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Time and again, we've all wondered if it’d be possible to live in a society where there are no rules. But norms of everyday life have somewhat the same function as the rules of games: they tell us what ‘moves' are allowed and which ones are not. Not only do our interactions run smoothly, but the whole world we live in feels harmonious and in order.
So in order to really see how and which rules govern our lives, and what we make of them, we have to look at the universal, unspoken ones that everyone should be aware of, if they already aren’t. Shared by people in various Reddit threads, some of these rules are simple no-brainers, others represent more elaborate conventions, so let’s see which ones people pointed out as the most important ones.
Scroll down, share your thoughts in the comment section and be sure to check out our previous post with more of the “unwritten rules” of life.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
If someone you don't know suddenly strikes up a desperate conversation and seems to be wary of their surroundings while on a night out - they are your best friend. Best friend. Because they're probably being harassed by another drunken patron and need some backup and I don't care if it's your mortal enemy, you act like you love them because they've got problems.
You do not ignore someone like that.
KJ 4 years ago
I had this happen years ago, randomly bumped into an ex co-worker while out shopping with my girlfriend at the time, ex co-worker rushed up to us and started apologising for running late for our lunch date. I stood totally clueless, my girlfriend threw her arms around the ex co-worker (they had met once before at a works do) and said glad she had finally turned up but the table was booked for only three (bloke left). Blew my mind when they explained over lunch.
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#2
If your dress has pockets, you must tell everyone.
#3
If a two year old speaks gibberish to you, you reply with either "you think so?" Or "thank you for telling me".
If you ever ask yourself who the hell created all these rules, and why we all need to abide by them, this one's for you. I have to agree that the idea of a free society where each individual is allowed to roam freely, with no obligations or consequences, has something appealing about it.
#4
If somebody gives their phone to look at a picture don't scroll and see all their other pictures.
#6
Give me six feet of space when I’m at the ATM or the urinal. Basically, whenever I’m taking valuables out of my pants.
And some rules are so embedded into our society, we don’t dare to question them. “Societies going back thousands of years have had ‘unwritten rules.’ Unwritten rules would be defined as normal, accepted behavior that everyone (or almost everyone!) is willing to adhere to,” Susan Petang, a certified life coach and the author of “The Quiet Zone Coaching,” told Bored Panda. Susan teaches women how to stop feeling overwhelmed and start waking up happy in the morning again.
She continued: “They're necessary not only for keeping order, but establishing boundaries and defining what is considered kind, polite, or compassionate—or rude!—in that particular culture.”
#7
If you work in childcare and see a baby walk for the first time you don’t say anything to the parent.
#8
If you're watching garbage Facebook videos in the break room and other people are trying to enjoy their hour of peace wear some [freaking] headphones Alana.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
Don't watch porn either. Or you can, just to overpower Alana's garbage FB videos.
What’s interesting is that even now, different cultures can have different unwritten rules. “For example, burping after a meal in China is considered a compliment, and here in the US, it's considered rude. By having these unwritten rules, we also can more easily identify when others are upset with us or being dismissive,” Susan said and added that “it's like having an emotional shorthand.”
#11
When using tongs, you must always click them together a couple times.
Warloew Brinn 4 years ago
Gotta give them a couple test clicks to make sure everything is in order.
#12
For any space holding people (train, elevator, classroom), let people exit before you try to enter
Lilith the Demon Panda 4 years ago (edited)
yes! this! I always thought western Europe was civilized until I rode metro there... and I would add: after you exit dont f*****g stop right in front of the door, move the f**k out of the way!
Susan believes that our lives might be more complicated, and possibly more lawless, if we didn't have expected rules of behavior. “Imagine how chaotic life would be if people could randomly punch others in the nose if they didn't like what was being said or done?”
On the other hand, there are times when unwritten rules of behavior can be complicated and unnecessary, the life coach argues. “They can also be prejudicial. For example, it can be difficult for those with autism to understand some of the social nuances that we take for granted—which might make them feel ostracized, unaccepted, or unloved.”
