying is: Doe maar normaal, dat is al gek genoeg. (Act normal, that crazy enough as it is).

[@Kelsea-2002]

This morbid delusion of always having to be the best is basically the biggest problem in the USA.In countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland, for example, this is completely different.In these countries it is important that the community functions well. Be it in the economy, or in normal everyday life in dealing with his neighbors.This strong community takes a lot of pressure and stress off the individual and enables them to live a better life.That's why people in these countries are happier than in the US.

[@koosmotormuis]

Strong conclusion!

[@ruudvdwerf]

For a couple of years I spent a lot of time in the US, and I also experienced family life there. What shocked me was that kids would come back from school every day telling their parents that they were the best of their class at this or that (test, assignment, anything). The teacher would actually announce in the classroom who was the best in front of anyone! I think this is fundamentally wrong. Probably they do that to encourage kids to try harder but in the end you get a situation like described in the video; it's all about competion, comparison, with stress etc as a result. And what about kids who are a little bit less fortunate to be able to be the best all the time? What is the effect on them? I don't even want to think about that....

[@Kelsea-2002]

@@ruudvdwerf Good and very important point.If the school also gives these 'good' students a small reward...I would classify this as extremely critical and dangerous. In this way, communities are torn apart instead of strengthening.But hey, the American economy doesn't want a strong community, because it's easier to exploit a weak individual.

[@amosamwig8394]

and thusss the circle comes together what do we need? a relationship with our lord and with our neigbours total perfection The End

[@starlight27277]

Paul Simon sings, "And I know I'm fakin' it, I'm not really makin' it."

[@anthonyanderson2405]

I have had the privilege of living twice for extended periods in Amsterdam. I think your analysis of Dutch society is very spot on,

[@jopjop9400]

we complain about evrything so eventualy someone gets anoyed by it and makes it better

[@gerbentvandeveen]

I also worked at least 45 hours a week. Until there every 4 weeks? An invoice came from the municipality of €190,-. For the care and aids my wife needs. I have 21 or 22 hours a month, minimum overtime. A' €10 per hour at that time. Now that I don't work overtime anymore, I keep $190 in my pocket. And Net more about it! For me? No more overtime! That's at the end of the month, MUCH CHEAPER! And more in our pocket. Greetings from Spakenburg, the Netherlands.

[@solidrocketross]

coffeeshops and not just for coffee unemployment benefits set at 75% of the most recent pay capped at a max of €228,76 per day in 2022.

[@Nynke_K]

Lots of food for thought here! I think people try to generally blend in with their social group everywhere, but I guess the group Dutch people try to blend in with is much larger than in the US? Maybe also because Dutch society is a bit more homogeneous? Not entirely sure which came first, though. Also: there are Dutch subcultures with a rat race, like academia (where people definitely complain about work pressure and mean it, but success and fulfillment do depend on publishing articles in more time than fits into a work week) and some corporate cultures. So glad it's not everywhere though! And so glad conspicuous consumption (and all the environmental waste and stress it brings) is not idolised here. I guess I like calvinism more than I thought I did, even if 'doe normaal' is often taken too far!

[@philsarkol6443]

In general, people in the Netherlands are happy. We grade our lives in a very positive way. But we have a trust issue with our politicians. There are many problems we have to solve, to do that we have to regain trust in our political system that we may even have to adjust! We are on the brink of many changes that are fundamentaly different then what we were used to in the last century. As allways we are sure that we can make that change by investing in people, new technology, new energy systems, new infra-structural works, and a rearrangement of our social-economic system. So right now in the year 2023 we are in a new age of awareness that we all have to change. In short; we in the Netherlands are living in exciting times, where decisions we make now, will have a profound impact on our lives in this coming 21st century. We are a small but very wealthy country, and we are in a luxurious position to contemplate and shape our country and our future, both on an individual level as well as on the level of WE the people of the Netherlands. Are we happy? Yes!! Can we improve? Yes!! Do the Dutch complain? Allways!!😀

[@BrendonChase_2015]

"All countries have something to learn from other countries". Could be, depends on the countries involved I guess. But instead of countries, let's talk people. Serious question: What can Dutch people learn from Americans that the Dutch can't learn from other ppl living in neighbouring countries? And if there's a positive answer to this then the nxt question would be: from which or what kind of Americans? Rurals, suburbians, city dwellers? East or West coast? From European heritage or not? Do Americans represent a nation and a people like the different peoples over here in Europe? Or is America more like a "proposition nation", an idea or a political experiment like Alexis de Tocqueville described it? Cheers!

