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There are household norms that make perfect sense to the people living in the house, until a guest hears one and goes, “Wait, that’s a real thing?” Every home has its little quirks, and a harmless little habit can stick around long enough to become an unofficial house rule.

People on Reddit shared some of these wonderfully specific laws after one user asked what oddly specific rule they enforce at home. We’ve rounded up some of the strangest ones, including rules with a story behind them and others so random you may need a minute to process.

#1

Sewing supplies, including scissors, thread, and a measuring tape, on a wooden table, hinting at unhinged house rules for crafts. If you are looking for scissors ànd you only find my sewing “fabric “ scissors, you have not found scissors yet….

Pia_moo , magnific Report

Janissary35680
Community Member
Premium
11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same rule here for "knife" and "my chef's knife".

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    #2

    A happy labrador waiting for food, showing unhinged house rules that make sense to the family. Announce that the dog has been fed. You must check in with the other pet parent to verify the dog has been fed. You must not believe the dog, he lies in order to get a second dinner.

    PocketFullofLace , magnific Report

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We use the kibble measuring cup - in the morning it's on its hook to start with, if you feed the dog it goes on the table or counter. For dinner, you put the cup away on its hook once you've fed the dog. Works if there are more than two of you/if people aren't inside when the 45 minutes of dog meal time occurs

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    #3

    A white fluffy cat intently looking at a glass of water on a table, illustrating unhinged house rules. You can't use that mug, it belongs to the cat, it's his night time sip mug and he doesn't share.

    Excellent-Muffin-750 , vtopstylist1 Report

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    Every household has its own way of doing things. Maybe there is a particular place for the shoes, a certain order for getting ready in the morning, or an understanding that one person’s leftovers are absolutely off-limits.

    These habits can feel so ordinary inside the home that nobody gives them much thought. Research on family routines has found that repeated patterns can give family life structure and stability, especially when everyone knows what to expect.

    #4

    A bulldog sitting on a rug, portraying unhinged house rules that make sense to the family. When my English Bulldog was still here (RIP buddy) there was a picture of him on the bathroom door, at eye level of the toilet. It read:

    “My name is Benny. My favorite snack is toilet paper. I’m a very sneaky guy. Please close the door behind you.”

    The photo is him looking at the toilet paper. He could eat an entire roll if the door was even slightly open.

    I miss that dog. In spite of the toilet paper consumption, he was the best little dude ever.

    kaydeetee86 , The Yuri Arcurs Collection Report

    Salttypepper
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That makes perfect sense to me , my cat loved toilet paper !!!

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    #5

    A couple sitting back-to-back on a sofa, arms crossed, both looking away from each other, illustrating unhinged house rules in a family relationship. My husband and I have a hard "no talking" rule for super early work mornings. We both use to work at 5 am everyday and we would get into so many fights and arguments in the morning that didn't matter so we started getting ready for work completely in silence and it literally saved our marriage.

    itsjustme__bee , gpointstudio Report

    Laura Spring
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not a nice person when I wake up. Do not speak to me. Do not ask me at 6:00 am what I want to do for dinner. Try not to make eye contact. It's dangerous.

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    #6

    A gray cat sitting in a cluttered closet, showcasing the unique unhinged house rules about storage. The last person to leave the house must visually locate the cat and verify she's not stuck in a closet somewhere before leaving.

    (You'd think she'd learn to stop going in closets eventually ...).

    Accomplished_Mix7827 , dilerka01 Report

    The interesting part is what happens after a habit has been repeated for long enough. It can stop feeling like a choice and start feeling like the proper way to do things. A small preference can become a household expectation, and an expectation can turn into tradition.

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    The original reason may still be perfectly sensible, or it may have been forgotten years ago. Either way, once everybody is used to it, changing it can feel strangely wrong.

    #7

    We do not talk to each other from different rooms. If you have a question or something to say, don’t shout muffled b******t in my general direction from a different room. Walk your a*s over here and look me in the eye.

    fuddiddle Report

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    #8

    A brown chicken standing in green grass, with other chickens in the background, showing unhinged house rules related to pets or farm animals. "No jewelry on the chickens." Not a sentence I could ever have predicted would come from my mouth, but here we are.

    slippers413 , wirestock Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not even a c**k ring? Or those little hands?

