When it comes to unwritten rules, there are plenty of grey areas between what behaviors people consider OK and not. Social norms differ between cultures; a certain act may receive sanctions or punishments within one group but be seen as normal within another. Plus, as society's understanding of norms changes over time, so too does its members' perception of deviance.
In an attempt to learn if this transformation can stall, Redditor u/sadboi017 asked other users: "What is considered socially unacceptable for no reason?" 34.9K upvotes and 21.3K comments later, I think it's safe to say that it can. Continue scrolling and check out some of the most popular answers.
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Turning down an invitation to go out simply because you’d rather stay home with your pets, save money, and preserve your mental health in glorious solitude.
Using swings/playground equipment as an adult. I friggin love going on the swings, I’m 30 and it still fascinates me that I can quickly and easily get 10-15 feet (or higher) in the air with some simple leg movement.
One day I was at a fairly deserted local park on the swings having the time of my life. Suddenly Karen shows up with her two ankle biters, hands on her hips and yells at me “WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON THERE?! THE SWINGS ARE FOR THE KIDS, NOT ADULTS!”
My tax dollars paid for these swings, and there’s no sign saying that I can’t, so I’ll use them as much as I damn well please whenever I want. How much tax did little Johanathan and little Kymburleigh Pay last year? None? Guess they can’t use the swings either.
I too love the swings and will happily go on them when the playground isn't busy.
Not answering your own door. When there's like a salesman at someone's door, they won't want to answer but they will act like no one is home, and be really quiet so the person outside the door doesn't hear them. But it's your house. I could just stare at a salesman out the window as he rings my bell, who cares. It's my house. I don't have to answer my own door, for whatever reason I deem acceptable. You came to my house, not the other way around.
Have CCTV installed specifically so I could see who was at the door and avoid answering it if I didn't want to - get a lot of deliveries as I have my own business and need supplies. People with clipboards (one last week which surprised me as it was the first since covid) get ignored.
Leaving without giving an "acceptable" song and dance about why you are leaving, with leaving because you have basically reached your limit with socializing being "not a good enough reason"
People who can stand to be around other people for huge amounts of time, more power to you, but me? I can't do that, and I don't want to have to make up an excuse to do so.
Being open/honest about not having kids. In my personal life I have gotten more ridicule and very pointed questions bordering on disrespectful over being childfree than about any of my other opinions.
Once I said I wasn't having kids my family became obsessed with whether or not I was dating, and who, and oh, what if HE wants kids? What if I meet the "perfect" guy, but he wants kids? Well, then I guess he's not the perfect guy for me. Simple as that. I don't want kids, and no, I don't have to give you a detailed bullet list about why I'm not having kids because what I decide to do with my uterus is none of your business.
The only reason one should ideally need is "because I don't want any". That's my main reason, but for some reason, a lot of people just really want a lot of unwanted and unloved children in the world I guess...
I'm a grown man and I love flowers. Not even 'masculine' flowers, I have an orchid collection.
There is a sort of Orchid called Holy ghost or something like that. When bud is closed, looks like praying monks. When blooming it's resembles a dove of peace. Absolutely STUNNING!!!
NOT WEARING A BRA. SCREW BRAS. THERE I SAID IT.
Yeah why is people so obsessed with female nipples? You can see guys nipples all the time through tshirts but if a womans are obvious its the end of the world.
Idk its very bizarre. Also that womens bodies are seen as more sexual than men which is totally stupid.
Load More Replies...Hey, it is about choice. I mostly respect that some women don't like bras, but I feel more comfortable with mine on. And yeah, mostly respect, because I have seen several examples when this wasn't a good idea. When you want to talk in front of a whole classroom and your boobs are almost reaching your knees, it is quite hard to concentrate even for me as a woman.
This. I LOVE my bras. They are comfortable, they prevent my boobs from hurting and the area below my boobs from sweating profusely. That doesn't mean that I think other women should wear them, each woman should be free to do as she likes.
Load More Replies...I have stopped wearing bra's a year or so ago now, wish I would've done it way earlier.. free the b00bies! (31yo)
I don't know how many women did the same during this year myself included! One good thing came out of this shitty situation at least
Load More Replies...Like Sonja said, it's about having a choice. I feel more comfortable wearing a bra, some people might feel better without one, and what we do with our boobs is our own choice
I'm a big chested girl and live in the south and I would love to go braless in the sweltering summers. But it's just to much effort to act like it doesn't make me feel self conscious when people stare or just refuse to make eye contact because somehow it's taboo to look at me like nothing is making them feel uncomfortable.
