[scott_w]

That’s great until you cross cultural boundaries. Different cultures interpret these things completely differently so, for officials who have to interact with many cultures. What I consider respectful is different to what you would. Protocols are used so people don’t accidentally offend each other by, say, refusing food when offered (or offering a gift when it’s not appropriate).

You might think “just have respect” but what seems innocuous to you might be the equivalent of spitting in someone’s face in a different culture.