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We tend to go through life accepting a lot from society. We use these pieces of paper to buy things? Got it. I must work somewhere to earn more paper to ensure I can eat and have shelter? Yes sir. We must abide by rules the government decided on even if we disagree with them? Okay, sure. If we questioned everything that society considers normal, we’d go crazy. But recently, Reddit users have been discussing some socially acceptable things that upon further reflection, they decided they’ll never do.

2 months ago, Reddit user fuzziblanket asked, “What is something considered to be ‘normal’ by society that you refuse to do?” We’ve gone through the responses and curated this list of some of the most interesting topics that you may have never even questioned before. Whether you commonly do these activities or not, enjoy reading through them and determining if you still consider them normal. Be sure to upvote the answers you’d like other pandas to see, and let us know in the comments what “normal” things you’d never be caught doing. 

Then if you’re looking for another Bored Panda piece pointing out odd yet socially acceptable things, look no further than right here.

#1

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) recording yourself doing an act of charity or a good deed in general. completely devalues it the second you hit post

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What’s considered “normal” is determined by society, but there are many societies around the globe that have their own quirks. In the United States, for example, it’s totally normal to drive your car anywhere you go, even if it’s just a mile away because there might not be decent sidewalks or crosswalks to get to your destination. In many other countries where roads are built to better accommodate pedestrians, this would be considered bizarre. It’s also normal in many European countries for kids to walk or bike to school by themselves, especially when they’re about 8-years-old or older. This would be very rare in the US. Even when in their own neighborhood, American kids are usually expected to have adult supervision at all times. When paying at a restaurant in the US, patrons typically hand the server their card, the server takes it to their computer, and then they return with the receipt. If a server in a European country tried to walk off with someone’s credit card, the customer might assume they were being robbed. Societal norms vary greatly based on where you are, so there's nothing wrong with questioning them. They might be more arbitrary than you think!

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#2

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Forbidding my (straight male) partner to spend time with female friends. He's a grown-a*s man; he should know how to hold healthy boundaries. It shouldn't be on me to keep him from cheating. If he's really gonna fall into the pants of the first girl I leave him alone with, she can have him.

Similarly, blaming someone else for my partner's failings, and/or trying to "win back" someone who doesn't want me. He's a big boy who can make his own choices (even bad ones), and I want a partner who wants to be with me, not someone I had to talk into staying.

(For the record, my dudeman of 20 years is awesome.)

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Sarah Spencer
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone that enters into a relationship and starts setting the terms and conditions of their new partners interactions is definitely not a healthy person to be with!

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#3

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) I don't know if it's been mentioned already, but I'll throw in my 5 cents.

The need to be available 24/7, i.e. always having your phone on you.
I like going for long walks and leaving my phone at home. I don't feel guilty for missing texts or calls, it's just stressful being expected to be available all hours of the day.

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

It's sad times when people are apologizing for not responding within a minute to a text. I have to tell friends to chill out. A text is not going to disappear. We all have other priorities and no one should expect anyone to stop their lives all of a sudden to engage in a conversation out of the blue.

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One of the socially acceptable activities mentioned on this list is drinking alcohol. While alcohol has been around for centuries, it’s also the most commonly abused substance. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a couple drinks, especially in social settings. Alcohol is linked with many cultures, as sharing a bottle of wine with a loved one or enjoying some beers with your best friends can be great ways to bond. Holidays tend to be filled with booze in many places as well.

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But regardless of how socially acceptable drinking is, it’s completely fair to question it too. People who have experience with alcoholics in their families or personal lives may decide that drinking will never be for them. Others decide to refrain from drinking for religious or health reasons. Drinking heavily can lead to developing heart, liver, or kidney issues and can even increase an individual's likelihood of developing cancer. It's completely up to individuals whether or not they decide to drink; no one should ever feel pressured to order a drink because its expected by society.

#4

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) give a s**t about celebs. Sometimes they're fun to talk about for like 5 minutes but other than that? Aren't they just people? I don't get it.