As a big chested girl I can't understand this at all! When it's hot and sticky the last thing I want is The Girls plastered against me creating even more heat and sweat!
Load More Replies...I want to wear a bra for all day comfort to large breasts, especially when moving but there are sure some uncomfortable bras out there. Buying only super comfortable bras!
ThirdLove! It's the only brand I buy anymore. Highly comfortable.
Load More Replies...I like my bras, and I'm not big-chested. I just like the support and the not-wobble. Maybe mine just fit well?
Same! I don't have big breasts, but I don't feel comfortable wearing no bra. It's all wobbly, and I don't like the sensitive skin of my nipples and around them rub against my clothes.
Load More Replies...Screw bras! Unfortunately too many men (and women!) Think they can demand you wear a highly uncomfortable and unnecessary (for some people) piece of clothing.
I have laaaarge boobs and I don't know what I would do without a bra. It keeps them in place and it doesn't hurt when I exercise. But you other girls: go for it!! Just don't shame people that really want to wear bras!!!!
I do too especially when I'm on the mower. If I didn't wear a bra then, I'd never get the grass cut because it would hurt.
Load More Replies...Free the tatas! That's what my wife says. She hasn't worn a bra in years unless she absolutely has to. I don't care, why should I care, why should it even bother me.
I envy women with smaller breasts. Mine are a bit too large and saggy, and they giggle around too much when I walk for me to feel comfortable walking around without a bra. BUT I've found some really great "lounge" bras at Winners that are comfortable and supportive, and I can wear them to work as well without feeling unprofessional. Glad I found them b/c most bras are sooo uncomfortable.
this is fine of you're smaller busted but just won't work for busty women. They are big and floppy and very distracting for others. I'd look like a slob if I didn't have a bra on.
Again something that might be socially unacceptable in some countries. In the Netherlands no one is offended when women don't wear a bra. Her body, her choice, no else's business.
honestly before covid i always wore a bra but since covid and me not going anywhere i get annoyed wen i wear one now. i only wear one wen i go out bc i have social anxeity and dont want to give ppl a reason to stare. if its cold out ill wear a giant thick hoodie and no one will ever kno so i cant wait for winter lol.
I wish the bra burning of 70s feminism had been more successful. I find bras so uncomfortable, (especially after a yoga injury). However, I wear them for most outings, especially work related, just because I have internalised the view that women look bad if they're not wearing a bra.
Wait. Wearing them because you would look bad without one? I never knew attractiveness was a factor. I just wear them to prevent movement and because having my nips showing through my shirt gives me anxiety.
Load More Replies...Gave it up years ago. I'm old and fat, no one is looking at me, and if they do and 'the girls' are resting on my lap instead of sticking out like traffic cones - so be it.
Reading all (or most) of the comments, it became clear to me that the obvious reason for wearing bras is in fact to hide the nipples. Weird if you ask me, when just a little piece of (black) tape would be easier...
This is not an issue, is it? In an office environment I get it... but there are women with such small breasts, that they really don't need it.
Says the youngster without dropping boobs that get hot and sweaty if not held up by bras....
Yeah I had to explain to some married male friends on why women buy nipple stickers some months back. They had no idea sometimes clothing rubbing on them can cause discomfort. Why not wear a bra they asked. They thought all of those are super comfy things too. I don't know how these guys can live with a women and know so little.
I dont wear one either? I was not aware anyone cared. Nobody's mentioned it down at the shops.
Many men approve this sentiment. Many women will not. Especially those with larger breasts who would be in constant pain without one. Hate me all you want....
I lived in a country where many woman went braless, gravity is real.
Which is fine and dandy and your choice but don't expect universal support: there's a difference between work and home. As to the question "why are women's bodies seen as more sexual?" . . . .did you MISS the last two millenia somehow AND EVOLUTION: they are seen as more sexual because they ARE more sexual. Boobs don't get put somewhere cos it's convenient and a handy storage space, they are sexual and health displays, visual clues to a woman's fertility and attractiveness. You wanna let the girls out then be my guest: nothing like a nice pair of swinging bouncy boobs to NOT get attention . . . . . but you don't get to be scandalized when I walk around Woolies in my tight thin underjohns with Mr happy swinging away and VERY happy to see the girls out and proud.
In the summer heat we just got? Forget bras! If someone complains I'll go topless, it's legal here. Be happy I wore a shirt at all Karen.
To be honest, my boobs shake like an earthquake regardless wearing one or not. I just put a tanktop under my shirt so people won't get too offended by my nipples.
It’s just so uncomfortable not to. At least with my boobs it is.
