Dear Bianca, it was so nice and interesting to read about your experiences with integrating into the Dutch culture. It must be hard to integrate into a culture where most people think there is no better culture than the Dutch culture. In addition, we find that our habits and norms and values are the normal way to do things It's a great country, but we as a people (I'm not talking about every individual) are not always kind to strangers (to say it mildly). You are doing fine, and your Dutch is really better than a 4/5-year-old. I'm sure that a lot of @exyle's friends see you also as a friend and for me, you are a sweet daughter in law.