In Nectar in a Sieve, Rukmani and Kenny highlight the differences between the two cultures, showing how the two cultures have different standards for relationships and how Westerners try to change suffering and poverty while the orientals accept them. As Rukmani points out to Kenny, “Don't I have enough sense to see that you're not one of us? You live and work here… but this is not your country” (Markandaya 106). Kenny and Rukmani are friends, but their different values ​​about submission in relationships and suffering lead them to clash during most of their conversations. Rukmani and Kenny's conversations show how Easterners value respect and reverence, while Westerners emphasize equality. After Kenny helps her conceive, Rukmani bends down to kiss Kenny's feet, thinking he is showing respect. Kenny doesn't like it: “He pulled [his feet] back quickly and told me to get up. 'I am not your benefactor'” (Markandaya 32). Similarly, Rukmani is reluctant to ask about Kenny's family because it is personal: "He didn't talk about himself...I held my tongue, because I felt that asking would be offensive" (Markandaya 33). Both of these events show how the two cultures misunderstand each other. Kenny doesn't like it when Rukmani kisses his shoes because he doesn't feel above her, but he's just trying to be nice. And Rukmani doesn't understand what will and won't offend Kenny because her culture doesn't encourage asking personal questions. Their conversations show more profoundly how each culture views marital relationships. Rukmani only sees Kenny for her fertility issues when her husband doesn't find out; he believes he will be angry (Markandaya 21). She also only brings Ira to Kenny when her husband leaves town: “I (Rukmani) have been waiting all day [to see you]. My husband will be back soon and I can't come” (Markandaya 59). Although she subverts him, Rukmani is limited by her belief that she cannot disobey her husband. Instead, since she doesn't ask him for permission, she can't break his rules. Kenny despises him, saying, “You'll never learn. It is pitiful to see your foolishness” (Markandaya 59). In Kenny's country, women have rights. They can even divorce their husbands, as Kenny's wife does. Rukmani can't understand how this woman can leave her husband and wonders if it's Kenny's long absences. They discuss the role of women, says Rukmani, "A woman's place is with her husband" Kenny replies, "You simplify everything... Your opinions are so limited that it is impossible to explain yourself" (Markandaya 106).