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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.

#1

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Not wanting to hold other people's babies...

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#2

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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Daria Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is it unacceptable? I thought it's perfectly normal and widespread today 🤔

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#3

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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#4

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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Alex Bailey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#5

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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Paul C.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so with this one. Sometimes I'm happy to stay, but when I'm done, I'm done.

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#6

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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InvincibleRodent
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...

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#7

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever I'm a grown man and I love flowers. Not even 'masculine' flowers, I have an orchid collection.

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Laura Mende (Human)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!!!

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#8

NOT WEARING A BRA. SCREW BRAS. THERE I SAID IT.

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#9

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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Daria Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! I feel more productive in the evening but, sadly, our world belongs to early birds...

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#10

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#11

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Wearing a surgical mask when you are sick to prevent giving the illness to others.

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can we all agree this to be a norm from now on? I mean they do it for years in Asian countries!!!

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#12

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Men crying. It’s seen as a weakness typically rather than compassion.

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only assholes would say that. I think men need a break from being macho bs! Blokes have emotions too.

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#13

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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.

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#14

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Not drinking alcohol around others who are drinking. People don’t like it

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Dina Simoné
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats actually a terrible social pressure. Especially for former alkoholics.

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#15

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Going out for dinner by yourself

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anarkzie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good one. There should be nothing wrong with simply wanting to sit in a nice restaurant by yourself and having a meal but even thinking about leaves me feeling oddly guilty and ashamed.

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#16

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Being honest when asked “how are you”

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WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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".

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#17

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.

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Jonathan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sit in my car, put on a movie, turn on the AC and eat what ever I have.

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#18

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Napping at work during my lunch break. I don't really need food in the afternoon, what I really need is a nap!

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#19

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Skipping as an adult. It's unfortunate because it is faster than walking and much more fun than running.

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Cactus McCoy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#20

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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

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#21

Women not shaving.

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Sue Hazlewood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#22

Wearing the same clothes 2 days in a row

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Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#23

Cursing.

Seriously, how and why the f*ck did society decide that certain sounds will corrupt children?

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#24

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Apparently self defense isn’t allowed in schools. I guess I just have to accept the beating.

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#25

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever 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

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#26

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.

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Cactus McCoy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weird idea: Say "I had a very stressful day and need some quite time alone now, please." It is surprising how often that works.

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#27

Showing distaste for ones family in any way, shape, or form

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#28

Not hiding your tampon when you go to the restroom

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Natalie Bohrteller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#29

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Going to the movies alone.

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Desiree McKinnon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#30

Being a virgin

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I blame media for this. Many teenager series show old and very fit actors that have sex like rabbits. Thats completely unreal but it makes people self-conscious

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#31

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.

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#32

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Men caring about skincare and getting manicures

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Fei
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then I guess my grandpa and uncle are very progressive... Even though they're not fond of manicure, they use skincare since their teenage years. And they are very manly!

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#33

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Walking your cat.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#34

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Refusing generosity. It's perfect alright to politely decline, even though others would vilify you for being ungrateful and cold.

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Mark Melton
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes one should allow others to experience the act of giving. It makes me uncomfortable to be a recipient, but people need that sometimes.

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R L
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is something my mother says to me and that I need to be reminded of- it's very true.

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María
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes generosity is a "I may or may not ask for a favor in the future" and sometimes they offer things you don't need or want, adding clutter or food soon-to-be-spoiled in your fridge.

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CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely hate getting gifts. Hate. It. But, over the years I have realized that people like to give gifts, so I try to be accommodating as long as it's not too often.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just because some people think that you should always accept generosity doesn't make it socially unacceptable to refuse it.

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is often abused by "scammers" by them offering something you don't really need or want. Once you have accepted, they follow up with demand and then the trap has snapped because people will feel like they owe the scammer something. Hence small gifts can be used to scew the favor accounting to their advantage. Therefore you should always be careful when someone seems oddly generous, and the best solution can be decline their generousity as it is not really a gift but a "hidden contract" that you are signing. It is classic selling tactic that some munks used to increase the donation amount to their church by offering people a "free rose" as a "gift". Don't fall into that guilt trap, and stop the process before it evolves out of your control. Gifts are ment to make you happy. If that is not the case don't accept it.

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Adrian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes the little old granny doesn't want to cross the road.

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alex cosgrove
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad and I have always had a strained relationship. He divorced and remarried when I was 18. She’s a gold digger. It’s now HER money. She took my siblings and I out of the will 5 mins after marrying my dad. Now in the rare chance he wants to help me out of a jam I say no because strings and groveling and having them in my life is too high a cost. My friends are mad at me that I would rather be in debt then have those strings attached.

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Tom Spade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I gotta admit, I probably look unfortunate but I'm not. I assure you. I am uncomfortable when people try to give me something, but I have no problem giving twenty bucks to somebody who is obviously down and out. I just feel that there are people who need help way more than me, and I've got my boots on, so I'll make do just fine.

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Bob Belcher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll add to this one, those same people that offer to help when you talk about your problems were also the same ones that told you you need to get your s**t together when you asked for help last time. Now they wonder why you never come to them for help. I'm staring a 2nd job tomorrow because I refuse to ask for help ever again because they always scold me. F**k them.

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Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is one reason I liked Covid. You might want to be what you call generous but I seriously don’t need or want it.

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"No tha-" "UGH YOURE SO STUPID JUST TAKE MY GENEROSITY YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE EFFER!" yeah this doesnt work at all

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Jorie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What Mark Melton said is true. My mom tried to give me a necklace of hers that I'd long admired, and I kept saying no, no. She said just accept it graciously and say thank you. It made both of us feel better, and I treasure the necklace to this day.

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Jorie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What Mark Melton said is true. My mom tried to give me a necklace of hers that I'd long admired, and I kept saying no, no. She told me to just accept it graciously, and say thank you. It made both of us feel better.

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#35

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever My dad gets SUPER offended when I put my elbows on the table. I still dont know why.

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SentimentAndBadJokes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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?

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#36

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.

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Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clothing rules are used as a proxy to see at a glance how good you are at conforming to the rules of society.

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#37

Ladies can call their friends her "girlfriends," but a man, absolutely not, cannot call his friends his "boyfriends." That's not fair.

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#38

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Laying down in public.

Source: likes to lay.

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or sitting in the floor. Sorry sometimes I am tired and there arent chairs or benches available.

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#39

hats indoors. No one has given me a valid reason why I need to tell students to take their hats off.

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fire bug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the norm going back to the days when people wore helmets (knights, vikings and such). It was a way to show trust and respect when entering someone else's home. Its pretty antiquated but that's where it came from.

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#40

People Are Sharing 40 Things That Aren't Socially Acceptable For No Reason Whatsoever Running everywhere instead of walking.

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Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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