4 ms·

Don't apologize, it's perfectly acceptable and even expected that you gaze into people's houses while passing by. It's a Dutch thing; front windows are large a

Don't apologize, it's perfectly acceptable and even expected that you gaze into people's houses while passing by. It's a Dutch thing; front windows are large and heavy curtains are rare. I look in everyone's house when I walk by, and wave at everyone I see inside. I always get a wave in return. My kids count cats on sills. I spend considerable time in my in-laws' front room waving at passers-by, and we've even been known to go out and join someone on a walk. I've heard it said that the open front window thing originated as a backlash against the heavy curtains that became common during German occupation in WWII. I don't know if there's any truth to that.

mercer 7y ago
I've heard it goes further back to a Protestant nothing-to-hide mindset, but I can't be arsed to find supporting evidence...
Matticus_Rex 7y ago
>I look in everyone's house when I walk by, and wave at everyone I see inside. I always get a wave in return. My kids count cats on sills. I spend considerable time in my in-laws' front room waving at passers-by, and we've even been known to go out and join someone on a walk. Wait, that's acceptable? Heck yeah! I'm moving there in May (though I've been a number of times) and that's going to be super awesome and fun. Of course, getting my wife to reciprocate and not put up a heavy front curtain will probably be impossible...
- nate_meurer 7y ago
  I do see a lot of shear curtains, the sort of light gauzy material that's easier to see out of than inward. Heavy, opaque curtains tend to draw a bit of gentle curiosity, as though the occupants might have a reason to hide their stuff. It's not a big deal either way, but living in a house without a clear front window would be terribly depressing for me. I bet it'll be easier for your wife to accept once you get to know your neighbors. Most Dutch neighborhoods are intensely pedestrian, and waving through front windows buys you consistent contact with your neighbors for little effort.

mercer 7y ago

I've heard it goes further back to a Protestant nothing-to-hide mindset, but I can't be arsed to find supporting evidence...

Matticus_Rex 7y ago

>I look in everyone's house when I walk by, and wave at everyone I see inside. I always get a wave in return. My kids count cats on sills. I spend considerable time in my in-laws' front room waving at passers-by, and we've even been known to go out and join someone on a walk. Wait, that's acceptable? Heck yeah! I'm moving there in May (though I've been a number of times) and that's going to be super awesome and fun. Of course, getting my wife to reciprocate and not put up a heavy front curtain will probably be impossible...

nate_meurer 7y ago
I do see a lot of shear curtains, the sort of light gauzy material that's easier to see out of than inward. Heavy, opaque curtains tend to draw a bit of gentle curiosity, as though the occupants might have a reason to hide their stuff. It's not a big deal either way, but living in a house without a clear front window would be terribly depressing for me. I bet it'll be easier for your wife to accept once you get to know your neighbors. Most Dutch neighborhoods are intensely pedestrian, and waving through front windows buys you consistent contact with your neighbors for little effort.