Is dating in
Amsterdam different compared to the rest of the world? Yes and no. The answer is yes in the sense that people here date just like any other part of the world. They meet a person they like, they go on dates, get to know each other, fall in love, and the rest is history. At the same time, the answer is also no in that the dating scene in Amsterdam is unlike anywhere else. So, before you try your hand at dating in Amsterdam, it's better to learn more about what it means to meet new people and fall in love in this beautiful city.
What are The Gender Roles in Amsterdam?
First things first, let's understand the gender roles in Amsterdam, which are generally those of the entire Netherlands, too. The Dutch have become progressive with their views on men and women. Both genders are largely considered equal nowadays, to the point that marriage is no longer the end-all and be-all for women. Members of the female sex now enjoy complete independence and financial security, while men have also become respectful of this relatively new dynamic. Hence,
Dutch social customs now dictate that splitting the bill on dates is the norm. It's also a common option for one person to pay for the entire date while the other pays for the next date.
The Dutch are Cautious in Romance
Despite how progressive the Dutch have become with their gender roles, they're still fairly cautious when it comes to romance. Or, at the very least, they're not as direct as some of their neighbors, namely the French, the Spanish, and the Italians. The latter nations are known for their passionate approach to romance, some even notorious for their slightly aggressive nature towards love. The Dutch, on the other hand, tend to take things slow. Even when they're already outwardly showing their interest, it's highly unlikely they'll make the first move right then and there. You'll need patience or be direct when pursuing a relationship.
What are Common Date Ideas in Amsterdam?
Now, when it comes to date ideas in Amsterdam, locals would usually prefer more casual settings. As already mentioned, the Dutch tend to take things slow when dating, so naturally, they prefer to stay within their comfort zones. They'll usually take you to cafes or pubs for dinner, or at times, even include you in their friend group meetups. This isn't to say that they're averse to more traditionally romantic date ideas like candlelit dinners, but it's better to save these for special occasions. The rule of thumb here is to keep things simple and comfortable.
Always Arrive on Time on Dates!
Whether it's
working in the Netherlands or getting into the dating scene in Amsterdam, the Dutch will always expect you to follow one important rule: always arrive on time. Some may not mind or possibly even appreciate arriving fashionably late, but not the Dutch! Whether it's a more casual date or an anniversary event, your local partner will want you to arrive on time for the occasion. You'd be surprised at how much of a deal breaker it would be if you were late, especially if you're constantly arriving later than the set time. The Dutch are serious about punctuality and so should you!
How to Meet New People
At this point, it's time to talk about how to meet new people in Amsterdam. Anyone who has lived or
moved to Amsterdam knows that the city is well-populated. The Dutch capital currently has 1.3 million residents and is the most populous city in the country. Fortunately, a good many of them are single and are on the dating scene. You can meet them when you join meetup events, social clubs, and the like. The Dutch aren't always the liveliest people, but they're undoubtedly sociable and personable. You can also rely on your friends and coworkers to see if they know someone who might be a good fit for you.
Dating App Usage in Amsterdam
What's another common way to meet new people in Amsterdam, especially in this day and age? Using dating apps, of course! As historic as
Amsterdam's central neighborhoods are, the city is still in the 21st century. People know about and are used to popular platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Happn, among many others. Breeze is a particular standout as it's a paid platform that doesn't have a chat feature, but a match directly leads to a meetup. As for the LGBTQ+ community, the more popular apps include Disco, Newe, Zoe, and the ever-infamous Grindr.
Expect Minimal Physical Contact
The last two points may seem to contradict each other, but there's a fairly easy explanation for it. It's worth noting that the Dutch are not that physical when they're still in the courting stage. You might get kisses on the cheek as a greeting, but don't expect any more than that when you're still just getting to know each other. Even something as innocent as hand-holding or tight hugs won't happen on the first few dates. And if you try to get more physical yourself, you risk catching them off guard and possibly turning them off altogether.
PDA is Fairly Normal Here
Now, when you've established yourselves as an official couple, it's almost as if they do a 180! The Dutch are surprisingly physically affectionate with their romantic partners. It's often up to the point that they'll commit PDA all for the world to see. You'll witness this yourself when you explore Amsterdam. If you thought such public physical intimacy would only appear in the city's infamous red-light district, think again! Even in the quieter areas, you'll see couples kissing at their table at a cafe or tightly hugging in the park.
Dating in Amsterdam isn't as easy or simple as people make it out to be. You need to know about what the Dutch people are like, how they approach dating, and common Dutch dating etiquette, among many others.
