Some rules exist because they had to be implemented. Like the speed limit or legal drinking age. Meanwhile, some rules have backfired big time and made the people who implemented them regret their decision. Check out our previous post about such instances right here.
But there are rules that need no introduction. They’re not documented in books nor authorized by law, and still, they govern our daily lives. This simple “common sense” is also known as “unwritten rules” and they refer to common behavioral constraints we all take for granted.
Things like not swiping sideways if someone shows a picture on their phone, or never making fun of someone else’s laugh. Sounds random, but people swear by it! Scroll down below for more unspoken rules listed by people online.
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Never ever make fun of someone who is overweight at the gym.
If someone comes up to you that you don't know starts loudly talking about being your friend you play along
If you're wrong, admit it.
So much this. This needs to be higher on the list. Being wrong and learning is a part of personal growth. Even if I am in a heated debate with someone and arguing my point and it all of a sudden dawns on me that they are right, I will immediately concede. Always good to be moldable, being rigid doesn't do anyone any good.
You having a bad day doesn't mean that you have to ruin other people's day.
Don't play your music out loud when in public.
For example: While walking down the street or sitting on a bus one should not be blasting music on their personal device. Buy a pair of damn headphones.
Always let people out before walking in. This applies to elevators, trains, or anything similar.
If someone is giving you a ride, be ready before the person arrives to pick you up.
When driving and someone lets you into the traffic stream, be sure to do the "Thank You Wave."
Don't wear white to a wedding, and don't propose at someone's wedding. I'm sure this sucks to hear, but that is not your day. Don't be a d*ck.
When I show you a singular picture on my phone, don't ever try to swipe left or right.
Dont hit on women when they're at work. They're not flirting, theyre just being nice, it's their job.
If someone holds a door open for you, then please acknowledge them or say thank you. I'm not your servant.
This may may be trivial, but also don’t hold the door open because of gender. Do it to be kind.
Don't [frigging] cheat on your SO. It's not cool. If you wanna f**k someone else, break up with your SO first instead of being a secretive c**t.
Happens way too often.
For the love of God, just return the shopping cart when you’re done with it
If you're walking side by side on a sidewalk and someone comes towards you, f**king make room.
Or if someone comes up behind you, obviously in a hurry, let them pass!!
Don't touch me or stand so close to me that I can feel you breathing if I don't know you!
Seems so simple, but so many people are disrespectful of personal space.
Be patient with the elderly unless they're being [jerks]
If you borrow a friend's car, fill up the tank when returning it as a thank you.
Leave it better than you found it.
Life isn't fair and thank goodness - imagine the horror of knowing that every bad thing that happened to you happened because you deserved it.
Don't bother someone with headphones in unless it's important. They have headphones in for a reason.
For women: always have an extra pad or tampon on you. You never know when another woman might desperately need it. You may not like her, but this is your one exception to be nice. We've all been there.
Always say please and thank you. Good to do it until it becomes second nature. Most people know this, but not everyone does it.
If you're going to ask someone to help you move, please have all the boxes already packed and ready to go.
Always start with the question "how might I be wrong?"
Everyone can figure out a reason to believe they're correct, but if you look for reasons you are wrong first you will make fewer horrific assertions and mistakes.
"How might I be wrong" is the core question of science and the start of all wisdom.
Never ask a woman if she's pregnant
Also when a woman is pregnant - keep your hands and inappropriate comments to yourself. They do not become public property when they are with child.
I always hated being touched when I was pregnant...I was in the grocery store when I was pregnant with my youngest and this woman who looked like Barbie on Crack comes running up and puts both hands out, as if to touch my belly...I warned her not to but she must have thought I changed my mind...a few aisles later, she's gushing to someone on the phone about how cute I looked and put her other hand on the middle of my belly...needless to say, she got cussed out and she gave me a wide berth when I saw her in the drugstore later.
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Ever. Also goes for, "so, when are you going to get married/start a family?" There is a special level of hail for this.
