Recently, Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant published an article that caught my curiosity and my interest: How do I step outside my bubble more often? My question is/was simple: do I need, want, or believe in this?? Hence, I asked my girlfriend. She was also skeptical. Perhaps given our differences.
The ancient Dutch saying is “soort zoekt soort“, which translates like birds of a feather flock together. Both sayings are about mutual interests, although the English saying also includes “similar type, [ ], personality, character, or other distinctive attribute”.
I suppose the difference in meaning relates to Dutch egalitarianism and/or social equality. The English society is mostly about inequality (eg, age, education, family, friends, religion, skin colour). Hence, my blog will be about the meaning in the Netherlands.
I suppose that people with a different “age, education, family, friends, religion, skin colour” are considered a cultural enrichment in a Dutch context. Nevertheless, cultural differences – especially different languages – can and will easily cause “problems”. At least, that is my personal experience.
As a result, I’m no longer interested in a relationship in which three languages are spoken: hers, mine, and our communication in English. Other differences are subject to “bonding and bridging” (eg, VK, Wiki). Given our differences, me time is (very) important for my girlfriend and me.
Once you like someone, the ancient saying is fulfilled:
“As ever, the god is bringing like and like together.”
Section 218 of book 17 (of 24) of Odyssey, an ancient Greek epic poem, attributed to Homer
Birds of a Feather (2024) by Billie Eilish
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-artist, Wiki-song
[Refrain]
Birds of a feather, we should stick together, I know
I said I’d never think I wasn’t better alone
Can’t change the weather, might not be forever
But if it’s forever, it’s even better
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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