When invited for dinner, be sure to arrive on time and bring a present such as flowers, a potted plant or a box of chocolates. Anything too showy or expensive is in bad taste. Upon meeting, people who don't know each other well shake hands. The Dutch stand somewhat further apart than North Americans. They speak quickly, even when speaking English or other languages, and in conversation, they pause only briefly to let another person have a chance to speak.
Sports are a good topic of conversation.
Most Dutch don't appreciate having a reputation for being freewheeling, and believe they are misunderstood in other countries. Birthday parties are celebrated by adults as well as children. The person having the birthday is expected to have a cake to share with everyone. When it comes to business, foreigners had best be modest. It's not too much of an exaggeration to say that the Dutch invented business on a global scale or that the Protestant work ethic began here.