I am a RN and our rule was never assume someone is pregnant unless you can see the head crowning.
I've had this happen to me. I'm pear shaped, so tend to carry any weight in my lower half. I was with my brother visiting someone at the hospital and someone in the hall asked me how far I was. My daughter was 3. My brother found it hilarious at the time. A few months later he put some weight on and someone as work asked if he was transitioning because he had a little boobage going on. I laughed, because siblings, but don't comment one prople's bodies, period.
A few years ago I got asked this. I had suffered through a major bad thing in life that caused me to comfort consume and rapidly put on pounds. It was at work and I didn't know how to respond other than a polite "no". >_>
i'm so sorry that happened. people are such assholes. hope you're doing better now xx
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She might not be pregnant despite looking so. My wife found this out the hard way when she was pregnant and had sparked up a casual conversation in a supermarket line. Thinking they had something in common, she asked how far along the woman was and got the response, "I'm not pregnant."
A friend who is heavy was once asked how far along she was. When she said she wasn't pregnant, the other person said "Oh, don't be embarrassed about it."
Load More Replies... That happened to me once and affected me badly. I gained weight due to hormonal imbalances and some personal problems I was going through. I started wearing loose tops, this client came to my office, as I was sitting down she asked me if I was pregnant, I said No, and then she continues saying “ oh you got chubby then “ I was mad 😠 I wanted to kick her out of my office. She ruined my day and my whole year . I felt really bad, and I was even shaking. I wanted to finish very quickly what I was doing for her that day. Now every time she comes to my office she glances at my abdomen to make sure if that time I am pregnant 😒 Now when I know she will go I’ll make sure to wear black. 🥺 People should not ask and should not asume anything about others.
I had gained just a bit of weight in my 20s. I was over at someone's home for a get together. An older woman came up to me and said "I'm so sorry. No one told me your pregnant." I told her I'm not pregnant. Then just said "Oh" and walked away. I guess that's an old-fashioned way to tell people you notice they've gain weight? Just don't comment on people's bodies.
A random woman came up to me in a store with four children and started putting her hands on my very pregnant tummy. I awkwardly tried to get away from her, realized I was in an alcove and couldn't back away. She is strongly encouraging her children to put their hands on me too. As I'm pushing my way past them and trying to remove many hands from off of my body that is protecting my baby, the mom is upset and exasperatedly says things like 'Well, it's beautiful and natural!" "It's OK, my kids just want to experience feeling the baby move!" "My son here didn't get a turn to feel the baby!" Then something about how am I going to handle being in public after the baby is born and people want to enjoy seeing, it if I can't take it now... or share the baby now... or something strange like that..... It was horrific! It wasn't the first or only time people just started touching my baby bump, but it was the worst. So sorry to hear after over 20 yrs, this is STILL happening. How? Why?? HOW??
Wow! What a HORRIFIC experience! I'm so sorry that happened to you! That woman was a creep and it sounds like she was raising creep children.
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Furthermore, if you wouldn't touch someone when they're NOT pregnant, don't think you can suddenly start touching them just because they are.
Definitely don't assume. After birth, stillbirth or miscarriage the body doesn't always immediately spring back and may still look pregnant.
and remember there are some cultures where the pregnancy may not be discussed with anyone outside of the direct family - so although you are super excited to see a pregnant woman - never bring it up first at all.
What I hated most was people saying, "oh you're pregnant?" Then proceeding to tell me the worst labor story they knew, especially if it was their own. After having a horrible labor that caused my first daughter to die shortly after birth, I cannot tell you how much anxiety it caused me with my second when people did this. You don't know everyone's story and so many women have had hard labors/miscarriages/losses. Why purposely scare a woman about to go through something that we all know can be dangerous? Plus, it's just weird. We all know labor sucks y'all. "I'd love to go through labor again!", said no one. Ever. Don't be the d*ck that stresses or a prego momma
And along those lines.....never , ever assume the younger girl with the older gentleman is his daughter....got cussed out for that one lmao
I saw a chart a few years back of when it's appropriate to ask a woman if she's pregnant. Each part was a woman one month further along than the last. Each one had the word NO under it. The last one was a baby crowning. It said MAYBE.
