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Common sense is not so common, Voltaire once wrote. There is always that one bad-mannered person in class who sneezes without covering their mouth. Or the person who takes up two seats on the train just because they like to sit with their legs spread out. As much as we’d like to live in a world where everybody is truly well-mannered, there will always be bad people who lack common sense or mindfulness in the most common situations.

Here are thirty simple reminders of what to do and not to do when you’re in a public space. If you think of yourself as having good manners, most of these annoying things probably will be a no-brainer for you. And don’t forget to share your worst (or best) experiences with annoying people who lacked common sense in the comments!

  (Facebook cover image: Kyoww)

#1

Not Letting People Get Out Of Busses And Elevators Before Entering

Not Letting People Get Out Of Busses And Elevators Before Entering

It makes a lot more sense than you trying to push yourself into the crowd who’s trying to get out anyway. Just stand aside, let people out, and then get in.

Ari Helminen Report

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Cassie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or pushing your way in front of wheelchairs. My mom has the hardest time getting on or off anything because she doesn't want to run people over, but they keep pushing their way in front of her. Rude as hell.

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#2

Not Using Turning Signals

Not Using Turning Signals

When did it become normal for people to ignore the most basic rules of driving?

Pixnio Report

#3

Being Rude To Your Server

Being Rude To Your Server

Imagine working 12 hour shifts, always on your feet, tired as hell, and then dealing with the most annoying and rude customers? Yeah, don’t be that person who thinks waitresses have to deal with your terrible attitude. They’re just here to do their job and leave, don’t make it harder than it is.

ILO in Asia and the Pacific Report

#4

Listening To Music Without Headphones

Listening To Music Without Headphones

You think your music taste is great? Perfect, go study music, become a DJ or a producer, but please don’t shove your music taste onto other people who would rather listen to silence then the latest remix of DJ Khaled’s new song while sitting on a bus on their way to home.

Aaron Fulkerson Report

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Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worst offenders are people in cars--at intersections, et al. when they're stopped and everyone around them has to listen to their crappy tunes. Turn it down and/or close your windows!

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#5

Texting While Driving

Texting While Driving

Just don’t do this one. Don’t. You’re risking yours and someone else’s life for a text, it’s not worth it, and no matter what you’re typing, it will never be as important as being safe at the road.

Ellsworth Report

#6

Not Putting Your Stuff Back On The Proper Shelves In Grocery Stores

Not Putting Your Stuff Back On The Proper Shelves In Grocery Stores

Just because you decided you don’t need that item anymore doesn’t mean somebody else should have to put it back to its place. Your ignorance creates extra work for the already busy grocery store employees so put the stuff back from where you took it.

difundir Report

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Xandra
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yesss, that's really annoying. Especially if it's perishable foods - I don't want to buy meat or fish which was left out on a shelf for hours!

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#7

Leaving A Mess After Yourself

Leaving A Mess After Yourself

No matter if it’s your office, public bathroom or a clothing store, leaving your things all over the place is just rude. You’re not entitled to having people picking up your things after you.

Cortney M. Report

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Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes me crazy, especially at work. I saw a great sign at an office: "This is your home 8 hours a day!" Is this how people treat their homes? Gross AND rude.

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#8

Standing On The Left Side And Blocking The Way

Standing On The Left Side And Blocking The Way

This one will definitely make your blood boil. Every country is different, but usually you walk on the left and you stand on the right, it’s that simple.

Andy Cross Report

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#9

Swiping Right When Someone Hands You Their Phone To Show A Picture

Swiping Right When Someone Hands You Their Phone To Show A Picture

They only wanted to show you one picture, you do not have the right to scroll through their photos and check what they have on their phone. Imagine how awkward it would be if you would stumble on something very private?

CC0 Public Domain Report

#10

Not Cleaning Up After Your Dog

Not Cleaning Up After Your Dog

Picking up poop and throwing it away takes way less time than stepping in it and cleaning it up, not to mention getting rid of the smell. So, if you want a dog, understand that it comes with a poop that you’ll have to pick up.

Brandon Weeks Report

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Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is especially rude if your dog pooped in front of somebody's doorstep.

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#11

Putting Your Feet All Over Somebody Else’s Space On Planes And Trains

Putting Your Feet All Over Somebody Else’s Space On Planes And Trains

Feet are already a sensitive topic to many people, nobody enjoys seeing or smelling somebody else’s feet (unless you’re into that stuff). But taking your shoes off and putting your feet near people sitting next to you is just rude and disgusting.

Paul Holloway Report

#12

Not Washing Your Hands After Using The Bathroom

Not Washing Your Hands After Using The Bathroom

Nobody wants to touch your hands after you used the toilet, and it’s even worse since nobody is ever sure who washed their hands and who didn’t. Be kind to others and stop sharing you bacteria.