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

Yep, definitely this. I just can't fathom why anyone would give a sh*t about what dress a celeb is wearing, who they're currently dating, etc. Whatever part of the brain that finds that stuff interesting I must just be missing.

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#5

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Work myself to death.

Edit: I commented this, passed out, and now it blew up. Thank you for the awards.

Also please use your vacation days. Your sick days. Take your dog out. Hang out with the family. Even if you're alone like me - Go do something you like.

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

My workplace has been under staffed for over a year. I refuse to work extra hours and when im sick Im staying in bed. Whats the point if you burn out and have no energy to do the things you actually like?

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#6

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Talk to toxic family members

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

This!!! Being related to someone does not grant them permanent space in your life. If they are not good people, you DON'T owe them your time, your forgiveness or your love.

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Smoking is another habit that’s considered socially acceptable in some places but more taboo in others. We’re all well aware of cigarettes being carcinogens, and most of us have seen terrifying examples of what smoking can do to the body our entire lives. Yet for some reason, smoking is still incredibly common and accepted in many countries. In Greece, for example, about 38% of the population smokes, including 47% of men. According to cardiologist and tobacco control researcher Konstantinos Farsalinos, “Greeks aren’t highly motivated to quit. There is plenty of education, and we have smoking cessation centers, but they are not popular. There is not a lot of social pressure to quit smoking. Although there are laws prohibiting indoor smoking, those laws are not obeyed. So that reduces the social pressure. So, the smoker tends to forget the reasons why smoking is bad for you. Most Greek smokers only quit when they develop disease.” While the culture around smoking is different everywhere, it’s definitely worth questioning if it’s accepted wherever you live.

#7

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Push for the removal of homeless. They need help, not further persecution.

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

Honestly, it depends. We have organized beggar clans, which get driven into the country in spring and back home in autumn. They refuse any and all help, they even refuse to use the toilets specifically installed for them only they have a key for, and instead s**t on sidewalks and p**s in parks and bike parking spaces instead. I get persecution.

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#8

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Wear makeup. If I can deal with my face, so can everyone else

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#9

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Sacrifice a down payment on a house for a wedding.

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

Nobody understood why I wouldn’t have a big wedding. Between the costs and my MIL thinking it was her special day I talked my husband into a destination wedding with just us. When we got back my MIL had a fancy cocktail party. That was enough.

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Similarly to smoking, people around the world have very different views on recreational drugs as well. Marijuana is particularly controversial, as it has been legalized for recreational use in 6 countries, 19 states in the US, and parts of Australia. In places where it is legal, like the state of Oregon for example, it usually is considered socially acceptable. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but it’s legal and harmless, so people tend to mind their own business. However, in other places where it is heavily enforced, like the Philippines where it is considered a "dangerous drug", people are a lot less likely to openly discuss their marijuana use. How socially acceptable recreational drugs are depends greatly on individual cultures, but even in places where marijuana is common, there will always be those who simply have no interest in getting high.

#10

My dad just scolded me because I was unwilling to put in 60+ hrs/week at a new salaried job by saying 'I've worked 70/hr since I was out of college!'
Yeah dad, that's probably why you missed every important life event and smoke a juul at age 57

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#11

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) I don’t drink or do illicit drugs. Alcohol messes with my medication, and pot gives me anxiety. I am a sober person and people often give me s**t about it and call me boring.

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

I’m sorry to break this to you, but you’re hanging out with the wrong people. Unless everyone is drunk, being with drunk people is really boring!

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#12

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Hang out in a social setting where the music is so gawdam loud that you have to scream at the person next to you to communicate.

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

I refuse to go to bars or restaurants where the music is too loud to talk to each other without screaming. I just don't get the point.

