A story (many years ago) on PHC described the process one goes through when visiting a Norwegian home.

You visit for a few minutes, and then the host offers pie and coffee.

"No, no thank you. I'm fine."

A few minutes later, the host again offers pie and coffee. Again it is declined.

Only on the third offer is the reticence set aside, and the pie and coffee accepted.

Keillor nailed it, something I'd never realized we did in our family. If you grew up in a Norwegian home, you know this silliness to be true, and learn pretty quickly that in other cultures, the pie and coffee are only offered once. If you really wanted some, you need to accept on the first offer, because it is the last!