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Having people over for drinks, backyard parties or, most recently, Thanksgiving dinners can be one of the most enjoyable things in the world. Many of us love inviting visitors into our humble dwellings, and we always go the extra mile to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Fluffy pillows, soft lighting, scented candles, soothing music, you name it, making our guests feel at home tends to make us all happy and warm inside, too.

But some people may have a different idea of what being a respectful and courteous guest means. Then, it can do homeowners well to set some boundaries and stick to them from the get-go.

So to gain inspiration from people who firmly draw the line, Redditor cigarandcreamsoda reached out to fellow members of the 'Ask Reddit' community: "What is a non-negotiable rule in your house for everyone?" As the thread immediately became a hit, we at Bored Panda have gathered a list of some of the most interesting responses down below. Continue scrolling to check them all out, upvote the ones you agree with, and be sure to share your own unyielding house rules with us in the comments!

#1

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange I live alone with my dog. When my friends come over, they make comments about my dog being on my furniture or that he sleeps in the bed with me. It’s my house and my dog’s house. If they don’t like it, they can leave.

NerdyBrooklynGirl , Jessica Johnston Report

#2

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange You don't get to hug my kids if they don't want to hug you. I don't care if you're the grandparent or what.

Business_Loquat5658 , Bethany Beck Report

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lenka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. I hated being forced to hug my creepy uncle. I will never do that to my children. Their body, their choice.

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#3

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange No homophobia. No transphobia. No racism.

OhYesPizza , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't even let them inside my house. Don't know any bc I avoid them like the plague.

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#4

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange If there is a cat on your lap, you don’t have to get up for any reason.

onionsthecat , Sam Lion Report

#5

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Knock first! Bathroom, bedroom or study room. Knocking is a slowly forgotten art of respect.

karmawhobiiih , MART PRODUCTION Report

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Irina
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And wait until the other one says you csn come in! My mother used to knock and come in without my permission.

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#7

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange I have timid cats, leave them alone. If they come up to you, fine. Don't be chasing them around the house trying to pet them or pick them up. You won't be invited over ever again.

coffcat , Fuu J Report

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EP
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop pissing off my animals. What is wrong with you. They are loving beings. Stop being a jerk

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#8

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Don't f**k around with someone when they are asleep. If someone is asleep, they're off limits, no messing with/pranks and no waking up without good reason. It wasn't until talking to my friends who had siblings who would pile things on them, move the bed, wake them up in the middle of the night (just general sibling hijinks) And realised how important the 'leave sleeping family members alone' was in our house growing up

Yaboijustlikesgoats , Craig Adderley Report

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Alexia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was my nightmare as the elder child. My younger brother would turn on the TV on cartoons (and later the music) SO LOUDLY early in the mornings. I complained to my parents several times, but they'd bully me: "he's doing nothing wrong, and you're so lazy and pathetic"

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#9

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Don’t feed my dogs, anything. I don’t care how cute they are looking at you.

stickystarz , Camylla Battani Report

#10

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange WASHING HANDS AFTER USING THE WASHROOM.

MissKate89 , Ilona Frey Report

#11

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange No smoking

Fortune_Teller01 , cottonbro studio Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who used to smoke, I totally agree. If you want to smoke you can go to the balcony.

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#12

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Do not mistreat the dogs.

_notthatotherguy_ , Chewy Report

#13

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Car doesn’t go in drive unless everyone has their seatbelts on.

RnGesus54 , Alexandria Gilliott Report

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Max M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My aunt told her kids that the car can't start before everyone have their belt on.

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#14

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Nobody gets humiliated. For nothing. Joking around, banter, discussions, arguments, all fine. Humiliation, as in name calling, laughing down, patronising, unhelpful comments that just hurt and don't do anything else - no.

CarrotcakewithCream , Nik Shuliahin Report

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Squirrelly Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband has a very snarky sense of humor. Back when we were dating I told him his jokes were too similar to what my bullies did in school. After a short discussion we came up with a solution. When he has a joke that might be hurtful he says that it is a joke BEFORE saying the joke. That way he can indulge his sense of humor and I know he thought about whether it might be hurtful or not and wanted me to know he is not serious. It took practice on his part, some patience on mine, but very quickly he was pretty good about it, and not long after that, real good. All because he didn't want to hurt me and once he knew his words hurt he wanted to change. So, yes, no humiliation, no bullying in my house.

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#17

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Don't put stuff on the stairs. Almost died once. Never again!

kaidomac , Pixabay Report

#18

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange One of the biggest rules is actually for when people are leaving my home, and it's a very simple one, "Text me when you get home safely."

SnazzyPants01 , Asterfolio Report

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#19

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Noone gets in without at least 5 days of warning and an exact arrival time. I need to f*****g clean.

