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Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one in the world who does certain things? Well, we’ve got good news: You’re probably not. There are so many things everyone does that are so weirdly specific and familiar it’s hard to believe we’re not all living the same life. Everyone has their own little quirks and weird habits, but some parts of our lives just seem to be universal.
For example, we’re 100% positive you also hit the elevator button multiple times. Or lower the music volume on your car stereo while parking so you can “see better.” Or have imaginary arguments in your head. The list goes on and on. The truth is that, despite all the cultural differences, diverse social norms, and individual tastes, we’re all somehow still connected by these relatable situations and sometimes embarrassing habits. And it’s funny to think about how many of these actions we do without even realizing it because they’re so normal.
We could write a whole book with all the secret things people do, but we decided to stick to a simple list. So here are some small actions that you probably do in secret — but that everyone else also does!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Reading The Instructions On A Food Package, Tossing It In The Garbage, And Then Retrieving It Because You've Already Forgotten Everything
Why do we expect we'll be able to recall exactly how much milk we need as opposed to water?
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#2
Rehearsing A Conversation In Your Head That You'll Probably Never Have
That one colleague at work who doesn't take you seriously won't know what hit him when you deliver the epic speech you've been drafting and honing for months. Even if you never say any of it aloud, the fact that it is at least in your head is enough reward.
#3
Reducing The Volume Of The Music On Your Car Stereo So You Can See Better
How much does reducing volume help parallel parking? One of the questions that we will never know the answer to.
N Miller 3 years ago
It's because the brain cannot multitask. If it's music on the radio, it's usually pop or similar which has lyrics and you cannot process words while also concentrating on parking.
Lindsay Harless 3 years ago
Oh I can most certainly multitask, but I turn it down in case I run into something or someone and don’t hear it.
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darqemm 3 years ago
It drives me crazy when people joke about it makes no sense. It absolutely does! As N Miller said, it takes some of your brain's attention and when you need to concentrate on something, it helps to reduce the things you are paying attention to!
Roland Nijveld 3 years ago
Same. To me it's very obvious why people do it.
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Cassi Lyris 3 years ago
This actually quite effective. Not sure why it's listed here as a "silly" thing.
Saint Lynnie 3 years ago
I do the same. The noise reduction helps me concentrate. Often times when I'm at home at night and hear a strange sound, I will turn off the lights in order to hear better.
Asphalt Bubblegum 2 years ago
More specifically, the brain cannot be in the "objective observer mode" and the "involved participant mode" at the same time. A simple example is when you are only able to think of your snappy comeback after the moment of it's relevance has passed. A more complex one is when you realize that all of the things that would have told you everything you needed to know about a new friend were always present and right from the very beginning, but you don't notice or consider them until much later. When you are in the moment, your brain takes in all of the information your senses can give it. Your conscious mind prioritizes what it will script and edit to get you through right now, leaving your subconscious mind to sort through the remaining scraps at it's leisure. It's only when we have a moment of peace of mind that we can piece these two "observer" and"catalyst" parts of our mind together.
Cydney Golden 2 years ago
It's easier to think when it's quiet. So simple and yet people keep posting this
Brigit Sole-March 2 years ago
Yep. I always turn down the sound when I need to concentrate on the road. Husband laughs, but it helps me.
Christopher DiOrio 2 years ago
It’s gotten to the point where the cars do this automatically…my car reduces the stereo volume when I put it in reverse.
Must Be Bored Again 2 years ago
I also have a weird thing that happens when someone is talking to me. I literally have to tell them that I can't understand them unless I put my glasses on. Makes me understand how much body language and lip reading is involved in speaking with people.
Must Be Bored Again 2 years ago
I used to tell my kids they had to be quiet because the hard parts on the mountain roads were just ahead. The road was literally like two parking places wide, cut into the side of a mountain with a straight drop off to the river 100 meters down with lumber trucks coming at you and crazy people who think because their RV is the biggest one possible, that it is OK to use both lanes. Nightmare hwy.
