Sure, it is crisis and the advertisers need to keep their weaponry sharp and polished. They would also gladly have somebody to pay them, when they do their usual bullsh*t. Like the taxpayers for example.

By George | January 19, 2010 4:19 PM

"Sire's website also includes 'instructions for dealing with nice people'."

This illustrates just how twisted Dutch folk are: that they need instructions on how to interact normally.

It's a nation of unapologetic sociopaths.

By YoMamma | January 19, 2010 4:58 PM

"many Dutch people would like strangers to be more friendly but often don't know how to respond if someone is nice to them."

This, to me, is just so sad. I hate trying to be nice to someone only to have them treat me with suspicions like I am up to no good.

By kr | January 19, 2010 6:00 PM

I would love to teach the Dutch how to be a little more friendly... and maybe a crash course or two in Human Services 101! Oh, and how to offer free or cheaper parking. I am shopping in your store arent I? But all in all, the Dutch are good people!

By Kim | January 19, 2010 6:18 PM

This is not a joke

By Jason | January 19, 2010 8:47 PM

Very nice initiative. Too bad it's needed. I was thinking the other day that the country would begin to be better off if the Dutch learned to say "I'm sorry" sincerely. Not simply "Sorry, hoor..." or blow people off with arrogant dismissals. It's a simple thing that could easily have wonderful, far-reaching consequences. We're all human after all and deserve respect, right? To you other readers, what other ways can this society become "nicer"?

By Canal Jumper | January 19, 2010 9:27 PM

Holland needs 'instructions for dealing with nice people'?... Holland, service capital of Europe, needs advice on how to be nice....well I never :-)!

By jaycee | January 19, 2010 11:50 PM

just clicked on the link - ha ha ha, very amusing!

Seems to be about people lacking communication skills, that's all.

Over the years I've noticed that people with money have no shortage of friends and a decent social life.

On the other hand, unemployed people and with little means, tend to end up with alco & druggie friends.. or become hermits.

We develop communication skills before we start primary school, through our parents & family.

Kind of weird that a developed country like NL has these problems. During past trips to 3rd world countries, people have mostly been courteous & friendly: that includes the people on a dollar a day.
Off to Manila next month, most friendly polite people I've ever known, except for the religious nuts down South, (Parts of Mindanao & Sulu Archipelago, origin of Al Qaeda.)That's a no-no no-go high risk for foreigners...unfortunately.

Click on this link & you'll feel like a young child again, it's so childish!

Best remedy for online bullying = give some back, 'koekie van eigen deeg.'

By stevie | January 20, 2010 1:25 AM

I tried to express all my frustration at Dutch people difficulties to deal with human beings in my blog...
For as ridiculous the need for such an initiative might be, I truly welcome and support Sire initiative, thank you for trying to make this country more enjoyable!

By manu | January 20, 2010 10:21 AM

1. It should start with the gov't...when I wrote regarding busing for my school age child who is REQUIRED to attend school and the closest one i 16 kilometers away, I got the lamest response! "Peck! That is the schools problem in the Netherlands". Well it should not be.
2. Hello Netherlands bussinesses...have you ever heard of customer service...? When you don't treat the customer with respect they talk badly about you to EVERYONE!
3. If you give a smile you get a smile...if you give a frown you get a frown.

By Ames | January 20, 2010 11:05 AM

Baaaa humbug, I don´t feel like being nice!

By sandra | January 20, 2010 1:02 PM

can't help but think back to when I and my girlfriend were in a shop last october in NL, looking at and trying on articles for her to buy. The shop assistant shouted something in dutch at my girlfriend (who was behind the curtains trying on a garment) and I politely said, in Dutch "she won't understand, she doesn't speak dutch"

The shop assistant then said to me "can you hurry her up please, I have customers waiting"

So we weren't customers then?.......

By servicewithoutasmile | January 21, 2010 10:45 AM

For me, this problem was mostly solved by learning the local language. Try being in my old neighborhood outside Washington DC and if you didn't speak English, yes, everyone was rude to you! and way more rude that your average Dutch person!

By Ankasha7 | January 23, 2010 8:34 AM