Taking your situation. Could make an argument, but this illustration is more convincing.

I’m living in a society that doesn’t have that custom. i’m from a society that does. When they see the guy twice their size, sometimes not always, they somehow recall that’s a custom.

This custom is a litmus test for how much a person can perceive beyond their own self. Some people are incapable of empathy or seek out applying lose-win situations.

I have a good idea. Don’t fail at this custom. For those who really lack empathy they should be even more proactive as to fake it convincingly.

Choose your battles. This one is most definitely not worth fighting.

You want me to bow so you can live out your princess fantasies? np