Mickipickie 2 years ago
My dad could shush 3 kids in the car at night by saying "quiet now, we might see some deer" and we'd all shut up and watch the woods for deer.
JoJo Anisko 2 years ago
I put on my glasses so I can hear better. Admit it, all us nearsighted people do it. 😅
David 2 years ago
NOPE. But I HAVE reduced volume to be less distracting. And when I'm doing things like backing out in a parking lot it is usually radio off / window down. I want to be able to hear the old lady yelling that I'm backing over her. TLDR: Less distraction / more safety / as needed.
Icecream Sarang 2 years ago
That one is simple. It’s to block out the distraction of the radio.
Aileen Grist 2 years ago
I have to wear my glasses when I'm on the phone or I can't hear very well.
MygrandsonscallmeNia 3 years ago (edited)
It's distracting!! I guess, since I'm old now, if music is playing, and I'm trying to do something that needs me to focus, the music Must be turned down. I also have ADHD. I'm Easily distracted, and will make a wrong turn, or mess it up if I can't focus. Call me weird, but, that's me. Who else has This problem?
Sleepydoggos 3 years ago
Because my car has a parking sensor which beeps. If music is too loud, I can't hear the beeps.
robman1ok1 Hernandez 3 years ago
Had a friend in high school that said the same.we were going to a party and he said "turn the music down I have to concentrate"
Duncan 3 years ago
Well lowering the volume of the music helps concentrate on the parralel parking. Especially woman seem to have a harder time parralel parking. Study has shown that had to do with the way our brains function a little bit differently. Didn't make this one up. It's a scientifically proven fact, sorry.
userblueone 3 years ago
I've always done this just to remove distractions so I can focus better. It's amazing how much you can spot your peripheral vision because you now have less sound to distract you and home in on something before you can get a chance to see it. It's like side scan radar.
Monica Hoger 3 years ago
This is the same for me navigating a new place on transit too! Music off, focus on not getting turned around for the millionth time!
Jane Hower 2 years ago
That actually works - your mind CAN multi task but sometimes it's better that you NOT.
#5
Rewinding The Song Because You Zoned Out
You know when you're halfway done and realize you haven't given the masterpiece enough thought, so you have to start over? I've done this once three times in a row.
LaurenRuth Jones 3 years ago
Music, voice mail, tv show all of them need repeated far more times than I’d like to admit
#6
Pretend To Not See Someone You Know
Did this happen to you before? You see a familiar face approaching, you cross your fingers in hopes that they don't notice you, quickly glance down at your phone and walk right by.
#7
Accepting The Terms Of The Agreement Without Reading Them
At the very least, pretend to read the terms of the user agreement on any website if someone is looking. Everyone simply presses the "I agree" button while no one is watching.
Will Cable 3 years ago
If you did start to read them by the time you'd finish the newer version or model would be out and the one you are about to use would be obsolete.
#8
When Checking The Time On Your Phone, You Become Distracted By It And Completely Forget What Time It Is
#9
In Order To "Make It In One Trip," You're Carrying Far Too Much From Your Car
A second trip? Don't be ridiculous. It would be better to just simply hop inside the house while holding the milk between your knees and balancing an infinite amount of plastic bags on each arm.
LaurenRuth Jones 3 years ago
Sure I have no feeling in my hands and I dislocated a shoulder but I got it all in on one trip
#10
Avoiding Holding Up A Line By Carelessly Stuffing Your Wallet With Cash And Receipts
Does it even matter if the change is correct? You are aware that there are carts in front of you and that you won't be the one holding up the line today.
Cassi Lyris 3 years ago
When I was younger I did this, but not anymore. It's important to put everything where it needs to be to first time. I have no problem extending this same courtesy to everyone.
#11
Pace The House When You're On A Long Phone Call
Long phone conversations always necessitate a few excursions from the living room to the dining room, followed by a stop in the bedroom, before making your way back to the kitchen. We're not sure why. It is exercise, at least.