[@weerwolfproductions]

Let's swap it around, what can US citizens learn from Dutch people? In all the discussions i've had with US conservatives, no matter the topic, the end-line of the discussion has always been 'You're not an American, you have no right to say anything about how we live / You don't understand our culture / That will never work here."

[@dagemervideos]

are we?

[@Daniel3NT]

AA Gill well said: Netherlands is a triumph of the middle class.

[@stormchaser419]

No wonder they have hobbies, they get 4 to 6 weeks vacation, work reasonable hours and have a better attitude towards life. Just think, no material possessions can be dragged into your coffin.

[@Schokland2007]

Dutch infrastructure also contributes to happiness. Watch the Not Just Bikes videos.

[@meilinhu8132]

😄☀️

[@JasperDamste]

Complaining makes us happy😆

[@qedqubit]

biggest difference is the Dutch work to Live; Americans live to WORK !!!

[@LisaKokx]

Honestly, the "doe normaal" culture is one of the things that I hate the most here in the Netherlands. I spent a few months in the US and felt so free to express myself, whereas here I begrudgingly try to be as normal as possible as to avoid stares and comments.

[@glennis-dankuwel6020]

This is why I’m working on retiring in The Netherlands 🇳🇱 bc when there my brain came to a halt of peace. My personality has always been laid back like the Dutch even while there ppl automatically spoke Dutch to me. I guess I fit in so well. I do think 🤔 the Dutch are so smart. I went to the Apple 🍎 store bc of a brown out & it blew out my phone. I was sitting speaking to salesman & his co-worker came over & he he quickly switched back & forth to Dutch & English. Plus the Dutch speak English so well even better than the Americans. Americans don’t come for me but it’s true. We’ve become lazy with our language it’s embarrassing. Dutch, will stop ✋🏿 to help you if you need help. However, just don’t be rude. ❤

[@dahemper]

If you don't complain, nothing wil improve...

[@bobzt]

No bright colours on the street: unless it's Kings Day or Holland are playing. Then the whole country turns ORANJE! 😊

[@Busfles984]

"Doe normaal" is a thing in the provinces above the Rhine, Mues and Waal rivers (esspecially The Randstad). Because in Brabant and Limburg we have Carnaval. Check out YT video "American Goes To DUTCH CARNAVAL" by "Exploring The Foreign". Planning a meeting with friends weeks or days ahead is not a thing in Brabant and Limburg. They always make time for you. Brabanders and Limburgers are happier and more relaxed. So Eva move to Limburg or Brabant for a less stressful live.

[@Be-Es---___]

Never turn your hobby into a job. You'll loose your hobby. 😎

[@KootFloris]

Hmm, I made what I love into my profession(s) and it worked. I get paid for what I love. That's because I don't work, as in, it doesn't feel as such. It feels I get paid to play. :)

[@MusicJunky3]

And you run the risk of hating what you love, if you have to make a living from it !

[@KootFloris]

@@MusicJunky3 Read my first comment. It's not true.

[@amosamwig8394]

it hits different indeed

[@williamgeardener2509]

Not true. It just means that a substantial part of the time you're doing your hobby, you get paid for it. So you have your hobby and get money. That's like eating the cake and still have it.

[@arnehaverschmidt]

It's just, we are happy with you. There actually is no other reason to be happy in wartime...

[@robertroelofs7131]

I guess you're living in middle/west of the Netherlands? I can get you're early points, i live near Germany, i look like an extra on the show Vikings. Head mostly shaven, long hair, medium long beard. So you will always have people that stand out. I have US friends and it looks more like: "You live to work", instead of "you work to live".

