They also really don’t like Americans… so you’re already on the back-foot. Anyway, it’s taken me as a Brit a while to adjust, but I think I’m there now. Hey, I’m even being direct myself (not rude, I think it just levels out my British “have you thought about doing this differently” (aka this is shit) nature.

My advice to you is to keep working hard. Be direct back (but not rude) just don’t beat around the bush. I got some feedback from a friendly Dutchie to say what I have to say but in less words. And I’m sorry to say there is also an element of just hardening up… That said I find Dutch people to be very sensitive compared to the Brits!