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    #9

    A person in an apron holding two cardboard takeaway boxes, one large and one smaller on top. These boxes represent unhinged house rules around family meals. No outside food is allowed in my house, whether it’s packaged or homemade.

    I have a severe and uncommon food allergy to an ingredient found in many foods that is easy to overlook unless someone carefully searches the ingredients list. I’ve had instances where people assured me that a homemade meal was “safely” prepared only for me to have a reaction afterwards. It may sound excessive, but when people don’t thoroughly check labels, I have to be strict.

    UnknownL_13 , magnific Report

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    Some of these customs are serious, of course, but plenty are much more lighthearted. A family joke can become a standing rule after years of repetition, and a ridiculous incident can inspire a permanent ban on a particular food, object, or activity.

    A parent may have made up a rule to get through one chaotic afternoon, only for the rest of the family to keep following it long after the original problem has vanished. That is how family lore is created.

    #10

    ALL flour/sugar/grains MUST be put in the freezer for a couple days, then transferred to Mason jars with lids, or be stored inside a large Sterilite container with the lid locked.

    F*****g pantry moth infestation of 2021....

    thcitizgoalz Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Great Grandma made the best Blackberry Dumplings. As I got older I noticed.., well back then you kept flour,sugar,lard,salt, potatoes in wooden bins. Anyway, I guess it was common to just sift the weevils out of the flour, toss them, and use the flour. Depression era thinking I suppose. I still liked her dumplings but She passed shortly after so I have the recipe now. I use fresh King Arthur.

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    #11

    A fluffy, small chihuahua dog looking curiously at the camera, highlighting unhinged house rules for pet care. If Frank (my chihuahua/corgi) looks at you and then at the couch, you MUST stop what you are doing and run to the couch for cuddles. NO EXCEPTIONS.

    UnSafeButterscotch , magnific Report

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    #12

    When you hand someone else something sharp, you have to wait until they make eye contact with you and say "got it" before releasing it. Obviously this started as a knife safety thing, but because I have ridiculous children, it has progressed to now include sharp cheddar, sharpies, music sheets with sharp notes, etc. Heck, my son was overjoyed that he found an old Sharp VHS tape the other day so we could expand our repertoire.

    WSHIII Report

    There is also a difference between a family routine and a ritual, and it's pretty interesting. The American Psychological Association explains that routines are mainly about getting things done. At the same time, rituals carry deeper meaning and tell us something about who we are as a group.

    Take a family birthday, for example. Buying a cake and having dinner might be part of the routine, but singing the same slightly ridiculous birthday song or using the same old cake topper year after year can turn the occasion into a ritual. It becomes something people remember and carry forward, rather than just another thing the family did that day.

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    #13

    A man chopping vegetables in a clean kitchen, depicting a house rule about cooking and shared spaces. Nobody is allowed IN the kitchen when I am cooking.

    Too many people want to help, and ruin what I am doing.

    ChrisRiley_42 , senivpetro Report

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    #14

    A hand cleaning a toilet with a brush, symbolizing hygiene-related unhinged house rules. No toilet brushes in the dishwasher. The fact that the rule exists is what would be perceived as ridiculous.

    anaid_098 , MrDm Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait WHAT what normal person would ever put a loo brush in a dish washer 😱

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    #15

    A clean, modern bathroom with an open toilet lid, showing unhinged house rules about toilet etiquette. When you find a toilet that has not been flushed, you must yell “ Be gone foul betrayer!” and then flush.

    Ravencairn , New Africa Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you could just flush it 🤷‍♀️that said in uk we have a saying if it’s yellow let it mellow if it’s brown flush it down ,saves water especially during a drought which we have at min plus a hose pipe ban,

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    That shared history can matter a lot. Family rituals are often linked to a stronger sense of togetherness and family identity, giving people familiar moments they can return to even as the rest of life changes. This is where a completely ridiculous house custom can take on a little more meaning.

    The rule itself may be silly, but everybody knows the story, the people involved, and the memories attached to it, and that makes it meaningful.

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #16

    A Ouija board on a table with old photos, representing unhinged house rules that make sense to the family. No summoning demons in the house.

    This sounds ridiculous, but we had a very unhinged roommate years ago, and regardless of whether the demons arrived, the summoning proved detrimental to our deposit. I spent ages cleaning and repairing that apartment and still didn't get the deposit back.

