Accept the refusals as part of life. Some people for all manner of reasons, haven't the social graces, and, that's the chance you take. It is my firm belief that there are many, many ways by which all of us can contribute to an improved grassroots understanding between people of different values, beliefs and race. But don't compare, because, in my opinion, you may do an injustice to both cultures. Look for possibilities for joined multicultural activities.
Intangible benefits are hard to quantify.
By sharing a meal with the simple villagers in Indonesia in the late 1940 s, I learnt more about their culture than I would have gained otherwise. I learnt more about their culture than I would have gained otherwise. One encounter she told, I will never forget. She was sitting in the entrance area, when a lady next to started talking and asked for a recipe for oxtail soup, which my wife readily supplied. A few days later at the same location she met the same lady, who promptly burst out crying.