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Recently, Reddit user u/0_7_0 decided to find out what are the prime examples of common sense.

On July 13, they made a post on r/AskReddit, asking people "What is one 'unwritten rule' that you believe everyone should know and follow?" And it blew up.

As of this article, u/0_7_0's question has received over 3,400 comments, many of which are valuable tidbits we all should listen to. Here are some of the most upvoted ones.

#1

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If I show you a picture on my phone, don't go swiping sideways.

Soft-Problem , bruce mars Report

#2

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If someone is wearing headphones and is clearly keeping to themselves, leave them alone!

Thetiredregular , Dollar Gill Report

#3

Don't litter. It's really not hard to just not litter

vassardog77 Report

#4

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Don't watch loud videos on your phone at a restaurant. Can't believe this isn't common courtesy anymore

penguinmanbat , Austin Distel Report

#5

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If you borrow something, return it in the same condition

Ryastor , Alexas_Fotos Report

#6

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If someone is giving you a ride, you should be ready at the door before they get there. It’s so rude to have someone waiting on you when they are doing you a favor by picking you up

Thatweirdboringdude , Arnaud STECKLE Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to pick up a friend on a night out. Called him when we arrived, said he'd be down in a moment. 15 mins later still nothing. Called him again and he said he was going to come down after watching Buffy. Told him he'd have to get the train and drove off.

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

Excuse me what?? That's so rude!!! He stood you up because he was watching tv and didn't even try to hide it? Jeez

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

I have a friend that we all love and cherish but is ungodly late all of the time and will make you wait. After a year, the situation became heated and we cancelled her birthday dinner after waiting an hour. We tried the fake times cause we know she is always about an hour late, but that got old. Now we have a new system. We have a group chat and it is now agreed that none of us are stepping a foot out our door until she takes a pic of her walking out of hers. She is great otherwise, we are all very close, and she realized just how pissed off she was making all of us when we all left her birthday dinner at a fancy restaurant where we were even picking up the bill for everything.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a peeve of mine. It's so disrespectful to keep a ride waiting.

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

It depends upon why the persons delayed. If you have an important phone call then take it but just let me know

dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep! Being on time is the basic. Unavoidable circumstances are notified. And if there is a foreknown probability of being late (for example, the person asking the favour has small children), then you can let them know beforehand as well. All about humanly manners.

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Legen ( wait for it ) dary
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My father uset to say : I left so many people along the way, one more will make no difference. I wait 5 minutes, if you are not here I'm gone. And 5 minutes and 1 second later, he was gone. No matter what,or who.

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

this. someone is doing you a great favor. the least you could do is be ready.

davismann28 avatar
Chrissy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter is notorious for this! She no longer makes me wait because I left her and she had to take the bus to work.

noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends. Most of the area I grew up in, you don't want to be standing outside at night. You stay at least out of sight in the building until your ride arrives. And when you drop someone off you need to make sure they are indoors before driving off and lock your doors while waiting. Yeah it's that kind of town.

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

i dont agree with this fully. You dont have to stand outside on your driveway as some expect you to do but you should be packed up and ready to leave. especially if it is raining or cold. I have experience that also the lift is late so I am not going to sit on my driveway for 20minutes or so. when tgey arrive I am ready to put my shoes and coat on and leave

yungkeylo_1 avatar
Keyy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i drive a carpool and this i 1 million percent agree wit

cynthia54 avatar
Cynthia Gane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've already had words with my granddaughter about this .... she's got to get her 120 hrs of driving practice up, and I drive 40 mins to pick her up and ALWAYS have to wait for her. No wonder her parents are too busy to take her!

jackienettleton avatar
Jackie Nettleton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I get lifts from people I start looking for them about ten minutes before the agreed time so that I am ready when they are it’s a simple thing to show them you appreciate their help

wonderful3382 avatar
Wonderful
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a coworker who thought me picking him up in the morning was his alarm clock to get up for the day. So I would have to wait for him to get up dressed and brush his teeth, everything. He did it 2 times in a row and then I told him to find another way to work. He threw a hissy fit.

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

Unfortunately with work it’s very unpredictable and I don’t have my phone on me.

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

There are perfectly good counter-examples to this, but you do have to get super specific to make them work, which makes it clear that it's a good rule!

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

I'll give this type of person 2 or 3 attempts at this game. If this type of behavior is their thing it will be evident by the third. I'll continue to offer/provide rides but my wait time starts when I arrive and ends 5 minutes later.

darthyagi avatar
Jeff Diamond
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like to think of myself as a taxi service. If I was getting paid to do it, I can wait. If I'm doing as a favor... please don't start getting ready when I get there.

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

Sometimes we have undiagnosed ADHD and time blindness is very real and actually, it really bothers us too!! I try everything to get there on time and I'll be an anxious mess if I'm not. But adhd is real and not fun.