    Thus, all ritual summonings need to happen off the premises.

    dol_amrothian , magnific Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤣that’s fair enough if said roomie doesn’t know how to use a spirit board ,they not toys to be messed with you gotta know what your doing , I actually have two so my only rule of that is no summing demons in the bathroom ,bloody nightmare to get rid off are those kind .

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    #17

    We are animal rescuers and have a lot of pets! Doors to the outside may only stay open as long as it takes you to exit. Maintenance people are told this, but sometimes they forget (or have to bring lots of things in/out, etc).

    If anyone in the family notices an open exterior door, you yell "HEAD COUNT," and everyone stops what they are doing to visually locate the animals. We have a shared note on the note app with all names, you click the check box for each one you see. We have been doing this for 20+ years and have never lost anyone because of this method.

    mischiefxmanager Report

    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same here. Our front door takes a little effort to close, so anyone coming/going from the house requires us to check the door, regardless of verbal instructions.

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    #18

    A hand knocking on a dark brown door, symbolizing a house rule about privacy or entering rooms. Dont knock on the door if Im not expecting you. I wont answer.

    PanAmFlyer , aghavni001 Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fine, I won't tell you about the building being on fire!

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    It is no-brainer why guests can sometimes find these customs so fascinating. Walk into a family home for the first time, and you may have no idea that there is an established system governing the television remote, the good bathroom towels, or who is allowed to sit in a particular spot.

    Then you accidentally break the rule and receive a look that tells you, very clearly, that you have crossed an invisible line. Once the family explains the backstory, you are either laughing along with them or quietly wondering if you walked into a parallel universe where crazy rules reign.

    #19

    A smiling woman looking at her phone on a couch, suggesting a house rule regarding screen time or shared spaces. If you are going to watch TikTok or other social media shorts in the room I'm in it's really annoying. So either use headphones so I don't have to hear it, or (counterintuitively) turn it up loud so that I can hear it properly and then tune it out.

    I don't want to hear it, but I can tune out normal volumes - if it's a vague, tinny whisper my brain tries to figure out what's being said. It's then even worse if every 30 seconds it's a new voice to tune out instead of longform content.

    jinglesan , denamorado Report

    Boo
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This annoys me to no end when the eldest comes back home for a visit. Between her and her tik tok and hubs duolingo spanish lessons, I'm really surprised I haven't went postal on either one of them yet.

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    #20

    Fridge/cupboards get cleaned out religiously on Tuesday nights because that's when trash goes out. Things that are almost used up get consolidated, stuff that's been in the leftovers zone for more than a week gets tossed, etc

    I grew up in a hoarding situation and just general filth. I try really hard about being on top of junk that accumulates because it's mostly out of sight. 

    I never could trust the food in my house growing up because unless I saw it go in the fridge/pantry, there was no telling how long it had been there. .

    Angsty_Potatos Report

    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, to have the mental and physical energy to clean all my kitchen cupboards once a week!!!

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    #21

    You have to announce you're taking the shower so the cat can join you in the bathroom.

    If you don't, she'll scream and push the door like she's the FBI searching your home .

    lux414 Report

    Son of Philosoraptor
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After my shower every morning I have to sing to my big black cat Mister Jones for 5 minutes or he gets mad!

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    And families do love turning ordinary moments into inside jokes. A phrase said at the wrong time, an embarrassing mistake, or one particularly memorable dinner can be brought up for years. Over time, the joke becomes shorthand, and you don’t need to explain the whole story because everybody in the room already knows it.

    #22

    Mirrors must face away from windows, also known as 'the time my sister caught her bed on fire at sunset.'.

    _buffy_summers Report

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    #23

    A person petting an angry, hissing cat, illustrating unhinged house rules about pet interactions that only family understands. Don't pet the cat.

    He bit 17 people in row once, his (I assume) own personal record at the time.

    It's on them. I greeted all my guests at the door and explained house rules (no open d**g use, no playing with firearms, no fighting, etc.)

    And no petting the cat. Cat will f**k you up, he is pissed I'm having a party, just do not touch him even though he lays invitingly.

    Guess what they just couldn't not do?

    He'd lay on the on couch and act all innocent and then just bite the f**k out of people if they tried to pet him.

    He bit 17 people (about a quarter of the people that were there) until word got out I wasn't kidding don't touch the cat.

    RIP Buster the b****s no s**t taking cat.