Will Cable 3 years ago
I find it funny when you see someone alone sitting or standing still, the phone rings and the suddenly they walk about 10 miles during the call in a 5 meter radius
#12
Purchasing Plenty Fresh Vegetables For A Week And Not Using Any Of It
After work, you continued to order delivery, and before you knew it, the vegetables started to spoil.
#13
Claiming You Have Plans To Skip A Social Event When You Actually Have None
Would it really be that horrible to just decline an offer by responding, "No thanks, I just want to stay home and watch reruns of the 10 shows I've seen before in my pajamas."
Roland Nijveld 3 years ago
"Would it really be that horrible to just decline an offer by responding, "No thanks" No, but 9/10 don't accept that as an answer.
#14
Giving Your Pet A Pump-Up Talk
Everyone needs a little boost in self-esteem from time to time. Before you go anywhere, remind how nice, smart and worthy your pet is.
#15
Realizing The House Is Empty When You Get Home From Work And Feeling Immense Relief
It's not that you don't care for your family and friends. However, you are not need to be there with them at all times.
Brodie Bruce 3 years ago
I work from home and live alone and I do feel immense relief when the house is empty when I come home from work.
#16
Using Your Phone To Check Out The Internet While You're Actually Taking A Break from Your Computer
Perhaps the tiny internet offers something more intresting or more authentic than what the larger internet does.
#17
Using A Smartphone While Sitting On The Toilet
In the past, people used to read newspapers in the toilet. Nowadays, it's difficult to picture anyone using the restroom without a smartphone at the very least.
Vince Colucci 3 years ago
Pulling your pants down, realizing you forgot your phone, and duck waddling to get it.
#18
Eating A "Family Size" Bag Of Chips By Yourself
It is not your fault! For some reason, Doritos don't come with an emergency kill switch to close the bag before it's too late. The Godfather was playing on cable, the bag was on your lap, and it's a loooong movie.
#19
Carefully Examining A Product At The Grocery Store Because The One You Actually want Is Blocked By A Customer
You may not always be in the mood for an embarrassing circumstance like saying "excuse me" to a stranger so you can get a package of cauliflower rice. So you've spent your precious time learning everything you can about a jar of gherkins while you've been waiting for someone to move out of the way at the grocery store.
#20
Checking Your Symptoms On The Internet, And Convincing Yourself You're On Death's Door
Why do we repeat committing the same mistake over and over again? You know what a headache could be a sign of, right? Every terrible sickness that is known to man!
#21
Holding Your Phone In Your Hand And Looking For It
About one million times per day, the typical person misplaces their phone. Most of us find that hilarious and frustrating at the same time, especially when we begin looking for it while it's still in our hands.
#22
Dancing By Yourself In Your Kitchen
What is it about a cupcake or a handful of dry tortilla chips that makes you want to dance a little? You already know what you did!
Amour Doctrina 3 years ago
This is normal behavior! Got a tune in my head and a pep in my step🤣♥️.
#23
Feeling Personally Victimized By An Inanimate Object
Your smartphone obviously hates you and is acting rudely if it can't connect to the internet. When the printer decides to jam, it is doing it intentionally to complicate your life because it still harbors a secret vendetta against you. Technology frequently malfunctions on purpose, which causes us to lose control and lash out at inanimate objects.
#24
Pulling Back the Shower Curtain To Check For Potential Serial Killers Hiding Behind It
You've undoubtedly also leaped on your bed to prevent the monster from your bed from grabbing your legs.
#25
Sneak A "Sniff" Test
We've all been there: You smell something unsavory and become concerned that it might be you, so you nonchalantly raise your arm and angle your head to smell your pits. This tactic also functions when you are unsure of whether you have on deodorant.
#26
Peel Dead Skin Off Your Lips
You also have a unique ritual that involves a hot towel and a ton of lip balm. Until you go too far and start bleeding, it is always satisfying.
#27
Waiting A Few Minutes After Someone Sits Down Close To You Before Getting Up To Avoid Hurting Them
No one wants to sit next to a stranger, especially if there are other seats available, and if someone takes a seat in the seat next to us and we become uncomfortable enough to want to move, we'll wait a few minutes so they don't believe we're doing it because of them, even if we totally are.
