PAYING bills and splitting expenses, for example after dinner, varies drastically around the world. Some cultural norms are so unusual that they are debated online for days. That’s exactly what happened after an influencer’s video about the Dutch custom of everyone paying their share of the bill went viral, writes Bored Panda.
The comic sketch triggered an avalanche of reactions
In a short and humorous sketch, the influencer depicted a typical office situation in which her Dutch colleague offers her extra food, but is soon asked to pay the exact amount. The scene, which depicts confusion and culture shock, made millions laugh and sparked heated debate.
“It all comes down to cultural differences”
The video’s creator, Yana Lipcheva, explained the story behind the video to Bored Panda. “The post is a comedic sketch. It was inspired by various real-life situations and the famous Dutch habit of splitting the bill down to the last cent, as well as their honesty and precision when it comes to who ate or drank what,” she said.
She also explained why she thinks her video went viral: “I think many people can relate because they’ve found themselves in similar situations, which is evident in the comments. In the end, it all comes down to cultural differences.”
“In my opinion, there is no right or wrong behavior. People and nations are different, and everyone has their own opinion about sharing food. These opinions can vary greatly. It is precisely because of these discussions that the video went viral,” he concludes.
The phenomenon known as “going Dutch”
The Dutch are known for their thriftiness, and the expression “going Dutch” (everyone pays their own way) was not invented by chance, although some claim that the British came up with it to play a trick on them. While it would be unthinkable for many to pay for their own cake and coffee at a birthday party, in the Netherlands it is a common practice.
Friends going out to a bar? Forget about paying for rounds, everyone orders for themselves and pays only for their own, and often amounts are calculated to the cent to make everything perfectly fair. To foreigners, this approach may seem unbelievable, and even rude.
In many cultures, generosity is the foundation of friendship, but in the Netherlands, fairness is valued above all else. Paying for what you have consumed is not considered stinginess, but honesty, and avoiding debt, whether financial or social, is a sign of respect.
Jokes aside, there’s a deeper meaning behind it
Of course, there are numerous anecdotes circulating online about the Dutch precisely dividing the cost of a pizza depending on the number of slices eaten, but beneath the humor lies a value system that values independence and equality. By ensuring that no one pays more than their share, the Dutch maintain friendships without tacit obligations or debts.
It’s important to note that stereotypes are often based on individual experiences and shouldn’t be generalized to an entire nation. However, the habit of even close friends paying their share of the bill speaks less about stinginess and more about transparency and honesty.
The Internet is divided: “Is this normal?”
As expected, the comments below the video were mixed. Many were in complete shock, asking “are Europeans okay?” Others shared similar experiences, not just with the Dutch, but with other cultures as well.
Users from Mexico and the Philippines also came forward to explain their customs, where sharing food and taking leftovers home is a sign of hospitality. There were also Dutch people who defended their custom, explaining that for them it was the most normal thing to do and that it was based on respect for other people’s money.
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