    Dr_StrangeloveGA , magnific Report

    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had similar at our house while Tigger was alive. Everyone knew not to pet Tigger, but some couldn't resist trying. He had belonged to a neighbor who declawed him and put him outside, then moved away. He never bothered trying to scratch anyone because he knew he wasn't doing any damagage, but he could launch himself on your arm and dig in his teeth while kicking with his back legs. 80% of the time, he was a great cat. But if the tail was thunking...listen to the tail!!

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    #24

    A person using tongs to flip cooking shrimp in a large pan over an open flame, with smoke rising. These shrimp might be part of unusual house rules for a family. You can’t cook seafood indoors at my house. The smell makes me physically ill 🤮.

    Rainy579 , magnific Report

    Crystal M
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No seafood and no deepfrying. I eat both but it makes the house stink. We have an outdoor grill and griddle that can be utilized.

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    Something is reassuring about that familiarity. Family life is full of changes, so having a few predictable things can give people a sense of continuity. Educatly explains that regular family routines can support children’s sense of safety and stability, while the specific routines themselves can vary widely from one household to another.

    So no universal handbook exists for what a normal family routine looks like. One household’s perfectly sensible habit can look completely bizarre from the next house over.

    #25

    A person squeezing toothpaste onto a brush, illustrating a family house rule about bathroom etiquette. No toothpaste below 6ft high.
    Lock the master bedroom door at all times.
    Bar soap is not for biting.
    Hand soap is locked in the cabinet unless actively in use.
    Do not leave the unstopables or tide pods on top of the dryer- they belong on the shelf waaaaaay up high.

    If the 3yo has been out of sight and quiet for more than 10 seconds, you could bet millions that one of those rules has been broken and she is wreaking havoc with one of those forbidden items. It's happened so many times that even my 9yo and 6yo panic when they realizes they don't see the 3yo. She can outsmart almost any child lock and despite having all the toys that provide mental stimulation, sensory input, and problem solving skills, she just prefers mess making.

    Quirky-Item-49 , nensuria Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's an awful lot of toothpaste. How on earth do you get it to stay on the brush? ;-)

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    #26

    A blue suitcase with a hat and camera on a bed, representing unhinged house rules for travel preparations. No suitcases on the bed. Wheels are gross, could have critters picked up in travel, outside is filthy.

    Bungeesmom , magnific Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Similar advice I incorporated because of BP - don't put mailed packages on food prep surfaces. They are the definition of, "You don't know where it's been."

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    #27

    You're not allowed to get mad at anyone for something they did in a dream.

    EfficientDismal Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just get even with them in your next dream.

    This is what makes this list so much fun to dig into. The rules people shared reveal the little differences we rarely notice in our own homes. Some have an obvious reason, others have a long-forgotten backstory, and a few exist because that's just how the family has always done things.

    And now we want to hear from you, Pandas. Does your family have a strangely specific house rule that everyone follows without question and might sound strange to outsiders? Tell us in the comments.

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    #28

    An overhead view of a clean toilet, symbolizing unhinged house rules that make sense to the family. The toilet lid was closed when you entered my bathroom for a reason. That's not arbitrary, and you should not leave it open when you flush and leave the bathroom.

    AngrySc13ntist , pvproductions Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine closes automatically abeit pretty slow. But still, when you're older... hurry up. The lid waits for no dribble.

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    #29

    Everyday at 6 P.M. all dogs get a cookie. Cookie time must be respected.

    ISaidPutItDown Report

    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My daughter used to stay up far too late, so she started giving the cat a treat at bedtime, so he will remind her it is bedtime. I have heard it also works as a medication reminder.

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    #30

    A beautiful Bengal cat lying on a patterned bedspread, its bright green eyes looking directly at the camera. This cat is part of the unhinged house rules that make sense to the family. No putting stickers on the cat.

    DamonNightman , wirestock Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think Googly eyes are legally stickers soo...

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    #31

    A shoe rack filled with various shoes, reflecting unhinged house rules about footwear in the family home. No shoes in the house, can’t tell ya how many people thought it was weird.

    EnthusiasticEmpath , magnific Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha. I even made my local MP remove his shoes before entering my house. The only shoes allowed are safety workwear.

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    #32

    Delicious quesadillas on a wooden board with fresh salsa and tomatoes, representing unhinged house rules about shared food. You cannot hit your sibling in the face with a quesadilla. We also have a no hitting rule, but in this instance we had to specify what else that included.

