131Kviews
Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules
Interview
There are a lot of etiquette rules that people have to follow in order to prove themselves to be polite and respectful individuals. We learn those things from family members, teachers, and other people. However, not everyone likes to apply these rules or they simply don’t know about them and this might annoy some of those who find these things to be common knowledge. Having this in mind, one Reddit user @HAXposed asked others online what are some of the unspoken rules that people tend to break that annoy them.
The question that received 47.5k upvotes received various answers, stating that sometimes people forget to say thank you or talk with a full mouth of food, they like to listen to music loudly or have someone on speakerphone without the other caller knowing. These are only a few things that Reddit users find annoying and rude.
What other unspoken rules can you add to this list? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below!
More Info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
If you see me taking off my headphones to listen and answer your question, then inmediately put them on again... 5 TIMES... it clearly means that I'm just being polite, not that I'm interested in talking to you, so STOP ASKING ME QUESTIONS.
That it's common courtesy to say "thank you" after receiving help/service from someone else.
If someone says they’re not drinking tonight, don’t make them feel bad or imply they are being boring
Even though there are a lot of things that we might think are common knowledge, everyone came from different backgrounds and families and was taught different things and encountered different situations in life. One can only envy a person who seems to always know how to act, what to say, or how to avoid any awkward situations or putting themselves in an embarrassing position. The question is, can we learn these rules? Yes, and there are some people who are great at mastering the art of etiquette. One of them is Diane Gottsman, an international etiquette expert, author and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. For those who are interested in finding some more tips and tricks on etiquette, the woman shares them on her social media. Bored Panda contacted the expert to find out more on the matter.
Asking couples when they’re going to be having kids. Not every couple wants/can have kids
Standing in f**king doorways, go in or out, but get the f**k out of the way.
How about the people who get off an escalator and stand right in front of the step? They're not only rude but they're dangerous.
Ha ha, brings back memories of my old commute into London. Always at rush hour, usually a bewildered tourist or daytripper, they would stop just at the top or bottom causing a moment of chaos before they were unceremoniously barged/rammed out of the way by the never ending stream of bodies rushing through to catch the train/tube in 1 mins time.
Load More Replies...
I tend to walk through idiots like that. I remember trying to get off a train once and people wouldn't move as they were trying to get on (about 30 people) so I stage dived into them. I got loads of abuse but you know what, they'll think twice next time.
When that happens I say "This isn't your mothers womb. Let people exit first." That's my potty mouth from high school. Now would it be called Passive Aggressive? 😈
Load More Replies... 
My 4 year old is specially prone to do this. It drives me nuts.
Load More Replies...
Holler "Look Out" and keep right on going, even better with a cane.
On this note- people who stand in narrow halls at work and talk. On both sides on the hall. Like- can you pick one side and both stand there, instead of others having to awkwardly apologize as they cut through the middle??
People who just stop dead in front of you when answering their mobile phone in the street
The only exception is when you are new to snow skiing and you are pushed out by the chair lift, but you don't know HOW to get out of the way.
ugh people who stand in the middle of busy grocery aisles or leave their carts there ...it's such a sign of selfishness.
Worse is SMOKING in doorways so everyone has to go through a cloud of putrid death to go inside, but at least you're not "smoking inside"
Here is a corollary: when you have entered a business, coming to a complete stop after one step into or one step outside the business is counted as standing in the doorway. If you need to stow your gear, adjust your bag, look for your receipt, whatever, please step out of the way of those trying to enter or leave the establishment.
My wife does this a lot. When I am behind her it leaves me standing in the doorway needing to hope the door open so it doesn't hit me.
Load More Replies...
You gonna get knocked over if you do that in front of me and I walk into you.
Is this a common problem? Can't say I've ever encountered it. Why would you hang out in a doorway?
Very often, especially in the office people notice each other in the doorway and ofc they have to exchange their news while standing in the doorway..
Load More Replies...