#13
Small wave at the driver when they stop at the crosswalk so they know you know they saw you.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
Also, wave at the driver who lets you cut in when there is an unbelievable rush and you've been waiting for long enough to get into the lane. A friendly honk is welcome too.
#14
You do not initiate small talks with someone with their headphones on.
#15
When a child hands you a toy phone, you pretend to have a conversation.
The life coach added that there are also unwritten rules in some cultures that can be interpreted as rude or boorish in others. “Our earlier example of burping is one; another might be how some cultures consider bargaining for everything to be OK, while in other cultures it's considered rude to question the cost of something.”
#16
If you offer something, you offer twice only. If they say no both times you don't push it
#17
Don't make marks in a book that someone loaned to you. That means no dog-earing the pages, no highlighting/underlining/circling phrases and no writing notes in the margins. If you want to do that crap, get your own copy, don't ask to borrow a copy from me.
#19
If you’re securing something in a truck bed or trailer, you must always say “that ain’t goin’ anywhere” once you’ve finished.
#20
Don’t put your phone on speaker in public places
Gin. No tonic 4 years ago (edited)
Unless they're a senior citizen. This might still seem rude to you, but it might be the only way they know how to answer their phone or hear the conversation.
#21
Put it back in the same place you found it.
Orange is aging 4 years ago
I know my room looks messy, but everything still has a place. Don’t put my stuff just anywhere, you monster
#22
Do not stand still in any choke-point of an indoor or outdoor space. Doesn't have to be a doorway or hallway.
#23
“In the house of a hanged man, don’t talk about rope” Old proverb. Meaning don’t dig up old, nasty stuff with people you know will be uncomfortable/offended
#24
When using a stud finder, you must first point it at yourself and go "beep"
#25
If you are done using the microwave and there is time left, you must clear off the remaining time. Don't be a savage.
#26
When walking through a door and someone is behind you, hold the door long enough so the person doesn't get hit by it.
#27
Closing your mouth when you chew.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
Unbelievably irritating. I don't need to watch you process your bites, Alana.
#29
If someone asks if you have a pad or tampon and you have one give it to her. You'd want someone to do the same for you.
Donkey boi 4 years ago
I remember (overhearing) my mam giving advice to my big sister, which included 'ALWAYS carry tampons & pads, even when you're not on your period. You never know when you friend might need one'. For 3 years I carried around female sanitary products! Before I realised my friends were not likely to ask me, what with me being a boy.
#30
If a child shoots you with a toy gun you act hurt or pretend to die for them. No questions asked. I learned this when I became an aunt lol.
#31
Zipper Rule: when driving and two lanes become one drivers merge from alternate lanes one at a time right left right left ... like a zipper.
#32
If you notice something on someone that can be fixed within 5 minutes, tell them (Shirt stain, food in teeth etc)
#33
Never expect a friend to fix your car for free or for a six pack. Ask them how much they'll charge you. If they do ask for beer, ask their favorite. Don't buy cheap s**t
Cactus McCoy 4 years ago
I believe in the exchange of abilities and do not accept money from friends Everybody has different ones, so we help each other out. Works like a charm. This does not involve costs for spare parts or similar, of course.
#35
Don't ruin Santa Claus for little kids
#38
If the teacher makes a mistake that benefits everyone (forgets homework, leaves answers on the board, etc) you don't point it out!
Julieandthephatones 4 years ago
yes it soooo annoying when someone points out that the teach forgot to check homework
#40
The problem magically goes away when the person who's there to fix it shows up.
#43
There will always be a demilitarized urinal between two urinating men, unless overpopulation becomes a factor, in which case participating piddlers will look either straight forward or directly down at their dingle dongle.
#44
If you're in a public toilet, don't piss on the toilet seat. Sadly, there are always people that disregard that rule.
