It seems like every culture expects guests to want to eat regardless of their circumstances, and if you refuse, you’re automatically rude and insulting.

If I offer you food and you refuse, I’m going to be quite happy. It means I get to save money and have more food to myself. I ain’t offering a second time if you say no the first time :maduro-coffee:

  • DreamsOfDeadFutures [any]
    ·
    2 years ago

    I think there is a fundamental misunderstanding here. The first refusal is for the sake of the guest acknowledging that hospitality consumes resources and therefore in addition to the politeness of offering there is also a politeness to giving an out. The second offer and second response are the only real ones.

    • DreamsOfDeadFutures [any]
      ·
      2 years ago

      In hindsight, just google Turkish etiquette rules. They have a highly ritualized and formally laid set of guidelines to politely express the degree of hospitality and politeness you intend to give/are comfortable to receive (this does not apply to Vienna). It serves as a good primer on how and why hospitality customs come to be and the purpose they serve. As a rather non typical individual, having all those rules helps.

      • Mardoniush [she/her]
        ·
        2 years ago

        The Turk in his heart offers improbable amounts of baklava to Vienna.