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.
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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.
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.
If your dress has pockets, you must tell everyone.
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.
If somebody gives their phone to look at a picture don't scroll and see all their other pictures.
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.”
If you work in childcare and see a baby walk for the first time you don’t say anything to the parent.
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.
Don't watch porn either. Or you can, just to overpower Alana's garbage FB videos.
An appearance flaw that cannot be easily changed shall be completely ignored.
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.”
When using tongs, you must always click them together a couple times.
Gotta give them a couple test clicks to make sure everything is in order.
For any space holding people (train, elevator, classroom), let people exit before you try to enter
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.”
Small wave at the driver when they stop at the crosswalk so they know you know they saw you.
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.
You do not initiate small talks with someone with their headphones on.
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.”
If you offer something, you offer twice only. If they say no both times you don't push it
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.
If you’re securing something in a truck bed or trailer, you must always say “that ain’t goin’ anywhere” once you’ve finished.
Don’t put your phone on speaker in public places
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.
Put it back in the same place you found it.
I know my room looks messy, but everything still has a place. Don’t put my stuff just anywhere, you monster
Do not stand still in any choke-point of an indoor or outdoor space. Doesn't have to be a doorway or hallway.
“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
When using a stud finder, you must first point it at yourself and go "beep"
If you are done using the microwave and there is time left, you must clear off the remaining time.
Don't be a savage.
When walking through a door and someone is behind you, hold the door long enough so the person doesn't get hit by it.
Closing your mouth when you chew.
Unbelievably irritating. I don't need to watch you process your bites, Alana.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you notice something on someone that can be fixed within 5 minutes, tell them (Shirt stain, food in teeth etc)
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
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.
Don't ruin Santa Claus for little kids
DO NOT! I repeat, DO NOT go through someone’s night stand drawers.
If the teacher makes a mistake that benefits everyone (forgets homework, leaves answers on the board, etc) you don't point it out!
yes it soooo annoying when someone points out that the teach forgot to check homework
You don't get a "bless you" after sneeze number 3.
I've actually seen someone sneeze 11 times in a row (granted they were slightly spaced out but still)
I usually sneeze 6 or 7 times in a row. Sucks because I have bladder problems.
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1st: ”Bless you.” 2nd: ”U ok?” 3rd: ”WTF? Get away from me you plaque rat!”
My go to is "bless you" for the first, "bless you again" for the second, and then "now you're getting greedy" for the third. I've also heard "God bless you," "God save you," "God keep you."
Can I steal your "now you're getting greedy" for the third sneeze please? I love it. My husband regularly sneezes 2 times directly after each other, so then I say "bless you" and for the second one that follows in a second I say "twice", to finish the first bless you. But he occasionally sneezes more, so I'd love to steal "you're getting greedy"!!
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after 3 sneezes, I assume it is a demon trying to get out and treat them accordingly
In german we wish: 1. Health / 2. Beauty / 3. Many children / 4. A quick death
As someone on the other end of that, by sneeze 4 I agree.
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If my hubby sneezes more after I tell him 'bless you' twice, I say 'bless you infinity' and I'm covered. ^_^
I only say "God bless you" twice. If you sneeze a third time… I assume you can't be blessed and you're a demon who must be destroyed. :)
I always sneeze the twos or theees tho :( it runs in my family somehow…
My husband and his mother literally sneeze multiple times every single time they sneeze. Never less than five times in a row, upwards of 22 friggen times, I shat you not. They have suuuuper sensitive noses. Meanwhile, he didn't hear me sneeze for the first time until after a whole year of living together, and over the 3 we've been married he's heard me sneeze once and his mom heard me sneeze once, before him, separate occasion (obviously). I learned VERY quickly to count to 5 Mississippis before finally saying "bless you".. wouldn't have thought it to be humanly possible. Not a day passes that he doesn't go into a sneeze fit. Dust...carbonation...body spray.. existence..you name it. Thank god it's not true that your heart stops when you sneeze cuz his butt would be dead by now
My hubby sneezes for up to 20 minutes strait. I used to say "bless you, gasutheit, saloo (no idea how to spell those last two >.>) but now i just say "are you done yet?" XD
He might have snatiation too then if it happens after he eats. Snatiation is a sneeze reflex brought on by a full stomach.
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whenever i sneeze, it isnt achoo, it is ACHOOCHOOachooACHOOACHOOachooachoo......achoo.......achoo.......................achoo.....................chooo
I have a something for you to try - when you sneeze, try to say a word. Saying sh$t is easy. Saying 'sturdy boulders" a bit harder. Saying the Japanese for good afternoon - Konnichiwa - a little harder. My favorite is konnichiwa. You can invent your own favorites. It takes the boredom out of sneezing... and sometimes makes others laugh.
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1. "To health." 2. "To luck." 3. "To love." 4. "To money". 5. "Are you okay?" (Translated from Slovak.)
I don't see the point of saying bless you at all, superfluous superstition. Plus I don't like knowing people are noticing me anyway.
My mother always used to say "that's enough" after number 3 and I swear, it worked every time.