Same when it comes to steps, trains, buses, sidewalks, elevators, etc. I have a taste for road rage while on foot. I desire to become a 2 legged bumper car. "Move B***h".
Unless you're a cat you don't need to stand in th3 middle of something blocking people
Dead body coming through! - The crowd opened up like Moses parting the Red Sea.
Say did I hit you in the butt but didn't know which way you were talking!
"You mustn't lurk in doorways. It's rude. One might question your upbringing" - Ursula to Ariel
Don’t ask people to do their job for free, even if you’re friends or family.
Many might agree that the way a person behaves in front of others means a lot and allows others to form an opinion about that person. But do we pay enough attention to how we behave in front of others, in public places, and at home? Gottsman explained that “it is natural that people will feel more relaxed when they are in the company of those they are most comfortable with. When you’re at home, by yourself, if you pick a green bean up off your plate, it’s not as egregious as when you do the same thing in front of a client or on a job interview.” The woman concluded by stating that “people are conscious of how others perceive them and are always trying to put their best foot forward when possible. Sometimes, they just aren’t aware of how to do it.”
Turn signals. They're meant to be a warning, not an afterthought
Don’t play music out loud from your mobile phones on public transportation. I get that you’re going to have a boring ride but don’t ruin everyone else’s.
Move your cart to the side of the aisle when looking for groceries, don't hog up the middle. "Oh, of course I'll wait for you to pick out a flavor of beans, Sharon, take your time!"
The good thing is that people are ready to learn and change. The etiquette expert revealed that during her work with university students and corporate CEOs, she noticed how much effort her students put into learning and doing their best. “It takes training. We are not born with social skills and norms and customs are different in different cultures and it’s important to be familiar.”
Having in mind the recent situation the whole world has had to face, Gottsman agreed that the pandemic had an impact on people’s behavior. Even though little by little, the world is trying to get back to normal, it still “feels awkward.” The woman stressed that “our greetings have changed and many social behaviors that were once excepted have now been put on hold to keep ourselves and others healthy. We have to relearn our social skills and be aware of other peoples awkward moments.”
You don't need to attach yourself to the person in front of you when standing in queue
Stand 2m back from the airport baggage carousel. If everyone does it, then enters that ring to grab their luggage and leave, then everyone can see their luggage as it comes and no one is jostling.
It never occurred to me until I traveled in South Korea and they had a white line around the carousel that everyone stood on. It was remarkably efficient and I wish the rest of the world adopted it.
It might seem that a lot has changed and everyone has been impacted by the suddenly changed global order. What is important to consider, according to the specialist, is that “kindness still matters, and most people are aware that this is an opportunity to show compassion to other human beings.”
Let people know when you have them on speakerphone! Especially when your husband/wife/partner/friend/any other human is within earshot.
That leaving your shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot is lazy and just plain rude. I hate finding a parking spot only to realize that there’s a f**king shopping cart already taking up the spot…
I hate this - people are so lazy! I enjoy Cart Narcs on Youtube - they confront these idiots and it's really gratifying. https://www.youtube.com/c/CartNarcs
Respect people's right to say no. It's okay to ask someone for something, or to do something, or whatever - but if they say no, don't pester them or guilt trip them. People who pressure their friends are kind of garbage friends.
You shouldn't be texting while driving. That's a given. But for the love of all that is holy, if you are the lead car at a red light PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIGHT. Some lights are short and all of us need to get through it. Update Twitter later.
I take my line leader duty seriously.
conversely, if you are behind the lead car, don't honk the horn the split second that it turns green.
When someone hands you their phone to use, don't f**king go through it. It's rude.
Do people really do this? Another reason not to let anybody use your phone, I guess.
Waiting for others to exit an elevator or train before entering.
Saying thank you when someone holds a door open.
One-for-one when merging lanes in heavy traffic.