3 years ago
My animal-crossing villagers should learn this tactic. MARSHAL, YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!
#28
Pretending To Be In A Movie While Listening To Music On Headphones and Walking Down the Streets
It's probably playing the soundtrack of your own action-adventure film, in which you play the main character.
#29
Pretending To Be Unsure Of A Purchase After Discovering An Excessive Price At A Store
If you've ever gone shopping for clothing, furniture, or even food, you've likely experienced genuine sticker shock when you saw an item's exorbitant price. Instead of becoming alarmed and leaving, you remained for a short while while acting as though you were still debating whether or not to buy it. This allowed you to wait for your blood pressure to return to a more stable level.
#30
Google Yourself
Even a word for it exists: egosurfing. 47% of Americans who use the Internet have done a self-search, according to a survey.
#31
Getting Invested In A Conversation You Were Eavesdropping On
We're all aware that listening in on someone else's talk isn't exactly polite, so why do people carry on such fascinating conversations in public if they don't want you to? You've undoubtedly had meals where you hardly spoke to your dining companion in favor of listening to the relationship drama of the couple behind you—and, of course, making mental notes in your head.
R Dennis 3 years ago
I have actually jumped into a couple when I had relevant information or knew an answer they were struggling with. I usually start with "Sorry, I couldn't help hearing..." After giving the information, I run away in embarrassment like a thief in the night. (Though in my head, I am Answerman: the solver of mysteries!)
#32
Pretend To Text Or Talk On The Phone When You're Waiting For Someone
Nothing is more uncomfortable than hanging out by yourself at a busy restaurant or on a busy street corner while waiting for a friend who is always late.
#33
Being Terrified When You Recognize Yourself On The Front-Facing Camera On Your Phone
One of the scariest moments is pulling out your phone to take a picture and realizing that the front camera is on. It's likely that when you saw yourself from that viewpoint, you immediately yelled aloud and closed the camera app.
#34
Wielding A Bare Wrapping Paper Tube As A Lightsaber
When your supply of wrapping paper runs out, you are left with a cardboard tube. How about you? The obvious response is to begin making lightsaber noises and spinning it like Ewan McGregor. (What else should I do?)
Philly Bob 3 years ago
No matter how old you are, an empty wrapping paper tube is still a fun thing to bonk someone over the head with!
#35
Not Washing The Dishes
Those who did not have a stack of dishes in the sink when they were not being reminded to wash them. Then, in order to rip it off, you must soak it for 30 minutes.
Maple Porkly 3 years ago
I grew up with a parent who would scream at me if I cooked anything and didn't immediately clean up. I'd make something delicious but it would either get cold by the time I finished cleaning or get eaten by one of my brothers looking for a snack.
#36
Sitting On Your Bed In A Towel For Far Longer Than Necessary
You're done taking a shower and it's time to put on some clothes. However, the motivation does not come and you're stuck sitting on your bed and dressed in a towel procrastinating.
#37
Overthinking Eye Contact
We strive to find the ideal balance between eye contact and looking away so that it doesn't feel awkward. But you spend so much time thinking about yourself that you want to rethink things.
#38
Offering Some Truly Transparent Fake Laughter
Not only is it nice, but there are a lot of other reasons to pretend to laugh. Sometimes the fake chuckle is an attempt to hide the fact that we are genuinely unable to understand what was just stated.
#39
Refusing To Respond To An Email For Several Weeks Before Writing, "Somehow This Ended Up In My Spam Folder"
Tess 2 years ago
Just break your email routing systems so badly that you never have any idea where your emails will end up, then no one expects anything of you. I personally have my email set up so that it flags every single email from outside of the company as suspicious, thanks to google enterprise level safety. There is no one else in the company, I am the only one. The company also doesn't do any work, or make any income. It does make emails fun though.