Matchbreakers , cottonbro studio Report

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Kate Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG YES. My place can get downright messy so I get super offended if someone just shows up to my house. Plus, I'm not walking around fully dressed all the time. I'm single and live alone so I'm generally in a tank top and short or something like a housedress or something. I wouldn't want anyone to see me in that. It's incredibly rude to just how up at someone's place and I can't believe we even need to say this.

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Angela B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! Am happy to have people over, with notice. Under NO circumstances are people just to "drop by". By the same token, I ask friends well beforehand if I can come visit and send a text a few hours before to confirm it is still okay.

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KnightOwl
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, my depression means my flat often needs a thorough clean before anyone comes over. I know most of my loved ones wouldn't care or judge me, but I judge myself and would never want anyone to see how bad it can get. Just spent 10 days gutting my entire flat (I have workmen coming in this week to fit a new kitchen) and it's still messy 🤷‍♀️ Everyone knows that if they show up unannounced I won't let them in. Sometimes I go outside to see what they want, sometimes I tell them to go away but mostly I just ignore the buzzer/doorbell.

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Justme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not if that someone works. They might work 12hr shifts and need the 5 days notice.

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EP
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahahaha. I had pop over friends the other day at 10:30pm. I just woke up for an apple from fridge. What the heck is that? I was nice about it. They made fun of me for being wrapped in a blanket. I’m sleeping!!!!! My house was a messy. It was shocking. I would not do that unannounced. And they brought both their kids!! Their kids were f*****g w my house too and touching the walls and trying to jump to the ceiling. What the heck is going on. Are you barn yard people? I can’t say barb yard animals bc they wouldn’t do this.

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vglw
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if warning is not given, you can come in and either keep ya mouth shut or help clean up.

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Daria
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. Also , I'll have to accommodate their arrival into my shopping/cooking, work and me-time, and that needs planning.

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Gypsy Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not just the cleaning - I need to mentally prepare. I do NOT like visitors.

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Bryan W.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree with the sentiment, but I hope 5 days is hyperbole lol

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B B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I need to mentally prepare for you coming round as well as clean.

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Sandor M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems extreme, would have been impossible 20-30 years ago at us ( not many people had phones). To close family an friends I might drop in unannounced, others will call first. And it's fine if they are busy, I go away . I don't care who and when visits me, as long it's not too early/late .

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Auntriarch
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I must be odd. I really don't mind if people drop by. My house is often untidy but always clean. But I wouldn't drop in on anyone else without a message first.

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Awsomemom52
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if you show up unannounced... don't you dare complain or judge me or the state of my home. In return, I won't even judge the state your home, when I've been invited.

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R
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just pretend that I’m not home… I do not like other people in my safe place. It’s my home my world.

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jamie1707
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Other than an emergency, I DO NOT do drop ins. I just don't. My place is always clean, it's not that. I just don't like being surprised.

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Wednesday
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When we host a party, I clean deeply. If someone does by and my house is gross they better not say a word.

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Justin Rogers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on in! Don't mind the fur or the dogs, goat, pig or ferrets. I had to fire the maid. I live this way thanks, if you don't like it we can go to your house

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Jp@nda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not even that it's dirty but it's not up to guest standards, for me, not you.

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Winter Eleven
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a rule to notify me at least 3days before (everything is scheduled around washing my hair)

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Deborah B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is me. If you "Drop by" I'm just getting dressed to head out to an appointment, so I really can't invite you in.

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PandaPops
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just dont have people over. Ever. And everyone i know knows this.. some dont even know where I live... I am the visitor.. not the visitee.. im very uncomfortable with people in my home.

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Roland Nijveld
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

5 days???? I don't even know what I'm planning to do in the next day. Let alone in 5 days..

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BeepBeepBoopBoop
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

okay okay- So the first definition that came up was when you see your neighbors walking over that you quickly tidy up. But then also like, urban dictionary is.. weird. Idk if I would call this a mental disorder, more of I want my house to look a little nicer before people come over, imo.

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Calvin Smelliott
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Five days?! How dirty is your house? I don’t want to come over if it takes that long to clean.

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#20

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange If you pee on the toilet seat clean it up!!!

I am a single parent with 2 boys, I know I'm not the one peeing on the toilet seat but apparently they don't either.

Southern_Anything_39 , 99.films Report

#23

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange If the cat sits on your lap, you must pet the cat.

tinybumblebeeboy , Karolina Grabowska Report

#24

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Unless you've explicitly been invited to spend the night go away at the end of the night. I'll call you an uber, I'll pay your cab if I have to, I'll give you a ride to retrieve your car tomorrow, but go away.

I like hosting, but only friends who also leave without basically being shoved out the door eventually.

Missscarlettheharlot , Charlotte May Report

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Rūta Marija Tamulevičiūtė
BoredPanda Staff
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a friend who never knows when to leave. I could be standing in my pj's after a shower with lights turned off and she would still be sitting chatting with herself. I love her to death, but she is very clueless. Now I just tell her to leave when she overstays.