Public Domain Report

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MammaG
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is confounding that people don't automatically do that. Monsters.

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#13

Throwing Something Into A Trash Bin, Missing It, And Not Picking It Up

Throwing Something Into A Trash Bin, Missing It, And Not Picking It Up

Struggling with your aim? Then maybe just try walking to the trash bin? Who would have thought that it’s that simple? Groundbreaking.

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Bored Fox
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes the birds will spread the trash near the trash cans when they are searching for food. I have seen that happen many times especially near the fast food restaurants.

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#14

Parking In Disabled Parking Spots

Parking In Disabled Parking Spots

Oh come on, this one is just plain illegal. There’s always a free parking space somewhere, always, just try harder to find one.

Tdmalone Report

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Mama Panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one pisses me off so bad! I have an invisible disability and can't walk too far without almost passing out. I have a placard and I still get called out because I am not wearing a cast or something. So please don't be an a*****e and park there if you aren't handicapped and please remember that if you see a car with a placard, understand that they obviously need it even if it isn't obvious to you.

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#15

Having A Cart Full Of Groceries In The Express Lane

Having A Cart Full Of Groceries In The Express Lane

It might be quicker for you but it ruins the whole point of the ‘express lane’. And don’t act so surprised if the cashier refuses to scan your stuff.

Walmart Report

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Zenozenobee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On express lane, usually cashier ask those kind of peopel to move on a regular lane (in France at least)

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#16

Not Dimming Your Car’s Front Lights While Driving Past Someone In The Dark

Not Dimming Your Car’s Front Lights While Driving Past Someone In The Dark

Headlight flashing is a popular way to send another driver a message. But always remember that your lights can be blinding other people and distracting them from the road, so please make sure that your lights are not too bright. The rule is simple, if you can see the driver - you’re too late.

avi_acl Report

#17

Standing Too Close To Someone

Standing Too Close To Someone

If you’re waiting in a line, please try your best not to breathe into someone else’s neck. This accidental intimacy is uncalled for and always unwanted. Try to be mindful, there’s a reason the term “safe space” exists.

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Mama Panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are standing thisclose to me, I will physically move you back to a comfortable distance!

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#18

Snapping Fingers At A Server

Snapping Fingers At A Server

Just don’t. It’s rude, obnoxious and degrading.

Alan Kotok Report

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Malin K
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only time it's appropriate to snap your fingers at someone is at a poetry slam lol

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#19

Leaving Carts All Over The Parking Lot

Leaving Carts All Over The Parking Lot

How many times have you needed to park your car, thought you saw a free space, but when you drove closer saw it was occupied by a bunch of grocery store carts? There are special places to leave them, and they are always near the parking lot, please, put them where they are supposed to be.

Dan DeLuca Report

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Zenozenobee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In France, as most carts have to be unlock with a coin or a token, most people bring them back to get their coin/token back

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#20

Having Your Stuff All Over The Place In Public Places

Having Your Stuff All Over The Place In Public Places

Everybody has heard about manspreading, but have you ever heard about ‘Shebagging”, it’s when you put your stuff all over the place, especially in public transportation, blocking the available seat next to you and leaving others standing. If you ever catch yourself doing so, try putting your stuff on your legs and offering the seat to another passenger.

Annie Mole Report

#21

Not Changing An Empty Toilet Paper Roll

Not Changing An Empty Toilet Paper Roll

Don’t be a demon, when you finish a toilet paper roll replace it with a new one. Imagine a situation were you just finished doing your business and there’s no toilet paper, sucks, right? Well, don’t put somebody else in this tragic situation.

Santeri Viinamäki Report

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#22

Manspreading

Manspreading

This one is rather simple - close. your. legs.

WNYC Report

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Xandra
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually say "Excuse me" or something to that effect and push slightly with my knee (if I'm wearing pants, at least...). Most just weren't paying attention and apologize.

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#23

Not Covering Your Mouth While Coughing

Not Covering Your Mouth While Coughing

According to Live Science, one cough can release as much as 3,000 droplets of saliva, and they can fly as fast as 50 miles per hour. And sneezing can force as much as 40,000 droplets of saliva. Is there anything else we need to say to prove our point? Covering your mouth is not an option but an absolute must.

Allan Foster Report

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r3dd3v1lL
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I'll get a lot of downvotes for this, but this is one of the main reasons I don't like kids. Children never cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

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#24

Checking Your Phone In The Middle Of A Conversation

Checking Your Phone In The Middle Of A Conversation

Unless it’s actually urgent, please do not check your phone in the middle of a conversation with someone. It seems like you’re bored, and you make other people feel uncomfortable. Also, it’s one thing to quickly check the time and another when you just keep scrolling.

