Relationships in the Netherlands
When it comes to dating and relationships, the Dutch tend to be extremely pragmatic and no-nonsense. All genders value directness and honesty, therefore trying to be difficult to get will probably not work in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands adopts a more permissive attitude toward dating etiquette than some other countries, such as those that insist on men initiating contact or refraining from kissing on the first date. Dutch folks, on the other hand, like to let events unfold spontaneously based on what seems appropriate.
On the first date, physical contact is typically kept to a minimum. Couples frequently become more overtly amorous with one another as time goes on. In the Netherlands, marriage is becoming less widespread. In 2021, there were 56,419 weddings, down from 73,400 in 2010. More couples today opt to formally recognize their love through a civil partnership instead of getting married.
In 2001, the Netherlands became the first nation in the world to formally sanction same-sex unions. With 1,192 same-sex marriages reported in 2021, the same-sex marriage rate has stayed largely stable over the previous ten years.