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Another thing mentioned on this list that some people swear they’ll never experience is dating apps. Online dating originally began in 1995 when Match.com launched, but as our culture has become increasingly obsessed with the internet since then, finding love online has only become more and more common. In 2020, the Pew Research Center found that 30% of Americans had ever used a dating site or app, including 48% of people between the ages of 18-29. These numbers have likely only gone up since the onset of the pandemic, though, and online dating is even more common among members of the LGBT+ community. Pew found that 55% of LGBT respondents had experience on a dating site or app, with 21% of them saying they had even been in a serious relationship with someone they met online. 

#13

Two months ago, my dad died. He had cancer and had had it for like a year.

I told my work over and over again that he was really sick. I work in an office and am on a computer all day. I have a company-supplied laptop. I have the ability to work from home, but I was not allowed to do so because I was an hourly employee.

I told them that his condition was worsening. I live five hours from my parents. They refused to accommodate me, even when I offered to work every day from my parents house, just so I could be with him.

They said 'well maybe when the situation gets more dire.'

I tried to apply for FMLA (I think that’s the right acronym) and I wasn’t eligible because I was hourly and hadn’t been there for a year yet, despite the circumstances. A week before he died I told my boss that it was almost time and I might have to take off work.

They were not concerned and told me as long as I got my work done and didn’t miss deadlines. I took the day he died off work—I just had a bad feeling, and was packing to go see him when he passed.
I told my work and they don’t have bereavement leave. So I offered to work remotely during this period and again they refused. Again, I have a 'good job' working at a huge corporation, in an office; my job requires a degree.

I was forced to use all of my sick time and some of my PTO so I could attend his funeral and help my mother with arrangements.

And I'm stuck here because I can't afford to quit without something else lined up. I've been looking. They obviously don't see us as humans.

You don’t owe your company anything. I would give anything to go back and time and quit, just to spend the last few weeks with my dad.
Whatever company you work for doesn’t care about you, only about how much you make them. Don’t worry about screwing them over or anything because at the end of the day, you could die and they would consider it a small inconvenience.

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

This. Companies think they're the most important s**t on the planet over humans. Idc if it's business or what. They're run by humans who've forgotten where they came from and the meaning of what's important. We're not slaves to corporations. We're brainwashed into believing we need them.

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#14

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Have kids.


I'm a 38 year old woman with lots of experience with kids - I like kids! - but people think that is a reason to birth them.

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

Being able to opt in or opt out of hanging out with munchkins is great! I love being Aunt Mary Rose and not Mommy!

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

I'm 37, last sunday I hung out with a friend and her 10 yo boy who is really a sweet kid, but after few hours I was telling to myself how glad I am to not have kids on my own because even the sweetest are demanding as hell. I definitely don't have the required "parenthood material".

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

A stray cat is trying to adopt me and it is demanding. Really makes me wonder if i could handle that in humans.

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

I'm the opposite. I don't like other people's kids, tbhh. They get scared when they see me, stare at me, call me weird and laugh. When I had my own kid it was different. She's not afraid of me at all, shares my awkwardness so we get each other, and since I'm her mom she listens to me better than other kids and I have control on how to raise her. Other people's kids are like wild animals you can't control because the big, angry mama is nearby and will eat you alive if you attempt to scold their kids for acting up around you.

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

You put it into words.... And people judge you (us) for not liking being around other people's kids and yet also having our own kids.

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Zoe's Mom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

65 and never had children and no REGRETS. I'm constantly told that I would have been a great Mom. No, I'm a great AUNT but I doubt I would have been a great Mom. Didn't have a great role model.

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

I'm 56. I have the most wonderful mom ever. I, however, didn't get her patience and my tolerance for bratty kids & the parents who refuse to discipline them is nil. God knew what He was doing when He didn't give me kids of my own.

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

Being an auntie is way more fun than actually having your own So sick of people trying to force others into procreating

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

Exactly, you shouldn't HAVE to have kids, it is a choice, you do you!

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

I'm the fun, crazy Auntie who's the bad influence. I'll teach you ways to annoy your parents. I'll be the fun one who takes you camping or to the beach, I'll do fun crafts with you. But you aren't mine. I can't handle the day to day.