If you have big boobs sometimes its more comfortable to wear a bra but no one should be forced to wear those devil devices
Amen Sister! I haven't worn a bra on a daily basis for years now! Love it!!
I take mine off the minute I get home. Going without is uncomfortable in my work clothes.
100% it's so uncomfortable most of the time. I breathe better without bras
I may want one for support, but.... if you can't handle the fact breasts aren't all uniformly shaped, covered, etc.? Get a hobby besides staring at breasts, is my suggestion. Just a thought!
i had an ex, who was trans, who would never wear a bra, he would say "free the t*tties"
It's all about choice! And not being expected to wear or not wear one!
IKR- THEY'RE SO UNCOMFORTABLE BUT FOR SOME REASON WE'RE FORCED TO WEAR THEM
Just don't. there are probably some thing you can wear instead (like a very loose training bra or that weird strapless bra alternative I saw advertised once idk if u don't like straps) so people can't complain.
Load More Replies...Why are women’s breasts considered harmful? Why do people freak out about breast feeding or a woman topless?
In the USA it's the culture that comes from a puritan past.
Load More Replies...From what I've learned (as a guy), women mainly wear them to keep the boobs from moving around too much. Bras do seem to be strangling the torso. Do you think sports bras would be more comfortable for that purpose?
Load More Replies...So when I was in cabo airport some karen told me to put on a bra, and I had to keep my husband from screaming at the lady. I was very proud of him
After the pandemic, no one seems to be wearing a bra anymore, and no one seems to care.
You compare nipples and genitals instead of nipples and nipples? I assume you did not understand the point then.
Load More Replies... waking up at 11am or later
i'm not lazy. my responsibilities are taken care of. i stay up late and value my sleep hours.
In some places, calling in sick, because it's "letting down the team" or whatever. Screw off, I'm sick as a dog. There's little I will accomplish other than feeling like death warmed up, so you aren't missing out on much. Plus I could spread whatever I've got to coworkers, then we're all sick
One of my former bosses fired someone on the spot for coming to work with a bad case of the flu after having told her that she needed to stay home. There was no reason for her to come to work, she would have gotten paid for as long as she was sick.
Wearing a surgical mask when you are sick to prevent giving the illness to others.
Men crying. It’s seen as a weakness typically rather than compassion.
Being single.
Some people are okay not being in a relationship for some time and are perfectly happy, but other people just don't understand that.
What I don't get is why couples choose not to hang out with their single friends anymore. They only do stuff with their couple friends and it's so frustrating
Not drinking alcohol around others who are drinking. People don’t like it
Thats actually a terrible social pressure. Especially for former alkoholics.
Being honest when asked “how are you”
Come to the Netherlands and ask someone that question. You'll get a thorough schooling on their mental, physical and financial situation. Which most of the times is summed up in the one word "kut" or the even more profound comment "tering kut".
Eating lunch alone in your car at work. It's quiet, comfortable, and I don't have to make small talk when I'm trying to have some 'me' time out of the office.
Napping at work during my lunch break. I don't really need food in the afternoon, what I really need is a nap!
Skipping as an adult. It's unfortunate because it is faster than walking and much more fun than running.
Stop thinking about what others may think. I'm a 44 years old, long hair undercut, full beard, tattoooed guy in heavy boots and I love puddle hopping, so i do.
40+ male at a playground
Yes I have no partner, yes that's my 6 year old kid having a blast
No I'm not a pedo but thank you for your questions and passive glares
Women not shaving.
Someone made a comment on here about some famous woman not shaving her armpits. I responded with 'So?' and asked why they considered it their business. No reply.
Wearing the same clothes 2 days in a row
Yes to this. We as a society have gone *way* over the top about things like this and it's doing the planet a huge disservice.
Cursing.
Seriously, how and why the f*ck did society decide that certain sounds will corrupt children?
Swearing also has degrees. The US really dislikes the c-word that Australians use with abandon! Swearing also has power - that's the point of it. If your three year old peppers conversation with f-bombs it loses its emphatic effect. Which is why we end up having to create new curse words, because the old ones aren't strong enough any more.
Apparently self defense isn’t allowed in schools. I guess I just have to accept the beating.
Having fun as an adult. Fun has no expiration date, you don't suddenly no longer qualify for fun and have to live a life of watching the news and drinking coffee. People shame adults for doing fun things and that's absolute nonsense
Not wanting to make small talk. Sometimes being alone in a public place is my only alone time.
I have to put on the show at work and talk to people ALL DAY LONG and if I just want to sit in a bar or cafe or on a bench by myself and stare at my phone I shouldn't be forced to exchange small talk with someone just because they happen to be in the vicinity of me.
