I think much of this is personality led as well as culture led. I try to be self-sufficient as much as possible, but if I ask for help, I am clear, simple, and straightforward about it. Conversely, if I am asked for help, and I am unable or unwilling for whatever reason, I simply say no without feeling guilt or a need to explain myself. I simply cannot deal with the touchy-feely second guessing of "guess culture" as you put it.