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

YES!!! Thirty six year old female here and have ZERO desire to have kids. Hubs is thirty eight and feels the same way!!!

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

The fact the society puts such moral weight on child rearing and simultaneously does jack all to truly support parents (in terms of leave, child care, health care etc etc) is one of the fundamentally broken things about the modern era.

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

I'm glad i'm finally old enough that people have stopped telling me I'll change my mind.

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

So many people have kids (and get married) simply because they think it's "what you're supposed to do".

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

I feel the same. I work with kindergarten kids daily, doesn't mean i want one at all. I have plenty of them at work, why should i have one at home too just because I'm female and like kids? "you just need to find the right man" and "its different if you have your own" is tiring to hear every time.

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

This is like anything else that you admire but simply wouldn't like to have one for yourself.

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

Live your life in a way that makes you happy. I chose to have kids, but that doesn't mean everyone else has to. It is rewarding, but it is also a huge, life long commitment, and if it doesn't feel right for you, then you have made the right choice.

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

Same, I'm still a teenager, I know some will say 'oh you'll change your mind' NOPE I've taken care , babysit my siblings, cousins and niece/nephew, thank you for the experience, that will be it. I've had enough , kids are a lot of work.

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

I think this generation is aware how huge the population is and many are making a choice to either not have any bio kids, or they adopt kids in desperate need. Come on people. We rescue animals that need homes, help out humans that need them!

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

Or expect you to like ALL kids if you are a mother. I have 3 kids and have worked with kids - I like kids BUT I don't want to be the one responsible for the kids at parties. I absolutely HATE when I get that position. I crave adult conversation, not more kids to entertain.

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

I hate the opposite too. Dont have kids and my sister was shocked i knew how to feed a baby

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

Kudos to the many awesome comments on this post. I've up voted many comments on this post and now I'll share my thoughts. Parenting is not easy. I have no biological children of my own but for the last 12 years since my great-niece Jada was born, I've been raising her as a single man. No one has the right to tell a woman she should have a child/children. The decision to have children shouldn't be entered into lightly. And to be quite honest, everyone shouldn't be a mom. I love Jada and it's been a blessing raising her. But I'll be honest, it's very difficult for me sometimes. Some people don't have the patience to be a parent and they shouldn't parent. To have or to have not children is a very personal decision. Only a person who wants to be a parent should be a parent.

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

I need to take a break from everyone. I can't spend too much time with anyone without a moment to myself. Usually that means going home or closing a door for a few hours, but with your kids you don't have that option

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

I hate people who expect people with uterus to birth kids at some point between 20 and 40... like, wth its my iwn f*****g decision, nothing wrong (with me) if I decide not to get kids.

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

I'm 37 y. o. female and I will never have kids. This world is horrible, we treat this planet like sh*t, why would I force someone to go through this.

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

This! I'm 34 and I do not want kids ever. I like kids but having them is just not a choice I want to make in my life

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

Way too many complete strangers felt way too comfortable telling me that i (trans masc) would make a good mom when i was 18 and working retail. The only thing I can think of is occasionally I'd give toys to kids without enough money. But they're the same boomer misogynists that felt way too comfortable s**t shaming and making nasty comments about teen moms back when I was 14 (not a parent. But I did do online school in part to take care of my twin infant siblings before they were old enough for daycare and also when we couldn't even afford daycare). I've helped raise 4 kids. I don't like kids. Nothing personal to them. But they're a sensory nightmare on my autism and a source of constant stress. I wouldn't mind a temporary or part time nanny lime role. Except i can't stand parents. You never know what little thing might set them off. Even with my own aunt i don't always know everything she wants or expects and thus i get way too stressed even trying to associate with my little cousin

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

Never had kids because I never wanted the responsibility or gut-wrenching stress!

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

I am 23 years old and found out that I have a very low chance (about a 20% chance) of being able to get pregnant when I was 13 years old. Ever since I found out, I never really planned on having children. Another thing is it's way too expensive to have children. I am trying to find money for a new car while having enough money left over to pay for bills and rent.