Woman in front at the checkout was asked when her baby was due. She said I am NOT pregnant. Saw her in her car, crying.
One summer I was asked this by over 10 strangers (I had finally lost count). I was 5' 8" and 137 lbs. Seriously, like wtf?? Are you trying to cause body dismorphia and an eating disorder?
You'll feel some kind of way when she says "No, l have an inoperable tumor." So just don't ask.
Also, do not comment on the sex of the baby based on the mom's appearance. I know you think I'm having a girl because my butt, thighs, and face are fat. Yes, I'm sure, I'm not having twins. Just say I look beautiful and move on!
in my culture, touching a pregnant belly is imparting blessings on the mother and child tho.
Kind of tough to do at times…. Not that I intended to invade her space. I was on the train in NYC and a woman walks in. She looks to be mid pregnancy 6 months or so. Showing but not whomp! belly In your face. I wanted to offer her my seat but because I wasn’t absolutely certain of her pregnant status, I did not offer. Bugged me.
Oh yes. I had someone ask me when I was due when my baby was 3 months old.
Also, never ask when will she get a boyfriend, when will she get married, when will she have a baby, when will she give her baby a brother/sister, etc.
Oh, God - if you've ever made THAT mistake, I can guarantee you'll never do it again!
Also when a woman is pregnant offer her your seat on the bus or metro. Its obvious if they're pregnant...
Man, did I learn that the hard way. I was in a lift when a pregnant lady walked in and smiled at me, I nodded and smiled back. "When are you due?' I asked "What?" "The baby, when is it due?" "I'm not pregnant." What do you say for the next 90 seconds while you're stuck with them in a lift?
Also, keep your hands off the babies too. I can't even count the number of times my kids were touched in the stroller because "they are so cute."
I think we can make an exception for anyone with reasons to believe he's the father.
Been there, done that, and ended up with nowhere to hide When she said she wasn't pregnant
There was a comedian who said never ask a woman if she's pregnant unless you see a baby emerging from her at that very moment.
Sometimes you have to for their safety, then be super polite and explain why your asking.
Yeah, this one is golden. Years ago, I was in an upscale clothing boutique, & admired a dress that one of the employees was wearing. After she said "thank you", I then stupidly asked her when the baby was due - it was an empire style & was kind of poofed out over her stomach. Her jaw dropped & she said "I'm not pregnant", and I wanted to drop thru the floor. I apologized profusely, but out of shame, I never went back to that shop.
The only time it is appropriate to ask a woman if she's pregnant is when she is crowning.
Within a month, I had two ppl think I was pregnant. The first was a customer (50+yo man) who asked when I was due; I said in a few months and walked away. My 6yo stepson said “you look pregnant;” the 8yo said “not really.”
So this one depends on culture. Here in Africa a woman is generally very proud of her soon-to-be baby and will generally be very happy if you notice and discuss it with her.
Being happy with your pregnancy is one thing. But a lot of people get asked if they're pregnant when they're actually not. In this case someone just unwillingly said 'you're fat', often to a stranger too.
Load More Replies...If a bro [passes away] while lifting, put more weight on the bar, then call 911
Common sense ain't that common, so explain things in the simplest manner you possibly can.
We have an ABC mantra at work:
Assume nothing.
Believe nobody.
Check everything.
Should be the rule of life! Just because you read it on social media doesn't mean it's true. How can there be so many legitimate sites to verify facts, but people choose Sally's "Uncle Joe"?
When letting cars into traffic, you let one then you go, just keep alternating.
The first time visiting someone's place you bring something. Anything. Bottle of wine, six-pack, food, origami penguin. Something.
Don’t touch another person’s hair just because you think it’s pretty.