Like currently, I'm having a really bad day and just want to go sit and have a drink and stare at cats or something because being in my house is making it worse, but I can't, because I'll be forced to chit chat with someone near me.
Weird idea: Say "I had a very stressful day and need some quite time alone now, please." It is surprising how often that works.
Showing distaste for ones family in any way, shape, or form
Not hiding your tampon when you go to the restroom
I don't. I'm a woman, I bleed. Thinking that something is socially unacceptable is not a one way road. I think it's socially unacceptable to find this socially unacceptable.
Going to the movies alone.
Pre-pandemic I would go to the movies alone all the time. It's nice. Nobody jabbering away at you so much you can't hear the movie.
Being the first person to get up from your chair when snacks are brought into a meeting room. There's always that one hero that does it though so others can get in line.
Walking your cat.
That's not socially unacceptable. I have the highest respect for people who walk their cats instead of kicking them out the door when they leave for work so the cat has to roam the neighborhood and pee and poop in other peoples gardens.
Refusing generosity. It's perfect alright to politely decline, even though others would vilify you for being ungrateful and cold.
Sometimes one should allow others to experience the act of giving. It makes me uncomfortable to be a recipient, but people need that sometimes.
My dad gets SUPER offended when I put my elbows on the table. I still dont know why.
I don't know, I guess I was raised with this as table etiquette? I suppose it's one of those things which has just come through history. Any pandas here know?
There are a ton of rules around clothing that are completely arbitrary nonsense. And I don’t even just mean workplace dress codes and gendered clothing that are obvious bullsh*t. Even in casual situations, jeans and a flannel shirt are normal, but if you wore plaid flannel pajama pants and a denim shirt, you would look psychotic.
Clothing rules are used as a proxy to see at a glance how good you are at conforming to the rules of society.
Ladies can call their friends her "girlfriends," but a man, absolutely not, cannot call his friends his "boyfriends." That's not fair.
hats indoors. No one has given me a valid reason why I need to tell students to take their hats off.
Running everywhere instead of walking.
But you are more likely to collide with someone if running rather than walking, so I wouldn't say that there's no reason for this to be socially unacceptable. It's also very impractical since most of us don't want to run everywhere and thus it'll be hard for those who do want to run to get around us safely.
Note: this post originally had 52 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
A lot of these are not something that society disapproves of. Stems mainly from our own limitations and perceptions.
Yes. Many of these seem to confuse social norms with social embarrassment due to low self-esteem. I would not have trouble doing most of these, assuming it would not bother others too much.
Load More Replies...Birthdays - or rather the lack of interest in one. I never understood this silly notion of this personal holiday. I don't do anything special on it and it always bothers people : "What? You're not doing anything special?" "Come on you have to do something" "why don't you come with us, we'll throw you a party" No thanks. I'm not embarrassed to ask, I'm not shy I just don't like this stupid thing and would rather just stay at home. Why is that a thing?
"The best birthday present you can give me is some peace and quiet. Don't even worry about wrapping it. Just go away."
Load More Replies...Why are these things not acceptable? I love playing in parks, and sending my man flowers and time to myself. And why cant a man cry? They too have feelings and need to sometimes Express them. I think if you're comfortable with something, then do it. Who cares what others think.
Totally. I think this comes with age anyway as people re-evaluate their lives and everntually realise they can do what they want if it's not harming anyone. Shame it often takes that to change how we act.
Load More Replies...Being a cat lover seems to trigger a lot of people. I'm introverted, goofy, adore my cat, and am a woman. If that makes me a "crazy cat lady", I accept.
I only wish I had multiple cats. I can do fine without a 'boyfriend'. It's cats I would love to have more of.
Load More Replies...When my phone rings, I usually don't answer it. Mostly I don't even have it on. I just get my messages later. Some people get upset that I'm not totally accessible to them all the time, but it's my life and I don't want to be a slave to my phone.
This is really cool and all, but I'm a pushover and whenever someone tells me not to do something I dont do it. Even if I'm passionate about it. I've been told writing books is stupid and now I keep procrastinating my books because I'm a pig pushover and writing books is a stupid little kid thing to do
A lot of these are applicable in different countries, and let's not exclude the size of the community you live in. Sure, if you live in a large city, the "norm" is very diluted and people tend to just not care what you do. But in smaller communities, everything stands out. You get old people shake their heads going ts-ts when you wear looser clothes. You get mocked that you are a virgin when you are 15 by your peers. I had a case (as a kid, maybe 9-10 years old), i was playing with my mom and sister in our room, ehen my grandma rushed in, and told us to "Stop laughing, or your grandfather will come!". Apparently laughter and noise in general were frowned upon in their generation's view. So, you do you. If someone doesn't like it, well...they can look the other way.
