Going Dutch: the chic art of splitting the bill?

Picture this: You’re cozied up in a sun-drenched corner of a new hotspot café in town with your new Dutch friends, sipping on a matcha latte. Then—the bill arrives. Cue the awkward shuffle. Who pays? Should we split? Do I insist? But wait—if you were in the Netherlands, there’d be no hesitation. Everyone would simply cover their own share, effortlessly and elegantly. Welcome to the art of "Going Dutch"—a mindset as liberating as it is refreshingly fair ✨.

More Than Just Splitting the Bill—A Lifestyle of Balance

I first stumbled upon the phrase while watching an old episode of Friends (yes, the best life lessons come from 90s sitcoms). Intrigued, I messaged my friends in the Netherlands to get the inside scoop. Some knew all about it, others found it amusing, but as I dug deeper, I realized this was more than just a bill-splitting ritual. It’s a way of life—one that speaks to fairness, independence, and, above all, connection.

The Dutch have mastered the delicate balance of relationships—whether friendships, romances, or brunch dates—by removing any financial awkwardness. Here, there’s no pressure, no silent calculations, just an understanding that everyone takes responsibility for themselves. And honestly? It’s chic.

My First "going Dutch" Moment—Enter: Tikkie

I’ll admit it—I was spoiled when I first moved to the Netherlands. My Dutch friends would often pick up the bill, just like back home. Dates? The inviter usually paid, no questions asked. And then, I met Tikkie.

If you haven’t had the pleasure, allow me to introduce your new financial BFF. Tikkie is a sleek little app that lets you send payment requests in seconds. No fumbling for cash, no awkward “I’ll get you next time” promises that never materialize—just seamless, effortless fairness. Game. Changer.

Suddenly, making plans became so much easier. A last-minute dinner by the canals? A spontaneous art exhibit visit? No problem, because money was never the elephant in the room. And trust me, nothing kills a romantic vibe faster than a tense debate over who owes what.

Beyond the bill—a relationship reset

What I love most about "Going Dutch" is that it extends beyond finances—it’s about equality, shared effort, and freedom from outdated expectations. Think about it:

💡 Splitting the bill = sharing responsibilities.

💡 No assumptions, no unspoken obligations—just balance.

💡 More time to focus on connection, less time stressing over who pays.

Of course, in many cultures (mine included), paying for someone is an act of care, a sign of generosity. Birthdays, dates, special occasions—someone almost always picks up the check. And that’s lovely! But in a world where we’re redefining relationships and independence, maybe—just maybe—the Dutch are onto something.

What About You? Let’s Talk!

How do you handle splitting the bill in your corner of the world? Is it a strict 50/50, a turn-taking ritual, or the inviter’s responsibility? And what about on dates—who pays?

Let’s chat in the comments! 👇✨