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

We have far too many humans on the planet as it is. Can't think of a single reason to add to them

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

Great. Don't have kids. We're not. They're a drain on your money, mind, energy and time, and unless you're made for that kind of take take take, like a nurse or hospice worker, then I don't think they should be having babies. There are people who can do that, people who cant and people who don't want to. I think this understanding is severely lacking In Murickuh.

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

I like kids too but we are a Double income no kids house and we do as we please

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

I have two kids and I always wanted them and I'm happy but I can tell that they're a lot of work and if you don't want to have any, please don't... Also, they cost a pretty penny

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

The way the world is today and with how much it costs...it's pretty dang smart not to have kids.

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

It is a bummer to my parents that I don't want kids (44) never has a desire to have them

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

Fact I used to say and still say i don't want kids it's not for me I don't think I'd be good with kids I don't dislike kids but I was told I must hate kids and if I did Hate them, then that's good I am not having them lol it's weird logic.

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not have the time, energy, or money to raise a tiny human. I dont even want kids, either. With their temper tantrums and screaming I just dont wanna deal with that bullcrap

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

So much this! I never wanted kids in my life. I knew that as a teen myself. I'm now 66 and have zero regrets. I've missed nothing.

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

Not everyone wants kids. Nothing wrong with that. I always wanted kids (I have 3). My mother, on the other hand, should never have had kids.

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

I can't manage to take care of myself, imagine bringing my own flesh and blood along..

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Tracy J
Community Member
1 year ago

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

I'm 43 and am the same. I enjoy some time with my friends kids but I'm not procreating any of my own.

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

I'm all for this until it's become the norm. Our society does need people to continue, you know?

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

I've found the opposite with my generation and the one above me. I really want children in the near future (I'm 21), yet people harass and attack me online for wanting to bring a "demon" into the world. People in these recent generations don't like children and they feel the need to force that opinion on people who DO want children to keep them from reproducing.

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

You keep posting "toxic femininity" on post after post. Either you don't know what it means or you're just a jackass. Choosing not to have children has absolutely nothing to do with toxic femininity, but everything to do with a woman's right to choose what is right for *her*. Educate yourself and while you're at it, learn how to spell "femininity".

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Channo Sagara
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imho: It's your loss. So yes, people should not bother you about your decision.

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

How is it a loss? I have more money, more time, more freedom, better and closer friendships that I can dedicate real time to, a relationship where I can commit 100% of my love and time to my partner, I travel to a different country three times a year, I can do what I want when I want, and I'm never sleep deprived... Feels to me like I've gained a lot and lost nothing by choosing to not have kids.

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Agamemenon Triforce
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1 year ago

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Good for you but if you choose to be child-free there's no way in hxll I'm leaving my kids with you. I do wish more people would go this route, there's enough sad, angry, lonely, neglected people in this world and we don't need any more.

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#15

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Ironing. Life is too short. I don't even own an iron and my clothes are just fine.

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Jar of Pickles
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I may be weird, but I love ironing. The best part is when you watch the transformation of a shirt, from a wrinkled to a smooth one. I love it!

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When it comes to apps specifically, they did begin as a way for same-sex couples to meet. Grindr, a location-based app geared towards gay and bisexual men, launched in 2009 and started somewhat of a sexual revolution in the gay community. Since then, dating apps have become the norm for everyone regardless of sexual orientation. Tinder launched in 2012, and now has over 50,000,000 users. But just because dating apps are now socially acceptable doesn’t mean everyone has to use them. In fact, about half of Americans say that online dating has had neither a positive or negative effect on their love lives.  If you prefer to meet people the old fashion way, there’s no reason to feel pressured into using the internet.   

#16

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Don't follow sports

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John Smith
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get really annoyed when people don't understand "I don't care it is boring to me" as an excuse to explain it to me in minute detail, as I just don't understand it. My usual response is to start explaining software development to them. Strangely they aren't interested and don't want to talk about it.. and yet don't get the link.