[@weerwolfproductions]

Groninger here, high five on the extra's on the vikings set! Quite possibly because in the Randstad, despite how relaxed it seems compared to the USA, it's still hectic and pushy and competitive compared to the northern and eastern areas of The Netherlands. I bet some US citizens will assume that if we go any slower through live we'll be going backwards... But i like the slower pace of life up here. People not pushing to get into a train but helping each other. Some time the train takes off late because two people can't agree who gets in first! 'After you.' 'No, after you.' etc. (yes that's an overstatement - but not by much). I think another reason for our happines is sincerity. When we ask 'how are you doing, is everything ok?' we actually mean it. It's not a hollow phrase. It's just that we don't ask everyone that question. So sometimes our behaviour might seem stand-offish.

[@BrazenNL]

I have to ask: You only shave part of your head? :)

[@Brera011]

Dear Ava, can you do the next update in Dutch? Like most Dutch people with a certain degree of education, like mosy of of us us, ny English is more than rather good. I'm curious how yo've improved on our lanquage.

[@dutchgamer842]

Huh what's "mosy of of us us, NY English"

[@Greyhound53200]

Obviously Ava's target audience also consists of English speaking people, more specifically Americans and, as you conclude yourself, we Dutch can deal well with the English language, so it's pretty obvious that her videos are in English.

[@marcarcarmar9977]

Yes, you are a smart girl .. watch a few videos of you .. nice and unused .. and love girls to {joke} . tnx .. Greetings From Amsterdam✌

[@randar1969]

It's simple for me , because we don't have to be that afraid to lose a job we don't have sickdays if your sick for a year employer can ask to unbind your contract but during that year 100% salary. After your contract is dissolved you usually are bought out, and then a year where to government pays you 80% of last earned salary. Or other curveballs life can throw at you. Such as no health bill worries (get something terrible and you pay $400.. in a year! And you can study cheaper here. College cost about $2600/year for the poor their are grants available so anyone that can pass the test can chooce whatever they want. We pay way more taxes but we see more back in social security, insurance and infrastructure. That's why we are happier. The downside? 52% income tax for everything above around $83,000/year.

[@martinvandenboorn]

well about that "doe normaal" what people say more is kinda the same, "doe maar gewoon dan doe je al gek genoeg" hahaha if you wear a lot of jewelry and flashy clothes that's like a singal to robbers that you will be the target that will make their day... so that's also a reason why people tend to not be to flashy :P well yes relationships take work... you must put in the effort to keep in touch

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

The reason the Dutch are happy is probably: they laugh all the time about other countries. Yes, a lot of people here think we have the worst government in the world, and we are suppressed and getting poorer by the minute. Guess however, if they take a look over the border, they run back to the Netherlands.

[@MusicJunky3]

Don't forget we (for a large part) work to live and not live to work. And that you can't buy guns everywhere (there I said it..) Nevertheless wonderful episode !

[@erpece]

Think about this: there is no such thing as quality time at work...

[@johnkoster462]

Zoals we zeggen: je moet je niet spiegelen aan iemand anders, je kan niet in hun portemonnee kijken

[@leostouthart8289]

Hi Ava on your backside is a green plant ,this plant is poisoned and is dangerous for your cat whan she eat of this . Becareful !!

[@MusicJunky3]

Backside = achterwerk :)

[@abebedibaba6867]

Are you shure? HAPPY 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 what kind of happiness 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jackvandersluis1723]

Hi Ava, nice vlog, we are I think not the most happy people, more average. At this moment in the Netherlands due to high costs it's a little less happy, but like the Dutch we are, we will survive! 😊

[@frankgeurts3912]

The happyist people,live in Sweden.average we have a very good country...and we had the best country.but in decline things are changing....you should dig in the down side like suïcide, depression,being lonely,voedselbank, poverty (only a small percentage is really happy )

[@devnull1013]

​ @Frank Geurts If you ask a random Swede some will also be pessimistic about Sweden turning into a muslim country. The grass is always greener on the other side!