Everything seems to revolve around how we define others with how we define ourselves... and why others might not like it.

This certainly fits the theme. How does one say "give me some business" without sounding demanding or greedy? Focusing on the benefit for the recipient doesn't work, it only makes it all a bit more threatening, either raising doubts about the viability of the recipient's business as it is, or adding an "or else" to the request, or forcing the other person into a mutually face-threatening situation (the introduction can be the most impolite polite thing to do at times).

Interesting, I have to think more on this. Thanks!