    Prestigious_Pen2033 , timolina Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would use a Gyro but they are too darn delicious.

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    #33

    A bright hallway with multiple doors and a view into a room with a desk, representing unhinged house rules for family spaces. Doors that are open stay open, doors that are closed stay closed.

    robinaw , user24121185 Report

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    #34

    Grilled corn on the cob on a blue plate, highlighting unhinged house rules that make sense to the family. “We do not butter our corn with our feet.” My 6 year old told his karate instructor this is the most important rule in our house. We never had this rule, it was from a curious George episode but we have it now and we all recite it when ever there’s corn.

    23Letters , magnific Report

    #35

    More of a personal habit than a rule, but I try to avoid talking on the phone with another person in the room, and I'm apologetic about it when I can't avoid it.

    MrBarraclough Report

    Crystal M
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is polite and how it should be. My husband (and his entire family) speaks to everyone at full volume on speaker phone. Nothing I say helps, I'm done.

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    #36

    At my aunt's house, girls do the dishes. every time i went over for dinner, i had to help clean up while my male cousin (her son) did nothing. once i asked why he couln't help too, and my aunt said, "boys don't do that kind of thing." i stopped going over for dinnder after that.

    tabithadoubt Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Of course they don't do it if you let them get away with being a lazy bàstàrd. Congratulations on raising yet another useless, incompetent man-child to be unleashed upon the world. Never mind any woman he might meet, you really haven't done him any favours.

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    #37

    Under no circumstances do you say the word "porch". It must be spelled out. The corgi goes insane if he hears it and will not stop screaming until you let him go out there so he can bark at the entire neighborhood.

    TomatoQueen313 Report

    #38

    A living room filled with colorful balloons, representing a family's unique house rules for celebrations. No balloons.

    They are just inflatable arguments. You'd think if you got each kid their own, it would be fine. But no. We've tried it all. No balloons.

    EatYourCheckers , PSD IMAGE Report

    #39

    You must eat all your pudding before school.
    (My kids have adhd and take meds. They can't swallow the pills and they choose pudding to put it in. I want to put it in half a package, but insist on the whole thing) They need to eat the whole thing to get all their meds
    Anyways, sometimes they don't want to finish the while thing, so that is the rule

    The other choices are 1. Only use half the pudding, put it in something else, learn to take the pill. The want pudding.
    Don't come after me for this. I need them to take the meds and I need to not argue daily about it. I had tried lots of things. Also there are 4 of them and 1 of me.

    hschosn1 Report

    ERIN MARTIN
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I taught my kids to swallow pills using mini-M&M's. Worked like a charm.

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    #40

    Different sponges for different cleaning.

    Aka we do NOT use the same sponge for dishes that we use to deep clean the litter box with.

    rubyshoes21 Report

    Laura Spring
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I rotate my sponges. New sponge - dishes. Slightly older sponge - stove and countertops. Slightly older sponge then rotates to the bathroom, where I have two dedicated cleaning sponges for the toilet, tub, sinks and floor. Bathroom sponges are to be left out to dry before storing under sink to prevent mold and mildew. Yup, different gloves for each room, too.

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    #41

    The bathroom in the far side of the house is not to be used by anybody except for me. I have extremely bad lactose intolerance and my s***s are absolutely diabolical. It's the furthest bathroom from the rest of the house and the only one with a window.

    Hopeful-Ad1718 Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've lived in some pretty shìtty houses/flats, pun intended, but every toilet has had a window that can be opened.

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    #42

    No singing at dinner. My youngest was easily distracted at meal times and would sing instead of eating, then the older one would join in.

    Absolutely no silly putty. That c**p gets ground into and stuck in everything it comes into contact with.

    lizzy_lestat80 Report

    MotherRobinson
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a no slime rule in my house. That stuff is too messy.

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    #43

    Unplug the coffee maker when you leave, no candles, and no dryer going when not there.

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    Kylie
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You might want to add unplugging the toaster as well.

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    #44

    1. If you go #2, watch to make sure it goes down.

    2. Carving knives and soy sauce bottles do not go in the bed. Eyeglasses do not go on the bathroom floor. 

    3. No nail clippings or socks on food prep surfaces. 

    4. Warn the room before causing a loud noise or turning on the big light (it can be as simple as saying "Noise!" or "light!" And giving a second for the warning to process before proceeding)

     Everyone in my household is neurodivergent. .