I had someone try to force himself into an elevator while I was leaving. I said, "Out then in." He said, "What?!" I said people get off of the elevator first, then people can go in. He said, "Wow, I didn't know that was a rule. That makes a lot of sense!" I think he was probably more polite after that, although the people who were waiting for him to finish this conversation so they could let the elevator door shut weren't that happy with him.
Waving when someone let's you in, in traffic.
I always wave! Come on, it's another human in that vehicle. It's a nice thing and hopefully it's paid forward, it's good karma, I mean carma.
Offer a glass of water to anyone providing physically stressful service at your place. Eg. Furniture delivery guy.
Lots of ppl assume that they are just doing their job, bit doesn't mean you forget basic human courtesy
Don’t immediately assume it’s okay to smoke in someone’s house, regardless of their living situation. I don’t care if it’s literally a cardboard box or an upscale mansion. Ask first.
If someone is paying for your food, don’t order something expensive.
Cover your mouth when you sneeze, apparently people don't know this
If you're in a theater with plenty of available seats, don't sit right next to a total stranger.
there's a mens room rule like this, too. at an open bank of urinals, don't pick the one right next to someone else. you're there to pee, not chit chat.
If you aren't friends with someone anymore, it doesn't mean you can go around telling their secrets to everyone. "Secrets are secrets and under no condition shall they be broken."
It's truly disgusting to see how people don't realize this. It's basic knowledge you should know though it hasn't been made as an actual rule.
Warn people that you/your kid is sick before turning up at their house/interacting with them. Chicken pox, flu, hand foot and mouth, stomach bug all caught by my toddler in the last 12months and could have been avoided.
If someone pays for something for you (I'm not talking about as a gift, I just mean 'We can't split the bill here so I'll pay and you can pay me your half later', 'I'll buy both of our concert tickets now and you can revolut me for it later', etc) you really shouldn't make them ask you to pay them back. Ideally not even once, but especially not two or three times.
If I owe someone money like that I make sure to pay them back as soon as I can and let them know once I've done it. I have a friend who I know is not short on money, but I stopped offering to pay for things for him in situations like the above because he just forgets and makes you ask him two or even three times before he does it. I really think that's not fair to people. You're putting them in an uncomfortable position.
Bathroom door closed = "occupied."
Bathroom door open wide = "available."
Bathroom door slightly ajar with exhaust fan running = "enter at your own risk."
Hold the door open for the person behind you if they are close, atleast long enough to prevent the door from being slammed shut on their face.
And say thank you or you're welcome. If I hold a door for you, and you don't say anything, I just say "You're Welcome!" so they hear me. Basic civilities and manners, people!
If you’re out at a restaurant/party/event with someone don’t offer any criticisms about their appearance unless they can actually change it.
“Oh thank you for pointing out the spot I missed shaving. I’ll just spend the rest of the night thinking about it and how I can do nothing about it.”
On the other hand, please tell someone that they have something amiss with themselves. If I see a someone with toilet paper on their shoe, zipper is down, exposed nipple, toupee is coming off, whatever; I will always quietly let them know. I'd rather be embarrassed in front of one person who tells me, instead of 50 people who are giggling at me.
If someone is hosting you, don’t insult or give a negative critique of their home. Some people have fewer resources than others, only one income to live off of, and have worked very hard to get less, etc. No need to point out home imperfections.
Do people really do this? Are they lacking the general politeness gene? How self-entitled do you have to be to receive an invitation to someone's home and immediately say "You have. Ahuge stain on your hideous green carpet - what dreadful decorating! Is this sofa...*gasp* second-hand?!"
Talking through movies. I can only say "yeah" and "mhm" so many times
Exactly! If the actors have spent time learning their lines, got into makeup and performed their part for the director and cinematographer to get the perfect shot, then no, it isn't 'them just talking', it's an integral part of the story. Please just eat your popcorn and if you're still bored, maybe you could count your popcorn because right now, I'm watching - and listening to - a movie. Rant over. Apologies. Pet peeve.