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#17

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Yes. People are flabbergasted when I’m not informed on the latest celebrity news and honestly I just don’t see a reason to keep up with it

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#18

Smoking. I can't stand cigarette smell.

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Nikki Sevven
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a smoker (down from 30/day to 10/day and on my way to quitting completely), and I always ensure I'm well away from everyone when I light up. No one wants to breathe my smoke or even get it on their clothes. It absolutely is a disgusting habit, and I wish my parents hadn't smoked, because I probably would never have started.

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Social media is another thing that has become socially acceptable, but still doesn’t appeal to everyone. Since social media began in the early 2000s, it has dominated the internet. In 2004, MySpace was the first site of its kind to reach over 1 million monthly active users, but today, Facebook has 2.89 billion active users. Facebook has been the most popular social media site globally for over a decade now, but Youtube is quickly catching up, with 2.29 billion active users. Among the other most successful sites are Instagram, which currently has 2 billion active users, and TikTok, which has only been around since 2016 and already has 1 billion active monthly users.

#19

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Walk in the house with shoes.
Why people want to track all the junk from the outside and smear it over the floors , bed, and couch?! No thanks

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Legendteller
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in Finland that's considered VERY rude and it makes sense to take the shoes off.

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#20

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Call my coffee something other than small, medium & large.

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#21

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Bore other people with photos of everyday stuff they see all the time anyway. For example, the meal I am going to eat, the shoes I bought, the place I am at.

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Despite how popular social media sites are, it’s understandable why some people would want to avoid them. One of the biggest reasons people cite for staying off these apps is because they can be a huge waste of time. The average global user spends about 2 hours and 27 minutes on social media per day, with average users in Nigeria and the Philippines spending over 4 hours per day. It’s easy to rack up hours on these sites though, as they are typically designed to be addictive. With features like “likes” and feeds designed to constantly show users new content, these websites are aimed at getting users hooked.    

#22

Do “lives” on social media. Since when did vanity and narcissism become so acceptable?

No one cares about your dining experience or “get ready with me” moments.

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#23

Text while hanging with friends, or out to dinner, or driving, or in a movie theater.

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

I'll text my man to update him on if I plan on being home soon, as a courtesy, but otherwise my phone is out of sight. Texting around others is rude.

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#24

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) One Night Stands

Sex doesn't mean anything to me if I can't build a connection first

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Social media is also notorious for causing users to compare themselves to others, which can negatively impact their self esteem. One study from the University of Pennsylvania even found that reducing social media use to only 30 minutes a day resulted in a reduction in anxiety levels, depression, loneliness, sleep problems and FOMO (fear of missing out). Like everything else, there’s nothing wrong with using social media in moderation. But just because it’s considered “normal” to spend hours a day on these sites does not mean you need to create an account today. If your life is perfectly fine without social media, I’m sure it won’t be any better with it.  

#25

Going in debt $30k-$70k for a vehicle.

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

Which begins to depreciate the minute you drive it out of the lot. I've always bought used cars, and I've never regretted it.

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#26

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Shave/wax my pubes. I actually really like having pubic hair. It doesn't bother me or my partner, and I find waxing and/or shaving extremely uncomfortable and not at all worth it.

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

For ladies. when they do it's like people want us to be little girls and that's. creepy [I'm not explaining this well.].

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#27

Buy fast fashion (or pretty much any fashion whose supply chain is questionable). I used to. Then I found out not only how and where those clothes begin their lives, but also how and where those clothes end their lives.

It was so horrific, I decided I was done. I now buy secondhand, or I save and buy pieces from independent tailors from sites like Etsy. And I research the tailor too.