    Ornery-Bit-8169 Report

    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you have Terry's chocolate oranges where you live? They look like oranges (and are orange flavoured) but chocolate which sticks together slightly. You have to whack the chocolate orange on the table or counter so the pieces separate. You MUST announce "Whacking orange" before you do it. Kids are long gone, but husband and I still maintain the rule.

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    #45

    We always at least rinse the top of drink cans before we drink out of them.

    I used to work in a beer warehouse.

    Sssnapdragon Report

    Beth Kam
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep! I wash the top of any canned good as well before opening it. The lid always dips in a little, and you never know what had been on it.

    #46

    A hand pulling toilet paper from a holder, illustrating unhinged house rules about bathroom etiquette. You have to pack your (used) toilet paper with you when leave...it can't be flushed...yes, I live on a boat and even biodegradable paper products gum up the works...I DO dispense brown paper bags for my guests to do it in stealth mode..
    Surprisingly, my friends suddenly seem to be able to wait when I mention that in response to "where's the bathroom?".

    scottsmith411 , jcomp Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, there is "Ok I'll wait, kind of urge" and then there's "I will sit on this 5 gallon bucket in front of you and fill it making eye contact if something doesn't happen stat." lol

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    #47

    Always treat the clothes iron like it's hot.

    theresuscitator Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I discovered this one when I was about 4 years old. My hand was bandaged up for quite a while.

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    #48

    A person holding a grey mug with both hands, representing unhinged house rules for daily routines at home. Cups must be above the "equator" of the plate. This prevents daily inadvertent elbowing of cups onto the floor. The penalty for improper cup placement is four pushups. 'shups for cups.

    Shev217 , magnific Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would a cup be on a plate. Do you mean saucer? The picture shows a mug.

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    #49

    We must at least have underwear on for meals. Please use your own underwear.
    Edit to add- it is for small children. I am horrified at the comments about the grown people not understanding this, w*f!

    Emergency-Guidance28 Report

    K Ma
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Laughing at OP's horrification. S/he must not be around people much.

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    #50

    No dilly dallying by the front door. One of my cats is an escape artist and I don’t want to chase her a*s down two flights of stairs because you couldn’t move your a*s fast enough to cross the threshold and close the door behind you.

    Lessa22 Report

    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I built a small catio around the side door, and mostly use that to come and go - it's a sort of halfway house for escapees :D

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    #51

    Push in the kitchen chairs when you are not sitting. For some reason the cats understand they should not be on the kitchen table unless a chair is left out, then they think it is an invitation.

    whateverpieces Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I cross one leg, like ankle over my knee, my dogs know that means "no dogs" they always let me chill when I'm in that posture.

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    #52

    Kids have to ask before going up and down the stairs at grandmas house so we can escort them.  The cat *will* try to m****r you on the stairs and kids don't have risk aversion or situational awareness.

    Miserable_Pea_733 Report

    #53

    Bread must be stored behind some kind of door with a k**b.

    Explanation?
    Our cat really f****n’ loves bread. Will chew through plastic, open bread boxes, do whatever he can do to get his grubby little mitts on some bread.

    QueenConsort Report

    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought I had the only cat with that habit!! That's why the bread lives in the microwave, even though he has been gone 20 years.

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    #54

    Phone chargers can not under any circumstances be moved.

    CarottesConfites Report

    MotherRobinson
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually like this rule.

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    #55

    Two women wearing glasses eating ice cream cones, embodying unhinged house rules around treats or meals. No eating ice cream with your hands. It’s rule #2, if that tells you anything.

    uhhfuhhh , setofotografias Report

    #56

    The concept of "leisure milk"

    As in, you cannot just leisurely drink a whole glass of milk if we're low. (Below 1/4 of the gallon, thats about a liter for those with a good measurement system)

    That's for cooking or a small bowl of cereal. Drink water if you're thirsty.

    LeatherDude Report

    Wonky Donkey
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We measure milk in pints in Blighty. We're weird like that.

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    #57

    Toothpicks are either in your mouth or in the garbage. They are never to be left lying around. Ever.

    My grandfather had a toothpick at all times and once my grandmother got one stuck under her fingernail while cleaning that led to a massive infection and I remember being so grossed out by it. I didn’t even buy toothpicks until my kids were old enough to follow this rule and now that I live alone, I just go floss if I need one.

    kalisisrising Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two toothpicks on the desktop computer at all times. One in use and a second as backup if the first one breaks. These are emergency supplies so must be immediately findable when needed.

