Just Enough
After thorough and complex analysis on the Dutch way of life, I have determined that the Dutch can lead the way in helping mankind understand the concept that I will call the "Just Enough Syndrome". Whether or not the Just Enough Syndrome is good or bad is up for debate - I certainly do miss some of the frivilous excesses of America, yet I have grown to love the simplicity of this way of life. Here are some characteristics of the Just Enough Syndrome.
-We meet with some friends every other Friday. When the Africans or Americans are in charge of the food, there is an (over)abundance of snacks. When the Dutch are in charge of snacks, everyone gets just 1 of each. They bring just enough food.
-When invited over to a Dutch home for dinner, there will be 1 helping served for everybody. There is just enough dinner made for everyone.
-In the cities, anything larger than a 2 bedroom apartment is hard to find and harder to afford. The Dutch seem content with 2 bedroom homes - just enough space for 2 adults and 2 children!
-I can rarely buy a book of postage stamps that have more than 5 stamps in them. Just enough stamps to run out immediately.
-Many people wear the same clothes quite frequently - the same dress to church every week; the same coat and tie to a first and second interview; the same shoes for every outfit. They own just enough clothing.
-Salaries are quite low, compared to the States, and taxes are quite high, compared to Europe. Yet many mothers stay home with their children or work only part-time. And not many fathers work the 70 hour weeks that are common in America. They work just enough to support their just enough habits.
-We meet with some friends every other Friday. When the Africans or Americans are in charge of the food, there is an (over)abundance of snacks. When the Dutch are in charge of snacks, everyone gets just 1 of each. They bring just enough food.
-When invited over to a Dutch home for dinner, there will be 1 helping served for everybody. There is just enough dinner made for everyone.
-In the cities, anything larger than a 2 bedroom apartment is hard to find and harder to afford. The Dutch seem content with 2 bedroom homes - just enough space for 2 adults and 2 children!
-I can rarely buy a book of postage stamps that have more than 5 stamps in them. Just enough stamps to run out immediately.
-Many people wear the same clothes quite frequently - the same dress to church every week; the same coat and tie to a first and second interview; the same shoes for every outfit. They own just enough clothing.
-Salaries are quite low, compared to the States, and taxes are quite high, compared to Europe. Yet many mothers stay home with their children or work only part-time. And not many fathers work the 70 hour weeks that are common in America. They work just enough to support their just enough habits.
posted by Beth at 1:43 PM
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