#40
Drinking From The Bottle
It could be a tiny 0.25-liter bottle or an enormous 2-liter container. Everyone takes a drink from the bottle, without using glasses or cups, whatever is poured into it.
#41
Pretending You're Not Disappointed When You Receive A Birthday Card Without Any Cash
Even still, at 43, you still want a fiver in there. Not by yourself!
#42
Trying To Channel Your Inner Adele In A Traffic Only To Realize That Another Driver Is Looking At You
Few things in life are more lovely than singing along to your favorite songs while driving. But while singing out "Rolling in The Deep" with the windows down, you've become so immersed that you forget that other people can probably see you.
LH25 3 years ago
Some years ago, when we all mostly listened to FM radio in our cars, I was at a light singing along and basically seat dancing. I glanced over and the guy in the next lane was moving to the same beat. We opened our windows, and yep same song. We had a quick duet until the light turned green.
#43
Bringing A Book To The Beach But Not Actually Reading It
Opening up that brand-new bestseller and reading it was something you had every intention of doing. But instead, you just took a bunch of foot selfies next to the water before dozing off.
#44
Hitting The Elevator Button Multiple Times
We are aware that the elevator is probably approaching because the small light is on, but we can't help it. What if we need to hit the button one more time to properly convey our urgency to the elevator? The device won't understand that we're in a rush, so hammering the button is the only option.
#45
Never Hitting Send On A 10000-Word Email Full Of Rage To A Family Member
It's probably for the best.
Gary Harkins 3 years ago
Lol! Or a text message!! I have learned that this actually works really good! Instead of actually cussing someone out or freaking out on them. Usually by the time I am done telling them that I hate them and their family and kids and everything about them, I have calmed down enough to realize that maybe I shouldn't send this after all. Lol
#46
Doing That Cozy-In-Bed Cricket Leg Rub
Do you ever feel like rubbing your legs together like a cricket when you slide into a newly made bed? What in the world gave rise to such instinct? Making the bed feel cozier still, it's as though you're attempting to kindle a fire with your legs.
#47
Eating In Bed
Even when others are nearby, some people eat in bed. But most often, they do it when they are left alone.
DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
This is one I actually don't do. I don't like ants or crumbs in the bed.
#48
Mumbling The Name Part During A Rendition Of "Happy Birthday"
Attending a birthday celebration for someone you only vaguely know. It's time to sing "Happy Birthday" to them, and you enthusiastically shout out every line until you get to the part where you sing their name, at which point you realize you can't quite remember who the birthday person is. So you mumble something illegible and hope that your abrupt volume adjustment won't be too noticeable.
#49
Fall Into A Sappy Video Clickhole
When you look up, it's been 45 minutes since you first started viewing a military reunion video, and you're still blissfully crying while already watching 10 another videos.
Looks like an Angel 3 years ago
I do thos purposely evey weekend. I belive that crying over sappy videos, keeps my heart pure.
#50
Being Extra Chatty With Airport Security For Positive Travel Karma
Anyone who makes every effort to appear more polite and courteous than everyone else should definitely be escorted to the gate and offered a free upgrade if possible.
Greennovator 3 years ago
Yes, or to anyone in customer service. "I hate when people are nasty to you ... it's a thankless gig and I've been there too ... I understand ... is there anything you can do to help me out here?" 😉😁
#51
Saying "Buddy" To Someone Because You Can't Remember Their Name
He must have introduced himself to you at some point. Everything is OK, buddy!
#52
Practising Poses In The Mirror
You've had to perfect a characteristic position in front of the mirror in your restroom because your buddies are so insistent on taking selfies. You wink at yourself as well since, obviously, it gives you more self-confidence.
#53
Buying 20 T-Shirts, But Only Wearing Three Of Them
You simply keep washing them again and again. Don't worry everyone performs this.
#54
Having A Fit When Someone Says "Bless You," And Saying The Incorrect Thing As A Response
Your mind in a panic came up with "you too" or "you're welcome."