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    #58

    No personal ponds. Also, you can love excavators all you want, but you may not cheer for them if they are digging an active grave, or if the family of the bereaved is present.

    Affectionate-Use6412 Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I vote this one as the weirdest on the list.

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    #59

    A person ironing a blue shirt on an ironing board with a white and blue iron. Ironing might be an unhinged house rule in a family. Don’t use my clothes iron as a ski wax iron.

    Don’t use my blender for rock climbing chalk.

    thti87 , zinkevych Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But you can make pretty "Stained Glass" with your kids. Just wax paper and crayon shavings. Fun rainy day. :)

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    #60

    Only harvest half of the native chili peppers in the yard.

    The other half are for the birds to feed on to propagate the seeds. There's no month in the last 2 decades where we have no pepper plant.

    cosmicspongecake Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are birds really eating spicy peppers? Bell peppers I understand.

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    #61

    Shut the door to the laundry room when running the dryer. We really don't need the air conditioner fighting it out with the dryer.

    bentnotbroken96 Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the second or third rule like this I've seen on this list. My clothes dryer generates very little heat; the garments come out barely warm. It does extract large amounts of water into a removable tank however.

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    #62

    I work in a large Metropolitan hospital directly with patients. many times they have very severe communicable diseases or viruses. So during the first months of covid id undress outside on the apartment stoop. put it all in a plastic bag. that got some attention lol. i don’t do that anymore unless i’m drinking.

    Taupe88 Report

    BookFanatic
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I totally get it. My cousin's a nurse. Her husband rigged up an an outdoor shower for her, complete with curtain and a sealable bag for her clothes to go into.

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    #63

    Big trash goes in the big trash can. Little trash can is for little things only.  Way too many guests throwing bottles or cans in the tiny trash can in my front room, you can get like 3 bottles in it and it's overflowing.

    Ph33r-Enigma Report

    Alex
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do your guests feel they need to throw trash away?

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    #64

    Unless you are using the remote control, you put it away in its drawer. When you are done using the pencil/pen, put it away in its drawer.

    Her name is Opal, and she is a boxer/staffy cross.

    LadyAlexTheDeviant Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She may be a chewer, but I want to meet Opal. I've never met a boxer/staffy cross. I imagine her to be beautiful,and saft as shìt friendly.

    #65

    When I have visitors over, after 9 pm you may no longer perceive me. Don’t talk to me, don’t touch me, don’t look at me. Be quiet, anything you watch needs to be on headphones, and my room stays closed. If I instigate interactions then you can respond, but other than that, act like I no longer exist.

    My most common houseguest is my mom, and due to… events in my childhood, I get really tense when she tries to interact or even looks at me as I’m winding down for sleep. And when I’m actually sleeping, she’s not allowed in the room, ever. She WILL take pictures and post them on Facebook, and she doesn’t understand why I don’t like that.

    kyreannightblood Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then don't have visitors stay over after 9pm. You sound like hard work.

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    #66

    Don't try to use *"pss pss"* cat call sounds. Our cats will just look at you funny.

    The way to call them over is to say the cat's name and the words, "come here." It helps to offer pet-pet or a snack, but if you offer a snack then you have to actually give them a kitty treat.

    doublestitch Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, the best way to get them to come to you is ignore them.

    #67

    Always check the fridge before closing the door.

    (I have a little weirdo of a cat who's f*****g obsessed with getting in there. 😹)

    ETA: [cat tax!](https://imgur.com/a/SabNn8R).

    hiddenkobolds Report

    Vexed Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lost my kitten at a party. We tore the house apart looking for her. Found her in the fridge, shivering, happily eating her way through the middle of a custard and she protested at being removed.

    #68

    The chair with the mail on it is a forbidden zone because if i have to move it, my entire structural integrity collapses 📪.

    Spendawg-Meina Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fair enough. You do not mess with the post on the stairs in our house, except your own.

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    #69

    It's more that I enforce it *outside* of my home.

    You do not share my address, or even suburb, with anyone without my express consent. This is partly to avoid the "pop-in" as I grew up with very little to no privacy, but also because of a history of my mother with whom I've been no contact for over 15 years constantly breaking boundaries and I don't want to risk her tracking me down.

    Aside from my real estate and government stuff, 3 people know where I live, Dad, my NOK, and his wife.