I ... try to notice who is a multi-sneezer... then I wait for the run to finish.... and give a collective "bless you" at the end...
We don't say anything when someone coughs...so why sneezes? Based on such an old tradition. Something we can let go of...
I don't give bless you's I give, You get me sick, I'll hunt you down! 😆
Better still, after the second sneeze, wait until the person is done. Those who have "sneezures" need the blessings most! (Personal record: 44)
You shouldn't get a "bless you" over here at all. It's rude to comment on other people's noises. You wouldn't comment on a fart, either, would you? It's rude. Just ignore it.
In France, it goes like this. Sneeze no1 : "A tes souhaits" ("bless you") and the other one say "Thank you". Sneeze no2 : "A tes amours" ("to your love stories") and the other one say "Que les tiennes durent toujours" ("may yours last forever"), and here's the catch, if you're single, you must answer back "Ou qu'elles commencent un jour" ("may they begin one day"). Sneeze no3 : "Creve charogne" ("die bitch").
Or you just give one “bless you” when they finish sneezing
Anyone else get vision spots and arm numbness when they sneeze and sometimes extreme stabbing pains down the arms and thighs? This has happened to me since I was a teen. Asked a doctor once and they had no answer.
Let’s just stop this weird “bless you” thing. It’s based on a bizarre premise, it’s completely unnecessary, and there’s nothing that makes me more uncomfortable than sneezing in public and having 11 people turn and look at me and say “bless you”. It’s a sneeze. There’s no reason anybody needs a “bless you” or attention drawn to them because allergies. It’s such a strange custom.
If more than one person says bless you, I say “You have been double blessed”
After the 3rd sneeze I stop saying "Bless you" and start threatening to call a priest. Lol.
I had a friend that would routinely sneeze like six or seven times. So first we would say bless you like six or seven times in a row. Then we started to say bless you times seven. Then it just finally turned into seven!
I have allergies so I sneeze more than 10 times in a row, usually people that knows me waits for the last one and then says “bless you” once
In Puerto Rico, 1st sneeze, it's "salud" (health), 2nd one, "dinero" (money), 3rd one, "amor" (love) and if there is by any chance a 4th it's "tiempo para disfrutarlo", (time to enjoy it all).
It is in another language but my dad says "beautiful" after the 3. sneeze
I wait and see how many they get out then bless them or whatever. Sometimes I have to ask if they are ok, some sneezing is a very powerful thing.
I'm a multiple sneezer. I actually encourage people to not bless me until I finally let out my "my goodness that felt good" at the end 😂
When my virulently anti-monarchist wife sneezes, I always say “One more for the Queen!” and she stops on sheer bloody-minded principle. That’s my girl!
Do not pay/draw any attention to sneezes, farts, rumbling tummies and belches. Neither say sorry nor bless you. It is uncouth.
Don’t say “bless you” when I sneeze. I will gouge your eyes out with celery and it will hurt.
You won't get a single one from me. Also, you will never meet me so it works out.
Me and my sister say ‘bless’ instead of ‘bless you’ because she forgot the you after I sneezed. It’s a thing now.
my econ professor was big on this. sneeze 1: bless you, sneeze 2: bless you, sneeze 3: stop sneezing! every time
You don’t get one after 1. That’s stupid. I’d only do this for a client or someone who can affect my money.
If I know you, and know you're a more than twice sneezer, I wait. If not, #1 gets a blessing, #2 gets a raised eyebrow, #3 gets a "you done? Good. Bless you."
Yeah, my husband has a big nose and needs 3+ sneezes to take care of an itch. He's gotten up to seven a few times. I just wait until he's done.
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It's bless you, then bless you don't do it again, then get out my house I can't miss 14 day of work for you there is no such thing as allergies in 2021
Sneezing is not a symptom of covid, if that is what you're talking about
Load More Replies...The problem magically goes away when the person who's there to fix it shows up.
You don't reject your grandma's offer of food (at least in Mexico)
Covering your mouth when sneezing...although everyone doesn't always do it
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.
If you're in a public toilet, don't piss on the toilet seat. Sadly, there are always people that disregard that rule.
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
When walking in a store, treat the aisles as you would the road. AKA stay to the right (US).
Picking your nose is very satisfying, but don't do it in public
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.
And never ever put your name as your un-changeable reddit username. Knew a lotta people who would get roasted by it
Don’t drive slower than traffic on the left lane of a highway.
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.
When you enter an elevator, you face the door.
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.
Note: this post originally had 64 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
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.
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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You may not know who it DOES belong to, but you know it isn't _yours_. Leave it alone.
ONE OF LIFE'S HARDEST LESSONS unspoken rule: there are people out there with a sanguine "natural born salesman" type personality... these people are always acting about one notch too friendly... don't be fooled or seduced by this... these are not your friends, they are just acting sanguine... play along with it and let them pretend to like (love?) you... be nice back & friendly back at them, since if you put them off, they will turn on you and hate you... if they ask for money, favors, or any special considerations, agree to whatever they want, but put them off by postponing any favors for some good excuse or by saying you can't help today, maybe next week... then ask them to do something for you... when they realize you expect genuine commitment and not games in your relationships, they will most likely leave or just leave you alone from then on... (yes, I suffered much at the hands of many to FINALLY learn this life lesson)... If you follow this life lesson unspoken rule, you win either way: a) you gain a genuine committed friend, co-worker, spouse, business partner, etc., or b) the annoying shallow jerk leaves you alone to go and seduce someone else...
