9 LEE wrote:

It seems that in Holland, if you have any money, you hide it and don't spend it for fear of being called a show-off ?

Not only Holland, that's also a german tradition! 😁

9 LEE wrote:

It seems that in Holland, if you have any money, you hide it and don't spend it for fear of being called a show-off ?

Am i wrong here - and have spoken to the wrong people, both in the UK and the Netherlands?

We have a saying here in Holland:

"Doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg!"

Showing cards or money (bundles so to say) in public is not done!

Like wearing designer clothing, it's a sort of status!

So, basically, it's true then?

if you are successful in Holland, you should be very careful not to show it ...

I accept that, but find it strange. What would motivate you to be successful if you we're scared of buying anything to reward yourself for it ?

I also never thought Germany was like this too by the way!  During the 1980's and early 90's we used to get the German owners of the language schools here in Eastbourne come over in their Mercedes and BMW's with all the latest Hartge/Schnitzer/AMG kits and wheels on, looking frankly bedazzling!!

The reaction from the locals was more "wow!" than anything. We'd never even seen wheels as huge as 18" back then... !!!!

i grew up on a very poor council estate (government housing for people who could not afford to either buy or privately rent)  in a poor part of the north of England, and when a nice car drove through our estate (clearly lost of course, no sat nav in those days) the other children used to pick up stones to throw at it. This always made me so angry. "Why don't YOU try and get a car like that?" I used to say..

it usually ended up in the stones being thrown at ME ..... 

Lee

9 LEE wrote:

So, basically, it's true then?

if you are successful in Holland, you should be very careful not to show it ...

I accept that, but find it strange. What would motivate you to be successful if you we're scared of buying anything to reward yourself for it ?

It's part of the culture here and maybe jealousy?

As mentioned, I accept that - and also respect the culture of any country I visit, or talk to people from. I just find it strange, that's all.  

I've never been jealous, or even felt jealousy - for anyone.  I wish I could play football like Messi or Ronaldo, sing like Michael Buble or Robbie Williams, look like Brad Pitt or George Clooney, or have the spare cash of a Saudi Prince, but I'm happy for them, not jealous. I'd actually love to be like them and have their talent or money - but I never will. I'm not frustrated about it though, I wish them all the best, sincerely.

There are people here on BeoWorld who are more intelligent than I will ever be, and there are people here who are wealthier than I will ever be - but all I have for them is respect and admiration.  Maybe it's me who's the odd one ?!!?!!

Lee

9 LEE wrote:

I also never thought Germany was like this too by the way!  During the 1980's and early 90's we used to get the German owners of the language schools here in Eastbourne come over in their Mercedes and BMW's with all the latest Hartge/Schnitzer/AMG kits and wheels on, looking frankly bedazzling!!

That's the one exception - cars. Not that it makes any sense. It's the classic german status symbol, but you can't really link it to personal wealth. Every farmer out in the country drives a rather new Mercedes/BMW.

And if I look at the street in the front of our flat it becomes downright ridiculous. Right now, I live in a rundown GDR Plattenbau in the perceived 'worst' part of town (i.e. the part of town where most everyone speaks russian and the kids occasionally torch cars) and the street is plastered with new & expensive cars. Mostly bought on credit, of course.

But most everything else is considered "showing off". It even starts with classic cars. Buy an Audi A8 and the neighbours will quietly envy you. Buy an 1980s Jaguar XJ and you'll receive angry comments about 'wasting money in this economy' (from total strangers on the street).

I've long given up trying to understand this mentality. Of course there are big differences depending on where you live.

ablaumeise wrote:

 

But most everything else is considered "showing off". It even starts with classic cars...

.... which is the total opposite in central London.  If you drive the latest Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bugatti you barely get a second look. People are bored of them.

However, if you drive a mint classic car people give you a thumbs up and a smile ..  They are considered 'individual' and for people with taste and style.

It's fascinating how we're all so different, yet live on the same planet ...  LOL

Lee

9 LEE wrote:

.... which is the total opposite in central London.

Isn't central London all tourists anyway? 😂

If you drive a classic east german car (Trabant, Wartburg, Lada, Wolga) you will even get a thumbs up in Weimar.

As always, it depends on where you are. I agree with you, that's what makes it so fascinating.

I'm sure sooner or later someone else from another part of Germany will join the discussion and have a completely different opinion.

In my defense, I live in the low-income part of a city in the low-income part of the country (the GDR is still surprisingly present) and as much as I dislike broad generalisations (I'm german and I hate german beer. 😁 Try and explain that to someone from the USA - I've tried and failed oh so often.), I still stand by my observations. 😕

ablaumeise wrote:

But most everything else is considered "showing off". It even starts with classic cars. Buy an Audi A8 and the neighbours will quietly envy you. Buy an 1980s Jaguar XJ and you'll receive angry comments about 'wasting money in this economy' (from total strangers on the street).

I've long given up trying to understand this mentality. Of course there are big differences depending on where you live.

Well said!

I seam to have "invented" an interesting thread, its amazing to hear about the customs in other countries.

Here in Mexico we have it all, park a new middle or upper class car, in a poor neighborhood, within one hour your new shiny lacquer will have scratches made by keys or other sharp objects, in a rich neighborhood it takes a little longer. Flashing cash, you are sure to be robbed next time you are on the street, I have learned here to leave my car dirty, wheel caps are taken of and saved for future sale, wheel are secured with lock nuts, head lights secured with wires or bolts, and we are using steering wheel poles. I will never buy an expensive exotic car, if I cant afford a 24 hour body guard, heavily armed, When we go to wedding or an important party/dinner, and the FS has to put on the jewelries, she put it her handbag and attach them when arrived at the location. I never carry any expensive watch or gold necklace. I never carry more than 50 USD in cash, I use my credit cards, and I only carry 1 credit card with me, normally.

When I come home to DK, if I carry my Rolex, its a show off, if I pay with a Platinum Amex, in a restaurant having invited some guests, its a show off. I go 1st class in the trains, its a show off. My sister has a 6 M2 guest room, and only one bath in the house, I choose to stay in hotel if my wife and/or my son is with me, My sister understand this, and is probably happy that we use a hotel, but for most people its a show off, My sister lives in a middle class neighborhood BTW. Well, I'm happy that I can do it, I have had times when I could not, as Lee I'm not envious of richer people, I'm a mechanic, not a business man, I know my limits, and is totally satisfied with my life and how I live it. Show off, screw them, I like carrying a nice watch, I like to relax in 1st class, I dont like standing in line for anything and gladly pays extra not to.