This one right here!! When my son was born, he had bright red hair. Every damn time we went out, people would come up to us and want to touch his hair. Of course I had stupid people accuse me of dying his hair. But they still had to put their "god only knows what is on their fingers" all over my son's head. Even after I asked them nicely. Even after I was rude to them. Even after I threatened bodily harm. They would still try to touch his hair. People are rude!
Especially to your kids, don't make promises you can't keep. Also, don't ever threaten to do something you can't or won't follow up on.
Saw a shirt recently that says “No one is more full of sh*t than a parent who just said “maybe.” Lol
If someone clearly doesn't want to talk to you or needs to be somewhere else, let them be.
Never refuse when someone offers you a breath mint
Because your breath smells like a wet dog after he rolled in his own poop.
Don't touch a disabled person's mobility aids without being specifically asked to do so by the person. Wheelchair, scooter, cane, dog, walker, whatever they are using don't touch it unless they ASK you to. View it as a stranger trying to touch your legs, do you want rando to pick up your leg? Move your leg? Pet your leg? Probably not.
Never say something to someone you love that you can't recover from in the heat of an argument. You love that person for a reason.
and learn to forgive things that was said in the heat of the moment - no use letting them hurt you forever
Ask the person if they are at the back of the line before you join it.
Cover your mouth when you cough with your elbow, not your hands that you will then touch a bunch of stuff with. Applies to sneezes as well. In general, just keep your gross bodily fluid to yourself unless clearly requested to share.
If you're in someone else's home/car/yard- Anything of someone else's, ASK before you do something. No, I don't want you smoking in my car. I don't want you feeding my dog food from the table. Just stop.
Definitely agree with feeding my dog human food. It's my number one rule. He has his own food and treats I paid a lot for. Plus if it's something he is allergic to I'm sure you won't foot the vet fees. Just say no to him and he'll walk away.
If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.
The window seat gets an armrest and a wall, the middle seat gets two arm rests, and the aisle seat gets an arm rest and a little extra leg room. We're not savages, we live in a society.
After applying restraints to objects in the flatbed of a truck, saying "Yep, that's not goin' anywhere" is an absolute necessity.
Make sure you twang the strap when you say it. Otherwise it absolutely will go somewhere.
We don't fight at weddings.
Note: this post originally had 96 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
If you're just teasing someone but they get upset by the remarks, stop. I've been through this kind of thing a lot and people don't seem to care or realize when my feelings have actually been hurt. Maybe it wouldn't offend you, but it could offend other people.
Yes, and never tell people how to feel or not feel.
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Oh yes. "It's a miracle I survived that cancer! God is watching out for me!" Er, how about all the doctors, nurses, therapists, scientists, and friends and family that helped?
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Offer a real apology when you are wrong. "My bad" is not an apology. Any apology that includes "you" after "sorry" is not an apology -- "I'm sorry that you were offended" / "I'm sorry you didn't like that." A real apology includes "I" -- "I'm sorry that I hurt you" / "I'm sorry that I acted like such a jerk".
"Any apology that includes "you" after "sorry" is not an apology." - I'm sorry, you were right.
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A friend used to remind me not to fish from the company pier.
Load More Replies... some good ones, but some patriarchal b******t at the bottom wihch will hopefully be voted out
Best two pieces of advice I got from my Grandfather: There is a world of difference between good, sound reasons and reasons that sound good. And: It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
I smoke (cigarettes) and used to drive my friends around all the time- usually 2-4 friends each time. I had two absolute car rules= 1) everyone wears seat belts and 2) it doesn't matter how many of the passengers smoke, if just one person doesn't smoke, then they're is NO SMOKING in the car
Don't touch my kid unless I invite you to. Or their stroller. Or their toys. Or their food. Unless it's an emergency, stay back 8 feet and keep your appendages to yourself!
I'll sum it up - "Bro bro bro. Bro? Bro bro bro bro!! Bro?? Bro!! Bro... Bro? Broooo... Bro!"
