After all, your neighbors live literally a wall or a fence away. Our recent survey of 1,046 Dutch people reveals a fascinating 'holiday paradox' in Dutch streets. We entrust each other with our most valuable possessions, yet we are afraid to ask the simplest questions.

Blind trust in the neighborhood

Let's start with the good news: mutual trust in Dutch neighborhoods is incredibly high. No less than 66.1% of respondents indicate they trust their neighbors with their house key. We hand over access to our entire lives to the people next door with peace of mind. Furthermore, the willingness to help is high: 58.0% of Dutch people have done a small favor for their neighbors while they were on holiday, such as picking up mail or watering the plants.

The threshold to ask

The paradox arises as soon as we become the ones asking for help. Although the willingness to help is high, only 47.9% of Dutch people actually approach their neighbors to ask if they would like to do a holiday chore. More than half (52.9%) prefer to turn to family or friends instead. The explanation for this lies in the psychology of the Dutch neighborhood: we are terrified of being a burden to our neighbors. Apparently, we find it much easier to give help than to ask for it. This threshold is also strongly dependent on age and family situation. Young people under 30, for example, find it much harder to ask their neighbors for help than those over 60, who cross that threshold much more easily. Families with teenagers between 13 and 17 also form a tight-knit social hub in the street; they arrange these kinds of things very easily among themselves and trust their neighbors the most.

Lower the threshold this summer

The research shows that your neighbors would likely love to water the plants or look after the cat — after all, they enjoy doing it for others themselves. The fear of being a burden is therefore largely unfounded. This summer, before you leave, just walk up that driveway or send a message in the neighborhood app. The figures prove that the willingness is there! How is it in your street? Will you give the key to the neighbors this year, or will you have family or friends come by after all?