Michael Coghlan Report

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BusLady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I might do this if the person is particularly annoying and won't take a hint and leave. We all know people like that.

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#25

Not Keeping A Safe Distance From Other Cars On The Road

Not Keeping A Safe Distance From Other Cars On The Road

It’s a well-known fact that driving too close to someone is not safe, and no matter what you’re trying to prove, it’s in poor taste to harass somebody by driving as close as of couple of meters from their car. A safe distance between two vehicles is at least 2 seconds behind.

CC0 Public Domain Report

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La Petite Morte
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was taught that safe braking distance is one half car length for every 10 mph. Is this not the standard anymore?

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#26

Eating With Your Mouth Open

Eating With Your Mouth Open

We try not to be too snobby here, but seeing someone chew with their mouth open is something others might not enjoy witnessing. We get it, it’s hard to control yourself sometimes, but just try to be as self- aware as possible. Also, if somebody is eating with their mouth open, here’s how you can politely tell them to stop.

Mait Jüriado Report

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Ben Smith
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you mean chewing with your mouth open. It’s very difficult to eat without opening one’s mouth...

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#27

Using Words Like 'Gay', 'Retarded' And 'Autistic' As An Insult

Using Words Like 'Gay', 'Retarded' And 'Autistic' As An Insult

Saying ‘it’s so gay’ is sooo last year. And even if you think it’s only a joke, and it’s not offending anyone, it still has a bad connotation to it.

CC0 Public Domain Report

#28

Not Leaving Someone's House When They Say They Are Tired And Have To Get To Work Early In The Morning

Not Leaving Someone's House When They Say They Are Tired And Have To Get To Work Early In The Morning

It takes a lot of energy to invite people over and plan the entire evening. So when people are starting to leave, you should understand that the lovely evening is coming to an end. And if you hear someone say ‘I’m really tired’ or ‘I have to go to work early in the morning’, it’s also a sign that you should call a taxi and head home.

Joseph Ducreux Report

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Dolicious
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if you don´t get it, do not take offense being politely asked to leave. Please ;-)

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#29

Blocking Pedestrian Crossings With Your Car

Blocking Pedestrian Crossings With Your Car

If you’re in a car, you’re not a pedestrian, so anything that is strictly dedicated to pedestrians is something you shouldn’t be driving on, especially sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Is this so hard to understand??

Riley Report

#30

Rambling On And On To A Person Who Is Obviously Busy

Rambling On And On To A Person Who Is Obviously Busy

Your assignment is due tomorrow, you’re already doing five things at once, and your boss keeps messaging you asking to do something that’s not even your responsibility. And then Karen walks in, asks how your day’s going, and then talks about her weekend, and then she shares a story about how her dog seems to have diarrhea. She keeps talking and talking, and no matter how many times you say ‘I should really get back to work’, she seems to not understand it. Annoying, right? Yeah, thought so.

David Woo Report

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lincholn6echo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude, if you dont get it that Im busy and you're wasting my time right now with non-work-related stuff I'll just go away and leave you standing and talking, F*** you, i dont care. If you literally ignore my "sorry, need to go" two or three times I'll ignore your blahblah..

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#31

Talking Loudly In Public Areas

Talking Loudly In Public Areas

Yes, it’s cool you have friends to talk to, and it’s even cooler that the topic is so riveting that now you’re all hyped up. But please, make sure your voice isn’t louder than your surroundings, not everybody wants to hear what happened to you last night.

Pedro Ribeiro Simões Report

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Bunzilla
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even worse is talking loudly on your phone in a public space, especially one that is usually quiet, like a waiting room...

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#32

Talking To Someone With Headphones On

Talking To Someone With Headphones On

If you see a person with their headphones on, it usually means ‘I am not in the mood to talk’, especially if it’s a stranger. It’s one thing to ask them a question, but to continue disturbing them is something that will make them hate you. Just let them listen to their music.

Public Domain Report

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Crouching_Penn_Hidden_Teller@yahoo.com
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, god, I get this one a lot. Especially with the religious people. I'll be waiting for a bus w/ my headphones on and they'll shove their damn pamphlets right under my nose.

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#33

Eating Stinky Food In Public

Eating Stinky Food In Public

We get it, you’re busy, you didn’t have time to eat and you’re just too hungry to wait until you get back home and fill your tummy. But please, be considerate of others and avoid eating stinky food like tuna sandwiches in public, especially buses or trains, where nobody can escape the smell.