    Also no alcohol is to cross the threshold.

    chalk_in_boots Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Puzzled by the alcohol one. I mean, you want to ensure it doesn't leave the house, I understand that much, but how do you get it in, through the windows?

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    #70

    The light switches must be in their proper positions at the end of the night.

    Unkn0wnTh2nd3r Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But, what do you consider to be their proper positions? As long as the lights are off, I don't care what position the switches are in.

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    #71

    Kids can eat anything in any amount without asking that does not have “ingredients” basically packaged food. If hit has ingredients they need to ask.

    This was to promote in our hopes healthy eating habits- not eating the whole box of fruit snacks in a sitting.

    kndirbrbjiy Report

    #72

    There's a chip clip on my kitchen towel hanging on the oven handle. Seems stupid, but the clip prevents the towel from falling off onto the floor 5 times a week forcing me to get a new towel and have an unnecessary amount of laundry. I hit my breaking point when I had an abdominal hysterectomy and couldn't bend over but my nightgowns I was wearing while recovering kept static clinging to the towel when I'd stand at the stove. Even with a grabby claw thing, I was in no condition to do basically anything, let alone trying to get yet another towel off the floor and go get a new one three times in one day. I'm recovered now and can bend over well enough, but the clip stays.

    pm_nachos_n_tacos Report

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    #73

    Not at the moment, but when my 3 kids were teenagers. They were allowed as many friends over at any time so my house became the place to hang out.

    I am very anti smoking so any of their friends who smoked had to go 2 houses down the sidewalk away to smoke a cigarette. I did not want them hanging out on the front porch to smoke and acting too cool to be inside. Smokers were banished down the street. Break my rule? You were blacklisted for a month and not welcome in my home with no exceptions.

    Suddenly none of those teenagers smoked when they came over to hang out.

    LWoosey Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What about the cigarette butts? I hope there was a disposal system in place so that the neighbours wouldn't have to deal with it.

    #74

    If you choose the show on TV, and the dog reacts to a knock or doorbell from said show, you have to be the one to get up and take the dog to the front door to show her no one is there. No pausing.

    LeakyAssFire Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No pausing is a bit ludicrous but I'm all for more excercise.

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    #75

    Check the blankets on the couch before you sit down. Our boston terrier likes to wrap himself up like a burrito and if he isn't snoring you don't always know he's there.

    monboom1013 Report

    Tropical Tarot
    Community Member
    7 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same with our black cat and my wife's big fluffy blanket.. She moved the blanket but didn't realize he was asleep under it. She sat on him. Everyone is fine.

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    #76

    No soda before 2pm or after 5pm, and only on Fridays and Saturdays, and only one drink allowed - and other extremely strict food-related rules - usually with deeply irrational fear and morality-related reasons why we can't do these things that I don't think I can type out here.

    (I grew up in a strict household and developed disordered eating habits and I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder a few weeks ago. I am starting therapy and medication now!).

    Interesting-Elk1300 Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And some parents still wonder why their kids have a fùcked up relationship with food.

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    #77

    If we're at the dinner table, don't smack, slurp, or chew with your mouth open. Totally unacceptable.

    glfranco Report

    Sara G.
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, im totally down with this one. Manners people, manners.

    #78

    Bread sack towels are for drying dishes and patterned/textured towels are for drying your hands. If you dry your hands on the bread sack towel accidentally it must immediately go in the dirty laundry.

    Mammoth-Director-184 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Linen towels for the dishes, Terry towels for hands

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    #79

    We have this rule and feel like it’s not a big deal to keep the house clean and prevent ants and mice (we also live in the woods so pests are not easy to deal with). My kids know to ask where they can have food or drinks and it’s shocking how many ppl are surprised they ask if they can eat in certain rooms when we visit. Like do ppl just eat wherever?!

    jeneconnaispas Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, yes. It all depends on your personal preferences and your specific circumstances.

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    #80

    I have a chair, you won’t sit in it and I will ask you to change places, kindly.

    bearjew86 Report

    #81

    Anything dangling must be tucked away. Hoodie strings, drawstrings, laces, everything. Fringe is absolutely not allowed, either. Not after last time.

    Razzum-Frazzum Report

    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And you're not going to tell us what happened last time! Pout!!

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    #82

    Only books go on the bookshelf. 💀.

    staygroovykat Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upvoted though I do make an exception for bookends.

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