The goddamn thing you had in your goddamned hand a goddamned minute ago will suddenly appear in plain sight as soon as your SO comes over to help you look for it.
Or, the stupid a— computer will suddenly start working the second your partner takes a look at it, when before it was making a weird beeping noise or wouldn’t even turn on!
Load More Replies... Men: no, you do not have good aim, so always whipe the seat or that ridge under the seat after peeing, because yes, there ARE droplets EVERYWHERE even though you can't see them.
I feel bad for people who have PTSD and similar mentally debilitating conditions where they just can't quite think straight. Most people don't understand them socially
Thank you for recognizing that. I'm sure my anxiety and social awkwardness has put off a few people.
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If there are completely empty seats (and no assigned seating) on the train/subway/bus, do not sit down next to a stranger.
#7 for sure. I worked in childcare for years, and if Baby took his or her first steps at daycare, we would tell the parent, "He/she is going to walk any time now! So close!" Once I said that and the mom said, "Oh she already took her first steps over the weekend! Isn't she walking here?" I had to fess up. Everyone laughed.
Very eye opening. Many need to read this. Many are just common sense but a couple were new to me like the nod up for someone you know and nod down for someone you don't. Very interesting.
don't ask "how are you" if you just want to make small talk. i hate when people ask that and i'm just about to cry and i'm there : "i'm fine"
A few years ago, I started being honest in my reply to this. Co-workers self-filtered to those who cared and those who don't.
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I remember this one from long ago... if someone offers you a breath mint or gum, take it, you probably need it.
If someone doesn’t remember something you are talking about, don’t say incredulously, “Don’t you remember?!?” Especially if they are over 60.
Apparently none of the authors ever went to Berlin, where almost none of those rules apply;)
Tacit knowledge. We know the rules, but we were never taught them. We, as civilized people, simply know these things. Savages do.not follow these rules..
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.
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... You may not know who it DOES belong to, but you know it isn't _yours_. Leave it alone.
ONE OF LIFE'S HARDEST LESSONS unspoken rule: there are people out there with a sanguine "natural born salesman" type personality... these people are always acting about one notch too friendly... don't be fooled or seduced by this... these are not your friends, they are just acting sanguine... play along with it and let them pretend to like (love?) you... be nice back & friendly back at them, since if you put them off, they will turn on you and hate you... if they ask for money, favors, or any special considerations, agree to whatever they want, but put them off by postponing any favors for some good excuse or by saying you can't help today, maybe next week... then ask them to do something for you... when they realize you expect genuine commitment and not games in your relationships, they will most likely leave or just leave you alone from then on... (yes, I suffered much at the hands of many to FINALLY learn this life lesson)... If you follow this life lesson unspoken rule, you win either way: a) you gain a genuine committed friend, co-worker, spouse, business partner, etc., or b) the annoying shallow jerk leaves you alone to go and seduce someone else...
The goddamn thing you had in your goddamned hand a goddamned minute ago will suddenly appear in plain sight as soon as your SO comes over to help you look for it.
Or, the stupid a— computer will suddenly start working the second your partner takes a look at it, when before it was making a weird beeping noise or wouldn’t even turn on!
Load More Replies... Men: no, you do not have good aim, so always whipe the seat or that ridge under the seat after peeing, because yes, there ARE droplets EVERYWHERE even though you can't see them.
I feel bad for people who have PTSD and similar mentally debilitating conditions where they just can't quite think straight. Most people don't understand them socially
Thank you for recognizing that. I'm sure my anxiety and social awkwardness has put off a few people.
Load More Replies... If there are completely empty seats (and no assigned seating) on the train/subway/bus, do not sit down next to a stranger.
#7 for sure. I worked in childcare for years, and if Baby took his or her first steps at daycare, we would tell the parent, "He/she is going to walk any time now! So close!" Once I said that and the mom said, "Oh she already took her first steps over the weekend! Isn't she walking here?" I had to fess up. Everyone laughed.
Very eye opening. Many need to read this. Many are just common sense but a couple were new to me like the nod up for someone you know and nod down for someone you don't. Very interesting.
don't ask "how are you" if you just want to make small talk. i hate when people ask that and i'm just about to cry and i'm there : "i'm fine"
A few years ago, I started being honest in my reply to this. Co-workers self-filtered to those who cared and those who don't.
Load More Replies... I remember this one from long ago... if someone offers you a breath mint or gum, take it, you probably need it.
If someone doesn’t remember something you are talking about, don’t say incredulously, “Don’t you remember?!?” Especially if they are over 60.
Apparently none of the authors ever went to Berlin, where almost none of those rules apply;)
Tacit knowledge. We know the rules, but we were never taught them. We, as civilized people, simply know these things. Savages do.not follow these rules..