Stairs are for ascending and descending. Move out of the way when you are done using them. Standing in front of them and looking around like a lost tourist is not one of their functions.
While stationary stairs have a lesser effect, I need a fraction of a second after getting off escalators because I have an inner ear thing that affects my balance on moving stairways. I try not to use them, but sometimes there are no alternatives. So maybe consider that no one (including you) needs to get everywhere at 100mph. If you are in that much of a rush, perhaps your time management skills need working on, rather than getting angry at the dizzy woman not moving in a NY second at the end of the stairs.
You only take two slices of pizza max, until everyone has had their fill.
Try your best to make sure there isn't a third wheel in your group. It really sucks to be in that position.
I'd rather be a third wheel (I'm quite happy in my singleness) than be forced to be set up. If I am going out with a group, I'm there because I like the people in the group, I don't need you to add an extra for me.
Don’t take the last of something without asking. Had gooey butter cookies I brought home when visiting family. I know they’re impossible to stop eating, so I guess it’s my fault. Offered roommates some when I left, came back and they were all gone. Never even got one :(
Or shout out, “who here is eyeing that last cookie and really wants it?” lift up the tray and pass it their way. Done!
Pointing out awkward situations. If it wasnt awkward before, it now definitely is.
You don't need to be this close when you're talking to me.
Don’t ask trans people about their bodies, or what surgeries they’ve had/plan to have.
Not just trans people. *Any* people. If people want to rearrange their face and/or body then that's *their* business and not mine or yours.
Load More Replies...
Not walking into people you clearly see in front of you. I can't count how many times I stop for someone coming forward they just barrel on towards me with a f**k-you grin. You stop, do a little side step shimmy with each to agree on a direction to go around each other.
Yep. Why am I ALWAYS THE ONE to move out of everyone else's way???!! Aaarrrggh!
Load More Replies...
Cell phones with loud games or videos blaring on them ARE NOT CHILD PACIFIERS IN RESTAURANTS!!!
If your kids are very young you should think about not bringing them to a restaurant at all.
Load More Replies... 
When you live in an apartment building, remember you have neighbors and don't blast your music all day and night, don't let your kids just run all around it screaming, and don't just let your pets out to roam and poop everywhere.
What if my pets play loud music and my kids poop everywhere? ;-)
Load More Replies...
If I'm engrossed in my book, it isn't time for talking to me unless it is really, really important.
People at theaters or church who arrive early and take the seat on the aisle. Then they give an ugly look to everybody that must make them move to get to the remaining seats.
Ok, I would want to add one : If a guest brings an expensive gift, don't ask them to pay for food the few days they stay at your place ! (or maybe warn them before, if you are on a budget and need stuff? I always ask "what do you want me to bring?" just to be sure.) Long story short : friend invites me at her parents place, I bring an expensive box of chocolate for them (pieces of art and delicious, they were pleased). And I'm the kind of guest to offer my help for any chore, mom is pleased. Next morning, mom says "you girls go groceries shopping and cook dinner" (we are 25 - 30). Parents are definitely not on a budget (but I am). Definitely not the way I was educated. My friend is also a bit embarrassed. And I still don't get the mom's point. 🤷♀️
Walking in a parking lot, walk a straight line to the store; not amble diagonally across and hold up traffic.
Waiting for pedestrians to cross when they're more then a meter from the cross walk, JUST GO. When I'm at the curb and looking into traffic, THEN wait (this is America folks and peds 1st is the rule). Waving for me to walk across or go 1st at 4 way stops, NOPE, that is a ticket for me AND you - as you're not an officer and you're directing traffic and I am following your direction. I will nope until you're mad, it is illegal. Please for the love of God, teach your kids to be confident when crossing the street - look into the eyes of the drivers and assess their attention, be sure they see you, and when you cross don't hesitate half way across and scurry back nor fail to observe traffic and do a mad dash.
