What is the use of being formal?

Being formal is acting in accordance with a known and accepted way by the majority especially by those who have a say. 

But what is the use of acting formal? Does it have a backside to it? Is it a must to be formal all the time? When is the right time to be formal?

Being formal actually helps one in many ways. It can even be a life savior in certain situations. Being formal reduces the risk of being out of place, confusion that might arise of not knowing what to do in certain situations when among people and gives one a certain direction in what to do in certain situations especially when among people. No matter what one may think, being formal is the way to go if one doesn't want to risk embarrassment and humiliation of making a mistake because formalities usually are tested results that have gone through generations and have shown to be acceptable by the general population in that area.

Formalities being acceptable by the general population, it is hard to falter in situations where one is observed and judged by the general public if one follows the formalities. Even though in civilized areas it may not matter much, in areas where the outlook of the people is not free and civilized it can be a life savior if one strictly follows it. Even in civilized areas it can save one from embarrassment and bad outlook that may come from the population of that area. For example it might be ok for someone to kiss a neighbors little kid in some countries but it might be looked on as sexual harassment in others. 

There are though times when following formalities may cause harm to one that is following them. For example if one doesn't know when to be formal and when to be casual and is formal all the time, one may loose out in the excitements that life has to offer. It can also take over the personality of one and change it into its like and in cases where formalities are based on religion and culture it can engulf and silence the real personality of a person. If one always follows formalities and ignores one's true feelings, one may be dis-attached with oneself.