Here's an idea! Let's all just do what brings us joy and makes us comfortable. If that means setting boundaries with others, do that, albeit kindly. Once others start to see that these things *are* perfectly acceptable, they'll be relieved and start doing them too.
Being a girl walking alone at night. People think I'm crazy for doing it. I am careful, I live in a good area, what's the problem?
#41 Asking me a question when I have food in my mouth, then getting annoyed that I won't immediately answer you.
Being barefoot. Even in the cold I prefer to be barefoot - outside in the grass, whatever. I am constantly called a hillbilly. No, I just prefer to be barefoot, thanks.
I do not want to hold your baby because I will likely drop it by accident. Babies mildly scare me
I love this post because apparently I do many unacceptable things, which in turn makes me feel even more unique. Kudos! 💜
This was another topic where several times I thought of a comment or example while I was reading, then found my exact same thought in the comments. Sort of makes you feel a)unnecessary, and/or b)in touch with the world!
A lot of these are not something that society disapproves of. Stems mainly from our own limitations and perceptions.
Yes. Many of these seem to confuse social norms with social embarrassment due to low self-esteem. I would not have trouble doing most of these, assuming it would not bother others too much.
Load More Replies...Birthdays - or rather the lack of interest in one. I never understood this silly notion of this personal holiday. I don't do anything special on it and it always bothers people : "What? You're not doing anything special?" "Come on you have to do something" "why don't you come with us, we'll throw you a party" No thanks. I'm not embarrassed to ask, I'm not shy I just don't like this stupid thing and would rather just stay at home. Why is that a thing?
"The best birthday present you can give me is some peace and quiet. Don't even worry about wrapping it. Just go away."
Load More Replies...Why are these things not acceptable? I love playing in parks, and sending my man flowers and time to myself. And why cant a man cry? They too have feelings and need to sometimes Express them. I think if you're comfortable with something, then do it. Who cares what others think.
Totally. I think this comes with age anyway as people re-evaluate their lives and everntually realise they can do what they want if it's not harming anyone. Shame it often takes that to change how we act.
Load More Replies...Being a cat lover seems to trigger a lot of people. I'm introverted, goofy, adore my cat, and am a woman. If that makes me a "crazy cat lady", I accept.
I only wish I had multiple cats. I can do fine without a 'boyfriend'. It's cats I would love to have more of.
Load More Replies...When my phone rings, I usually don't answer it. Mostly I don't even have it on. I just get my messages later. Some people get upset that I'm not totally accessible to them all the time, but it's my life and I don't want to be a slave to my phone.
This is really cool and all, but I'm a pushover and whenever someone tells me not to do something I dont do it. Even if I'm passionate about it. I've been told writing books is stupid and now I keep procrastinating my books because I'm a pig pushover and writing books is a stupid little kid thing to do
A lot of these are applicable in different countries, and let's not exclude the size of the community you live in. Sure, if you live in a large city, the "norm" is very diluted and people tend to just not care what you do. But in smaller communities, everything stands out. You get old people shake their heads going ts-ts when you wear looser clothes. You get mocked that you are a virgin when you are 15 by your peers. I had a case (as a kid, maybe 9-10 years old), i was playing with my mom and sister in our room, ehen my grandma rushed in, and told us to "Stop laughing, or your grandfather will come!". Apparently laughter and noise in general were frowned upon in their generation's view. So, you do you. If someone doesn't like it, well...they can look the other way.
Here's an idea! Let's all just do what brings us joy and makes us comfortable. If that means setting boundaries with others, do that, albeit kindly. Once others start to see that these things *are* perfectly acceptable, they'll be relieved and start doing them too.
Being a girl walking alone at night. People think I'm crazy for doing it. I am careful, I live in a good area, what's the problem?
#41 Asking me a question when I have food in my mouth, then getting annoyed that I won't immediately answer you.
Being barefoot. Even in the cold I prefer to be barefoot - outside in the grass, whatever. I am constantly called a hillbilly. No, I just prefer to be barefoot, thanks.
I do not want to hold your baby because I will likely drop it by accident. Babies mildly scare me
I love this post because apparently I do many unacceptable things, which in turn makes me feel even more unique. Kudos! 💜
This was another topic where several times I thought of a comment or example while I was reading, then found my exact same thought in the comments. Sort of makes you feel a)unnecessary, and/or b)in touch with the world!