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My goodness, there was some serious male fragility on display up there!
I would like to add, always, if possible, call a person on the phone before dropping by. Better if it's days in advance.Especially if the person you are visiting has small children and/or is taking care of an ill person.
Ss an older lady lady who has to use a cane I can't believe how many people will not hold the door for you. I'm not begging for mercy. It's if someone is cing out & see you're going to go in they just let the door slam shut.
Don't touch random people's babies or kids no matter how cute they are, same with a pregnant woman's belly. My friend had problems with that in public. People wanted to rub her belly or touch her kid's cheeks. She would ask people to please not do that and they would claim she was rude 🙄
Be kind to people on your way up. You never know when you'll meet them again on your way down.
This needs to state the rule of keeping to the right. Walking in a mall? Walk on the right side of the hallways. Going up or down stairs? Keep to the right. Always use the right side. Please. Lol.
Never get in a car driven by someone who is talkative, but can only hold a conversation by making eye-contact. You will eventually die. This should be a part of all driver education courses - talking while looking at the road.
I'm talkative & make eye contact. But when I'm driving, my eyes are on the road.
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If you're just teasing someone but they get upset by the remarks, stop. I've been through this kind of thing a lot and people don't seem to care or realize when my feelings have actually been hurt. Maybe it wouldn't offend you, but it could offend other people.
Yes, and never tell people how to feel or not feel.
Load More Replies... Oh yes. "It's a miracle I survived that cancer! God is watching out for me!" Er, how about all the doctors, nurses, therapists, scientists, and friends and family that helped?
Load More Replies... Offer a real apology when you are wrong. "My bad" is not an apology. Any apology that includes "you" after "sorry" is not an apology -- "I'm sorry that you were offended" / "I'm sorry you didn't like that." A real apology includes "I" -- "I'm sorry that I hurt you" / "I'm sorry that I acted like such a jerk".
"Any apology that includes "you" after "sorry" is not an apology." - I'm sorry, you were right.
Load More Replies... A friend used to remind me not to fish from the company pier.
Load More Replies... some good ones, but some patriarchal b******t at the bottom wihch will hopefully be voted out
Best two pieces of advice I got from my Grandfather: There is a world of difference between good, sound reasons and reasons that sound good. And: It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
I smoke (cigarettes) and used to drive my friends around all the time- usually 2-4 friends each time. I had two absolute car rules= 1) everyone wears seat belts and 2) it doesn't matter how many of the passengers smoke, if just one person doesn't smoke, then they're is NO SMOKING in the car
Don't touch my kid unless I invite you to. Or their stroller. Or their toys. Or their food. Unless it's an emergency, stay back 8 feet and keep your appendages to yourself!
I'll sum it up - "Bro bro bro. Bro? Bro bro bro bro!! Bro?? Bro!! Bro... Bro? Broooo... Bro!"
Load More Replies... My goodness, there was some serious male fragility on display up there!
I would like to add, always, if possible, call a person on the phone before dropping by. Better if it's days in advance.Especially if the person you are visiting has small children and/or is taking care of an ill person.
Ss an older lady lady who has to use a cane I can't believe how many people will not hold the door for you. I'm not begging for mercy. It's if someone is cing out & see you're going to go in they just let the door slam shut.
Don't touch random people's babies or kids no matter how cute they are, same with a pregnant woman's belly. My friend had problems with that in public. People wanted to rub her belly or touch her kid's cheeks. She would ask people to please not do that and they would claim she was rude 🙄
Be kind to people on your way up. You never know when you'll meet them again on your way down.
This needs to state the rule of keeping to the right. Walking in a mall? Walk on the right side of the hallways. Going up or down stairs? Keep to the right. Always use the right side. Please. Lol.
Never get in a car driven by someone who is talkative, but can only hold a conversation by making eye-contact. You will eventually die. This should be a part of all driver education courses - talking while looking at the road.
I'm talkative & make eye contact. But when I'm driving, my eyes are on the road.
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