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#25

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Put the lid down on toilet! We have shelves by the toilet and I don't know how many stuff jumped into the toilet.

lemonedpenguin , Lazar Gugleta Report

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EP
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg my friend and I just talked about this. Who wants to look into a toilet. If you’re not using it the lid is shut so that nothing randomly falls down it. When your lipstick goes flying off the counter it doesn’t go into the poo water. It’s an obvi that most households don’t even care about. A simple thing too.

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#26

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange No phones at the dinner table

loonytoon94 , Andrej Lišakov Report

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Lsai Aeon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've upped this one to no electronics at the dinner table. This includes phones, tablets, all hand held gaming devices etc.

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#27

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Don't leave time on the microwave!

sonorancafe , Vlad Zaytsev Report

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ADHORTATOR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone is doing that at work....I' ll find him one day and then..... (Liam Neeson voice)

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#28

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange If the TV is on, your phone volume should be set to zero or else wear headphones. Same goes for any other electronic devices. There are few things more annoying than volume wars in the living room.

zerbey , cottonbro studio Report

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KnightOwl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish my parents would do this. They always have their TV playing very loudly even when noone is watching it. Meanwhile my autistic nephew runs around playing loud irritating repetitive youtube videos on his tablet, their phones are always going and when they answer they shout over the din. The noise levels can get ridiculous and it really stresses me out. I almost always end up with a migraine whenever I spend any time there.

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#29

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Don't EVER touch my God damn thermostat ........EVER!

Sub_Zero_Fks_Given , Erik Mclean Report

#30

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange One side of the kitchen sink stays empty!

We have one of those two-basin stainless sinks and it drives me absolutely bonkers when I have to remove and stack dishes just to get water to make coffee in the morning.

Rokhnal , RODNAE Productions Report

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#32

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange You *will* give my dogs at minimum one pat and one "good boy" each or you're leaving.

YourMomsQueefs , Kenan Kitchen Report

#33

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Since my friends have manners, I have no rules. If you aren't a friend, you're not in my house

Flimsy-Attention-722 , Mikhail Nilov Report

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Cuppa tea?
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That how it should be. If people have manners, they don't need any imposing rules.

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#34

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange It used to be to not pee on the carpet.

My wiener dog disagrees with that rule

jrsobx , Nicole Tarasuk Report

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Headless Roach
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, you have to respect the fact that your flatmate may have different views.

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#35

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Who ever has the higher standard for a chore does the chore.


When I do the dishes, I do the dishes. When my wife does the dishes, she does the dishes, makes coffee, and wipes down the counters.


When my wife sweeps, she gets the major areas. When I sweep, I move all the furniture and toys, then sweep every room, under every bed, then spot mop, then vacuum all the rugs and carpeted areas.

WindsomKid , Catt Liu Report

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digitalin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This only works if it balances out. If it's consistently one person (usually the woman, unfortunately) who has higher standards, sorry, the dude needs to step up.

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#36

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Minimum pants (underwear) at the dinner table. Remarkably something you have to enforce quite often with small children.

Capable-Dream6768 , Tyson Report

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Lord Mysticlaw
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is funny because it's true... my kid was quite a nudist as a toddler 🤣

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#37

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange If there is food in the house, it is available to anyone. Company included.

MeGrendel , Kevin Malik Report

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EP
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is really nice. It’s available to company. IF THEY ASK ME!!! If company goes into my kitchen opens my cabinets and fridge and has at it. I have a big probably with that. To grab a water sure. But just ask about the food and I’ll be happy to share but to have the audacity to rummage through someone else’s fridge or cabinets without asking first. Yikes

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#38

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange No slamming doors.

thetinyhurricane , cottonbro studio Report

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Will Cable
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Strange how in TV shows, when someone is arguing in the kitchen they slam the doors and drawers ....just wait till they have soft close and it will seem surreal

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#39

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange Clean after yourself. Let people have their turn to speak. If things get heated, take break before you say s**t you’ll regret afterwards.

And always, always, close the dog gate after you walk in lest the dog go on an endless adventure.

Ihlita , Joanes Sidharta Report

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Just me, myself, and I
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hubby still isn't fully trained on closing the gate. Our lab has escaped several times but we live where traffic isn't an issue. Still, I'm ready to string Hubby up by his thumbs at times.

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#40

40 People Share The Non-Negotiable Rules They Have In Their Homes, And Some Are Very Strange If i want to sit on my countertops don’t tell me i f*****g cant.

RavioliRecia , Toa Heftiba Report

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Paulo Freitas
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats what my cats try to tell me about the tables..... I have allready given up on trying to stop them, Im nothing but a 100kg can apener to them.

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