Misconception: He
hates Spain
Reality: He hated
Spain but puts up with him now [x].
While Netherlands may be annoyed by Spain, they’re not
hostile.
Ex: Spain and
Netherlands are spotted together during the 2010 Christmas Event. Spain wants
to take a photo and Netherlands’ is reluctant. Netherlands’ threat to flip
Spain over is actually pretty funny [x].
Further, when they’re attacked by parallel France, Spain
comes to Netherlands’ aid.
Ex: They
coordinate their costumes during the 2011 Christmas Event, along with Belgium
and Romano [x].
Ex: Having been there
for part of Romano’s childhood, it’s Netherlands who points out how unaware the
latter was of the sacrifices that Spain made for him. In this case, Spain spent most of his money on Romano.
Ex: He helps lift
Spain onto Romano’s back as Belgium cheers them on [x].
Ex: Spain teases
Netherlands by putting on glasses to make himself more approachable and
suitable for business [x].
Misconception: He’s
rude
Reality: He’s kind and an older brother type.
On
the other hand, he can also be crabby and has a ‘dirty side.’
Ex: He attempts to help Belgium and Luxembourg, who were at the
mercy of other countries, through diplomacy. The running gag is that all of his advice is about money, albeit well-intentioned [x].
Ex: He teaches Luxembourg the business skills that propelled him
into the thriving economic state that he’s in now.
Ex: He’s in his element when he’s surrounded by tulips [x].
Ex: He socializes and involves himself in a discussion on gardening [x].
Netherlands’
personality is complex in that he has faults. He’s not rude all the time. Like
everyone, there are moments where he loses his composure.
Ex: He tends to lose his composure when it comes to economic
matters relating to Greece in the EU. He’s still noted to usually be a
pleasant coworker [x].
Ex: His sister declaring independence from him made him cranky
when he visits the then isolationist Japan for trade.
Nonetheless,
like other Dutch merchants, he respectively adopted the customs of his business
partners and engaged in them during transactions.
Side note: I’ve seen enough people take a dub line
as canon, so I want to clear it up.
In the “Before an International Meeting” strip… [x].
What
Netherlands does not say: “What? Do
you envy my scarf?”
What he does say: “Yo, good morning.”
It’s a big
difference.
Misconception: Business is everything.
Reality: Business isn’t everything, but it’s extremely important. It’s what taught him how to thrive.
Ex: Witnessing the wealth of his younger sister, Belgium,
motivated him to evolve past his agrarian roots.
Ex: It’s for this reason that Belgium believes that he’s become
so stingy and obsessed with profit.
Ex: He exchanges weapons with Spain while they’re at war.
Ex: He has no problem mixing his business and personal lives
together.
Ex: When the prospect of the nations’ memories being full of
gaps is introduced, Netherlands is able to recall business transactions from the
last three hundred years, as well as European countries’ weaknesses.
Bonus Facts:
Like England,
he may, in fact, have a tattoo [x].
His hair is
naturally flat and limp [x].
His
relationship with Denmark is good enough for him to offer the latter a cheaper “buddy
price.”
He’s extremely
neat and tidy – he won’t eat in his kitchen despite cleaning it + doesn’t like
messy gardens.
As such, these compulsions, along with his obsession with money, is likely why he is described as neurotic in a character note.
In sum, while
Netherlands may appear to be rough on the edges, stemming from his occasionally
“rough’ business practices, he’s far more than that. He’s kind and is more than
capable of sharing close relationships with others. It’s not that he’s
unfriendly either. He has a stand-offish appearance. Meanwhile, he’ll stand up
for himself and those close to him.
Ellawritesficssometimes 