I also took some of the money I saved from clothes shopping and got a sewing machine. I am learning to sew and make my own summer dresses (I'm not good enough yet to take on complex clothing, but I'm learning)

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

My grandmother made most of my clothes for me when I was a child, and she had an old treadle machine that she eventually replaced with something more in keeping with the times. After my poor grandfather died after living on without my grandmother for 11 years, my aunt had all of the grandchildren—who were all adults—had each of us walk through my grandparents’ home of 60+ year (a home my grandfather built) and put a Post-It with our name on anything we wanted to take home with us. I chose a small number of things, all of which were made by one or the other of my grandparents, and I took home everything I asked for.

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I think this list has taught us that just because something is considered "normal" does not mean we have to go along with it. We all have the right to make our own choices, and what's socially acceptable totally depends on where we end up living. Enjoy the rest of this list, and remember to upvote the answers you most agree with. Then let us know in the comments if you think of any other "normal" activities you would never do that didn't make it onto this list.

#28

My wife and I had a very small wedding on a beach with only our parents there. Then, we drove to a mountain and hiked to the top with our photographer for our first dance.
It was incredible and people keep telling us they wish they could’ve done something that simple but social pressures made them spend more.
Now, we’ve just had to spend more than the entire cost of our wedding just to buy the plane tickets to attend my sister’s big wedding.

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TheReader19
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Treat it as a nice holiday, but seriously; I wouldn't go into debt to go to my own wedding much less anyone else. If I couldn't afford it I wouldn't go sister or no sister

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#29

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Faking orgasms

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

Never with someone you want to have sex again with. But sometimes it can help to shorten an awkward hookup 🤷‍♀️

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#30

Have tons of social media accounts where I'm constantly posting pictures of what I'm doing every day. Remember, if it's not photographed and posted online, it didn't happen.

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#31

Didn’t see it here so figured I’d share. Live in a city. I was born in a large city, lived there until I was 11. Then moved to the woods. I’ve lived in the woods since then and although I have visited cities since, I could never live there. Too many people, too much noise and I just don’t feel comfortable. I feel more comfortable taking walks at night in the woods than I would in a city.

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

I lived in San Francisco for most of my adult life (40 of my now 66 years), and my last apartment there was the best one I’d ever had, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life there. Alas, once I was no longer working, I had to move, and after a year (minus two days) of living with my favorite brother and his wife on their farm in rural Oregon, I ended up with a job in a small town on the Mendocino coast of Northern California. I have come to love small-town life in a way I would never have anticipated. I just wish I weren’t so far from my dearest friends, who all live in the Bay Area.

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#32

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Have never and will never use a dating app.

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Slytherin_4_LYF
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes that is the only way people can get to know new people. Haven't used one in a while, but i def would again if i needed to.

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#34

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) This might be oddly specific, it's wearing flip flops.

I grew up in a tourist beach town, I have never owned a pair of flip flops in my life. I find them wildly uncomfortable and people in my hometown look at me like a crazy person when I tell them I don't own a pair.

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#35

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Wearing a bra, I completely hate the feeling

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#36

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) brushing before breakfast:

doing that is basically wiping before you s**t and i refuse to do that

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#37

Buy copious amounts of dishes, Why the f**k do you need 27 plates for the two people in your household. Im looking at you mom.

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

Do you never have guests over? I also have a dumber reason for it - so I can use my dishwasher. I wouldn't run it for just two or three plates (it's wasting water and energy) and I hate washing dishes, so I have enough to use until the dishwasher is full.

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#38

The Hustle Culture. Although I like the idea of bettering your life but always thinking of doing something or the other will leave you with burnout. Taking a break regularly is nessecary

Edit: It's good if you are in a bad place. But it's not always about working your a*s off. What's important is taking a break and keep it from becoming toxic

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

What does this even mean? To me, hustling means coercing or tricking people into doing something or buying something. I don't think that's generally accepted though is it?

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#39

“What Is Something Considered To Be ‘Normal’ By Society That You Refuse To Do?” (40 Answers) Drink alcohol.

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

I don't mind the occasional social drink as long as I can't taste or feel the alcohol lol

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#40

Play wordle

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