Comment by friend_and_foe

I think this is a bunch of over complication to explain away spinelessness when faced with the prospect of telling someone "no." Say no to people, it's empowering!

There are cultural norms in places about courtesy, hospitality, when it's appropriate to ask for certain favors, but that's not what the article is about. It's about telling people no vs making excuses. It's about being afraid to say what's on your mind. There's no culture associated with that, only confidence, competence and bring the arbiter of your own life.

It's pretty simple: don't hit people up for money unless your absolutely have no choice, be good to guests you've invited into your home, and say no to things you don't want to do without making up excuses.