50 Oddly Specific Rules That Were Probably Created Because Someone Did A Very Stupid Thing

These oddly specific rules have attracted a community of 4.5k members during the five years since its creation. Users of the subreddit share the most bizarre signs they come across; some seem to be jokes, others—not so much, which usually raises so many questions. 

A few of these regulations seem to be based on certain past events, though. For instance, a sign on the piano saying ‘No Celine Dion’ probably means that someone’s heart (or ears, at least) can probably no longer go on. Similarly, a note by the single cheese slices, asking not to throw this type of dairy at children, is also pretty straightforward if you remember the 2019 trend of throwing it at babies.

Some rules are no joke, though. When it comes to certain routine things in life, such as traffic, for instance, real chaos would ensue without them. Anyone who’s ever tried getting a driver’s license knows that being familiar with road traffic rules is as important as the actual know-how of driving a car. And I’m sure there’s no need to describe what streets would look like if everyone stopped following the commonly accepted order. 

Some regulations we follow every day are less obvious but important, nevertheless. Known as social norms, they encourage us to act respectfully and responsibly and allow for easier co-existence in a community.

The extent to which we tend to follow social norms differs from person to person. However, Scientific American pointed out that most of us abide by them because of a fear of some sort of punishment. Once it is removed, people tend to disregard such rules more.

Games and sports are also areas that wouldn’t work without rules. Watching a group of people wander aimlessly around a soccer field or stand on the basketball court hugging the ball arguably wouldn’t be as popular as going to a sports game as it is now. (The alternative options sound as oddly specific and peculiar as most of the rules on the subreddit itself.)

Quite a few rules from the sports world could make it to theses redditors’ collection, though. (They might not all be odd, but some are definitely specific.) For example, polo professionals can’t play left-handed, wrestlers must carry a handkerchief with them, and women can’t have more than two buttons undone during a chess match.

Rules in the world of sports are there for obvious reasons. But it’s far from the only professional environment they are relevant at, as most other types of jobs follow some sort of regulations as well. Mind Tools emphasized that workplace guidelines help ensure the safety of the employees as well as protect the interests of the company.

Mind Tools also pointed out that in order for them to work they have to be reasonable. There shouldn’t be too many of them (counting bathroom breaks might be too much), nor too few (an overly relaxed environment is also not the best idea for a business). It’s also useful to explain why the rule is implemented and what are the consequences if it’s not followed.

Rules also play an important role when it comes to raising children. According to US News, they help kids understand what’s expected of them, whether at home, in school, or elsewhere. Setting certain limits or boundaries teaches them valuable skills that might be beneficial in the future, and keeps them safe and secure (despite how much they might not like them and how many temper tantrums they evoke).

Whether it’s kids, work, sports, or social interactions, rules can help in numerous ways. And if you’re still wondering how, browse this list of the best unwritten rules and try to imagine a life where everyone abides by them.