Travel Collector Report

#34

Not Taking Care Of Your Personal Hygiene

Not Taking Care Of Your Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene isn’t something people should need to be reminded about. Don’t forget to think about others when thinking about skipping a shower or two.

Maxim B. Report

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Eeva
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everyone can get a shower or a bath easily. Elderly, disabled or homeless people for example.

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#35

Talking On Your Phone When You’re First In The Line

Talking On Your Phone When You’re First In The Line

If you’re in line to order a drink or anything else, please be aware that nobody wants to wait for you to finish your conversation to order. Just known what you want, say it and don’t make the barista wait for you to tell your mom what you ate yesterday.

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MammaG
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe we need to bring back phone booths. Just empty booths for people to use for their phone conversations. No one should hold lengthy conversations in public.

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#36

Sitting Close To Someone On An Empty Bus

Sitting Close To Someone On An Empty Bus

This one is just creepy. Why would you choose to invade someone else’s private space when there are plenty of free seats on the bus?

Ted Eytan Report

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Enea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once a woman placed herself next to me in a nearly empty bus ON TOP OF MY GROCERIES! I think she did it out of principle because I had dared to occupy a second seat (in an empty bus).

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#37

Using Both Armrests

Using Both Armrests

Long train ride? Flight? Want to rest? Well, why not try thinking about your neighbor and leaving one armrest for him? Afterall, sharing is caring.

And according to a manner coach Adeodata Czink, “if you’re sitting in a window or aisle seat, the middle seat passenger gets to put his arms down first. If there’s room left over, great. If not, it belongs to the middle seat passenger. And one more thing, try to be nice about it.”

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#38

Reading Over Someone Else’s Shoulder

Reading Over Someone Else’s Shoulder

Ok, this one is a bit more subtle. Many of us check what people next to us are reading on the bus, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, if you’re being discrete. But obnoxiously reading someone’s private texts over their shoulder is a big social no no. Oh, and remember you can always feel if somebody is creeping on you behind your back.

Bryan Gosline Report

#39

Petting And/Or Feeding Stranger Dogs

Petting And/Or Feeding Stranger Dogs

Always always ask the owner if you can pet or feed their pet. You never know if the pet is friendly and feeding them can even cause an allergic reaction.

And remember, the owner knows best, so if he says ‘no’ do not try petting their animal behind their back.

Darcy Lawrey Report

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Naomi Armitage
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just about every other person in my building complex has a dog (including me), and I ALWAYS ask to pet their doggos, and most times they ask to pet mine, or if they have kids, they make sure the kids know to ask before trying to pet. A lot of doggos I've met around here aren't too keen on being petted.

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#40

Walking Too Slowly On A Busy Street

Walking Too Slowly On A Busy Street

If it’s a busy area where people are in a hurry to get to school or work, please don’t be the person who just walks like they’re in a park and disturbs everyone from getting to their destinations on time.

CC0 Public Domain Report

#41

Jumping The Line At The Bar

Jumping The Line At The Bar

When it comes to bars, there is an entire section of unwritten rules people usually follow to avoid uncomfortable situations or piss off other patrons, and one of them is to wait patiently for your turn to order. According to Good Cocktails, “When the bartender is busy, don't try to cut in by yelling, "I just want a water!" Why should the bartender stop serving the paying customers in order to serve a person that only wants a free glass of water.” But when you about it, why should the bartender stop serving a customer just to take your order even if you’re paying?

Merlijn Hoek Report

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Grazina Strolia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was at a bar once where the bartender asked me what I wanted, and I said "Oh, I think this person was here first" (the person next to me). While I was saying that, another guy just yelled his drink order from behind me, over my head. AND THE BARTENDER TOOK HIS ORDER. Me and the other customer just rolled our eyes. I did not tip the bartender.

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#42

Pretending To Not See An Old Or Pregnant Person

Pretending To Not See An Old Or Pregnant Person

We get it, it happens, you’re tired, you kinda don’t see the pregnant lady standing next to you but you really do, and in your head, you know damn well you should get your butt off the seat and offer it to someone who is literally carrying another human being inside of her.

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Kiki
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have you ever offered your seat to a woman you thought was pregnant only for her to recoil in horror and you realized she was not pregnant, just fat? Try it once and you'll never offer your seat again. Unless a woman specifically asks for a seat, you're better off staying where you are.

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#43

Peeing Close To Someone In The Urinal

Peeing Close To Someone In The Urinal

Nobody wants to pee standing close to someone else. If you’re not sure you know all of the unwritten rules about peeing in the urinals, make sure you take this test.

Ron Knox Report

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Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Urinals just need to be banned altogether. So disgusting, urine spraying back at you the whole time. Add to that how many people don't wash their hands. Just ew.

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