#55
Lying To The Doctor When They Ask About Your Alcoholic Drink Consumption
Although everyone does it, "one a month" seems suspect. Give an honest response to this question because your doctors are there to help you, not to judge you.
#56
Accidentally Sending A Text To The Person You're Talking About
When you want to text Karen about Bob, you mistakenly look up Bob's name in your contact list since he's on your mind. The best among us are not immune to it. What actually matters, though, is how you bounce back.
#57
Receiving A Response To Your Email While First Reading The Email You Sent
As if you forgot what you just wrote!
#58
Eating With Your Hands
The majority of people consume meals like pizza with their hands, but that is not the topic here. We are discussing foods like ice cream, sauce, rice, etc.
Mary Crawford 3 years ago
What about the people who have the dirty dishes and are like well I don't have a fork so I guess I'm not eating lol
#59
Diagnosing Everyone In The Waiting Area At Your Doctor's Office Secretly
The person sitting two rows over with the moist cough? His infectiousness is undeniable.
Vince Colucci 3 years ago
That one is bi-polar, that one has IBS, and that one is just stupid.
#60
Fake A Yawn To Smell Your Breath
The same strategies as before, but a different stink source Don't even try to claim that you don't administer the breath test; it's a well-known practice. Unfortunately, you might not be able to detect the scents of your own body.
#61
Social Media Stalking
You carefully stalk a select group of lucky individuals who you have picked.
#62
Keep Tabs On Your Ex (Or Ex-Friend) On Social Media
Admit it, you occasionally conduct searches—perhaps not on a stalker-like scale. Facebook exists to accomplish that, right? Even people who have been happily married for a long time are curious about their previous partners.
Amberlie Mikelsen 3 years ago
I only keep a moderate tab on one of my exes, and that's only my quarterly check of the obituaries in the last area I knew he was in (the fish fart tried multiple times (and thankfully failed) to kill me, so I feel somewhat justified in wishing him a violent end to his existence)
#63
Hosting Your Own Cooking Show
You find yourself saying things like, "The trick is to crush the garlic before chopping onions," and "Take very special care while washing mushrooms because you need to set a good example for the spectators," as you prepare your special dish.
#64
Eating What Fell To The Floor
There is an unspoken rule in place that states, "Quickly raised is not considered to have fallen." But when no one is watching, something that had been lying on the floor for several hours (of course, at home) gets chosen.
#65
Stumbling And Turning It Into A Funny Dance
Congratulations! You managed to trick everyone. Everyone instantly believed that when your arms and legs gave up on you, it wasn't because you stumbled and nearly landed on your back, but rather that it was the start of the most awesome dance routine.
Will Cable 3 years ago
Weird how you look back at what you stumbled over but didn't look where you were putting your feet in the first place.
#66
Pretending To Be Rocky While Jogging
You undoubtedly embody the champion spirit when you're pounding the streets.
#67
Peeking Into A Friend's Medication Cabinet While Using The Restroom
Whose business exactly are their prescriptions if not your own if that's the case?
Stacey Rae 3 years ago
I had a note in my bathroom cabinet that said "smile, you're on camera"
#68
Rating Strangers
Giving a complete stranger a score while you pass by them in silence.
#69
Lie-Telling When Playing "Never Have I Ever"
Let's face it, nobody during that game was telling the complete truth. It's just a method for you to boast about a risky and exciting past that probably wasn't quite as risky or adventurous as you've made it out to be.
Kendra Valentine 3 years ago
I'm proud to say I have never lied during a game of Never Have I Ever
#70
Going To The Beach And Spending An Hour Finding The Ideal Location
Now better think long and hard about this, should I set up my beach blanket on this patch of sand with a view of the ocean or on that other patch of sand, a few meters away, with the exact same scenery?
#71
Pretending To Text While Really Taking A Selfie
Warning: You're not fooling anyone. All of us are aware of your true intentions. Nobody duckfaces while texting with their arms fully extended. You might as well be using a selfie stick!
#72
Walking To The "Bathroom" When You Wake Up, But Ending Up In Your Closet
Hey, it happens to the best of us.
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