#45
If you have two friends over, who don't know each other, you don't leave them alone. The exception to this rule is if you are trying to set them up
#46
When walking in a store, treat the aisles as you would the road. AKA stay to the right (US).
#47
Picking your nose is very satisfying, but don't do it in public
#48
The internet is forever, so be careful what you put on it- especially if your real name/face/details are attached. People will find them and bring them up at the worst possible times. A few seconds of thinking about if it's really a good idea to post that comment or whatever can do a lot of good.
JustAPanda 4 years ago
And never ever put your name as your un-changeable reddit username. Knew a lotta people who would get roasted by it
#49
Don’t drive slower than traffic on the left lane of a highway.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Or worse, don't go overtaking with less than 1 mile speed difference and proceed to hog the left lane doing 64 mph for the next 30 miles.
#50
When you enter an elevator, you face the door.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago (edited)
There are those elevators with back-to-back doors on each side. Always make me feel stupid when I am facing one side and suddenly the door opens on the other.
#52
In public (public transport, libraries, canteens etc), sit at unoccupied seats/tables first. Only sit with a stranger when there are none left.
Iggy 4 years ago
I was on my own in a restaurant in Brussels. There were plenty of empty tables but, without a word, a man sat down opposite me. It was a very small table so I was very uncomfortable. I moved tables. In Ireland, he would be considered very strange and quite rude. Are there any Belgians who can tell me if it's different in Belgium?
#53
If you accidentally bump into someone you apologize (in the US anyway)
#54
If you’re in a car that is not yours, always ask before rolling down windows, changing A/C, plugging in phone etc.
#55
Push in your damn seat.
SeaMonster 4 years ago (edited)
i always try to do that at school at those chair-desks that are connected and look like a fool when the person across from me's desk starts sliding...
#56
We don t share toothbrushes
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
We have sex, we've exchanged bodily fluids, you've touched my most intimate body parts, but don't touch my tooth brush.....
#57
When making eye contact with someone from a distance, you nod down if you don't know them, and "nod" up if you do.
troufaki13 4 years ago
Or up and down like a maniac if you think you know them but can't quite be sure
#59
Office door closed = I’m busy. Office door open = I’m available if you want to talk to me.
#60
There is no seating arrangement in a university class but no one should sit in my seat
#61
In a long awkward hallway as you walk toward someone and they walk toward you, you don't make eye contact or make any kind of greeting till you're about 10-15 feet apart.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
No, as soon as you see them you start waving, shouting and cheering like they're the friend who got lost during an expedition to find a Yeti.
#62
Don't ask the IT dept for help with your personal device unless you are somehow able to compensate them.
#64
Don’t walk in the same direction with someone after saying bye
Mihai Mara 4 years ago
Oh, my mistake. I was going to go home, but now, as an immature person that I am and that cannot fix this situation, I will make a 7 km detour just to follow this unwritten rule I found on the internet.
What do you think ?
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
If, after putting an item in your shopping cart, you decide you don't want it, put it back where you got it! Especially if it's a perishable item. Also, if you knock an item on the floor, pick it up and put it back.
Leah Williams 4 years ago
People who have bad knees and can't walk very much without hurting, or people who are in a huge rush, I understand. Except I would ask a store worker if it was perishable like anything frozen, or fresh veggies.
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Uber Mensch 4 years ago
You may not know who it DOES belong to, but you know it isn't _yours_. Leave it alone.
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
If, after putting an item in your shopping cart, you decide you don't want it, put it back where you got it! Especially if it's a perishable item. Also, if you knock an item on the floor, pick it up and put it back.
Leah Williams 4 years ago
People who have bad knees and can't walk very much without hurting, or people who are in a huge rush, I understand. Except I would ask a store worker if it was perishable like anything frozen, or fresh veggies.
Load More Replies... Uber Mensch 4 years ago
You may not know who it DOES belong to, but you know it isn't _yours_. Leave it alone.
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