That uber-politeness drives me nuts! Many times when I've been in a left turn lane on a bike, an oncoming driver STOPS and WAITS for me to turn in front of them. NO! Just GO! Otherwise the person behind them might assume they're turning right or just an idiot stopping for no reason, so they'll use the turn lane to zip around them and there I am on my bike. Just follow the rules of the road folks!
Load More Replies...
There are millions of rules... Drive fast in fast lane. Let the other finish their statement. Put it back, the glass, the dumb bell, the stationary item, etc. Yes you should greet with your friend, but in the middle of a busy footpath. He can hear you, just try to talk in low voice on your mobile phone. You are stinking, how the hell the time will pass all the way along .
Don’t ask trans people about their bodies, or what surgeries they’ve had/plan to have.
Not just trans people. *Any* people. If people want to rearrange their face and/or body then that's *their* business and not mine or yours.
Load More Replies... Not walking into people you clearly see in front of you. I can't count how many times I stop for someone coming forward they just barrel on towards me with a f**k-you grin. You stop, do a little side step shimmy with each to agree on a direction to go around each other.
Yep. Why am I ALWAYS THE ONE to move out of everyone else's way???!! Aaarrrggh!
Load More Replies... Cell phones with loud games or videos blaring on them ARE NOT CHILD PACIFIERS IN RESTAURANTS!!!
If your kids are very young you should think about not bringing them to a restaurant at all.
Load More Replies... When you live in an apartment building, remember you have neighbors and don't blast your music all day and night, don't let your kids just run all around it screaming, and don't just let your pets out to roam and poop everywhere.
What if my pets play loud music and my kids poop everywhere? ;-)
Load More Replies... If I'm engrossed in my book, it isn't time for talking to me unless it is really, really important.
People at theaters or church who arrive early and take the seat on the aisle. Then they give an ugly look to everybody that must make them move to get to the remaining seats.
Ok, I would want to add one : If a guest brings an expensive gift, don't ask them to pay for food the few days they stay at your place ! (or maybe warn them before, if you are on a budget and need stuff? I always ask "what do you want me to bring?" just to be sure.) Long story short : friend invites me at her parents place, I bring an expensive box of chocolate for them (pieces of art and delicious, they were pleased). And I'm the kind of guest to offer my help for any chore, mom is pleased. Next morning, mom says "you girls go groceries shopping and cook dinner" (we are 25 - 30). Parents are definitely not on a budget (but I am). Definitely not the way I was educated. My friend is also a bit embarrassed. And I still don't get the mom's point. 🤷♀️
Walking in a parking lot, walk a straight line to the store; not amble diagonally across and hold up traffic.
Waiting for pedestrians to cross when they're more then a meter from the cross walk, JUST GO. When I'm at the curb and looking into traffic, THEN wait (this is America folks and peds 1st is the rule). Waving for me to walk across or go 1st at 4 way stops, NOPE, that is a ticket for me AND you - as you're not an officer and you're directing traffic and I am following your direction. I will nope until you're mad, it is illegal. Please for the love of God, teach your kids to be confident when crossing the street - look into the eyes of the drivers and assess their attention, be sure they see you, and when you cross don't hesitate half way across and scurry back nor fail to observe traffic and do a mad dash.
That uber-politeness drives me nuts! Many times when I've been in a left turn lane on a bike, an oncoming driver STOPS and WAITS for me to turn in front of them. NO! Just GO! Otherwise the person behind them might assume they're turning right or just an idiot stopping for no reason, so they'll use the turn lane to zip around them and there I am on my bike. Just follow the rules of the road folks!
Load More Replies... There are millions of rules... Drive fast in fast lane. Let the other finish their statement. Put it back, the glass, the dumb bell, the stationary item, etc. Yes you should greet with your friend, but in the middle of a busy footpath. He can hear you, just try to talk in low voice on your mobile phone. You are stinking, how the hell the time will pass all the way along .
