I very much doubt it was a "requirement" in any sense. My guess is that the co-worker from India totally misconstrued the situation, due to not having a good un

I very much doubt it was a "requirement" in any sense. My guess is that the co-worker from India totally misconstrued the situation, due to not having a good understanding of American culture. I could easily see the dialog being quite friendly, and going something like: American: "Hey, that was one hell of a deployment, but it's done now. Let's have a round of drinks, to celebrate!" Indian: "No, I don't want to." American: "Awww, why not?" Indian: "I've never had alcohol before. I don't want to." American: "Come on, try it, it's fun! We do this after every big deployment." Indian: "No, thanks." American: "Okay." The American thought he was being friendly and inclusive, by encouraging the Indian to participate in a pretty common American celebratory custom. The American was somewhat more assertive than the Indian was expecting, like many friendly and outgoing Americans can be. The Indian misinterpreted this as "pressure". She tells her Indian friend. He lacks a good understanding of American culture, too, and misinterprets the American's behavior. He posts here, and we have this discussion.