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DKS 001
Community Member
2 years ago

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it depends ... is it safe to stand outside? Is it freezing, raining, snowing?

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Michelle M
Community Member
2 years ago

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Is it just me or is there an unwritten etiquette rule for women to act/be late for a date when a guy is giving them a ride?

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#7

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) The 'wave' of thank you when someone lets you in while driving in traffic. It's just polite

dishyboii Report

#8

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Put the shopping cart back where it GOES!

brock0124 , PIRO4D Report

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#9

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Just because you know someone who does something for a living, that doesn't automatically mean they owe you a discount if you ask for their services.

mstaff388 , Allef Vinicius Report

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NinjaWolfy94
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't do art for a living but I do take commissions sometimes and this bothers me so heckin much...

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#10

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If you want to go for a hike and listen to music, come with earphones or headphones. Don't blast loud music.

AgeOfWomen , sweetlouise Report

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

Uh huh it's so annoying especially if you are listening to music yourself and you can hear their crappy radio over your peaceful tunes

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#11

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Quit pissing on public toilet seats. And if you do, at least have the decency to wipe it up

wSkkHRZQy24K17buSceB , Giorgio Trovato Report

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

Or leaving little drops on the seat. Even if it's by accident, no one else wants to wipe it off so they can sit.

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#12

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Chew with your mouth closed.

alhern112 , ederick Medina Report

#13

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Don't just show up randomly at someone's house. Call, text, or otherwise reach out and positivity confirm that it's okay before heading to someone else's home.

Nosunallrain , Dimitar Belchev Report

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

I have some really close friends that we're comfortable enough to just rock up to each others houses, but don't do that unless it's someone you know won't have a problem with it.

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#14

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) When you have a complaint with a retail store or business, please remember that the person you are speaking too (or yelling at sadly) is just the one that happened to pick up the phone or is standing at the till. they likely have nothing to do with what went wrong and have little sway in what can be done to help. They dont need to be yelled and screamed at for something they did not do or is under the control of a corporate office/higher up.

sebastianrileyt2 , Mimzy Report

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cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always talk in a polite and friendly manner when making complaints. I have found they are more likely to go above and beyond to help. And always thank them afterwards and compliment their ability to help as it makes their day.

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#15

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Don’t touch pregnant people’s bellies.

What is it about being pregnant that suddenly makes other people feel entitled to touch you without asking.

saturdazzzed , Felipe Bustillo Report

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

You shouldn’t be touching other people anywhere, not their hair, not there butt not their stomach, nothing… not unless you ask first

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#16

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) PERSONAL SPACE (even when not in a pandemic)

keri112493 , Austin Distel Report

#17

Don't leave perishable items in random aisles or at the checkout. You're wasting food and driving prices up.

EdgelordZeta Report

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

I can't believe we've fallen so far that this even happens. It saddens me.

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#18

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Stand back before boarding a bus, subway, metro, or elevator so that those on can get off quickly without having to wait for you to back up first

Lightmareman , Petar Avramoski Report

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

This goes for doors, elevators and escalators and everything else where people should be allowed to get off of a moving thing before you get on.

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#19

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) On an escalator, stand on the right so people can walk on the left.

ChicagoSocs , Geri Chapple Report

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

Unless in a left-side driving country. In those countries, it tends to be the opposite.

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#20

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If u borrow even a damn dollar and promise to bring it back, bring it back

Tinny_fluff_kitty , Blogging Guide Report

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

People, pls don't lend money you can't give. Meaning that you shouldn't go out of your way to lend what you can't afford to give. That way, if the person doesn't return it, you won't be broke. Thank you

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#21

Double flush if you must. Nobody wants to see your poop crumbs.

jdward01 Report

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

Poop Crumbs lol! Just honked and spat my tea out. Getting funny looks now. Agreed, it is mank

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#22

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Never comment a person's weight, if they lost it, if they gained some. It's just very rude either way.

Product School Report

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

All you have to do is say you look good you don’t have to specify what part looks good or why

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#23

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Don't talk loudly on the phone while you're in public transportation, it's super uncomfortable for everyone

Gabriella Clare Marino Report

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

Or at least be aware that some people regard your loud conversation as as free entertainment.

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#24

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Wear deodorant if you are out in public

kyogre120 , ana_essentiels Report

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

Some people have medical conditions where they either can not wear deodorant or the deodorant won’t help. I would rather smell a human than a sickening perfume all day

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#25

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Give up your seat to the pregnant lady on the bus/train (or to anyone else who needs it. Don't take up two seats because you like to put your feet/bag up).

Gherkinstein , Sigfrid Lundberg Report

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

I remember seeing a lady with a walker give up a handicapped spot for a man in an electric wheelchair. If she can do it, everyone else can do it.

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#26

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Never ask a person if they're pregnant. It's just rude and you never know their medical history.

Nylos Report

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

Similarly, never ask when they plan to have a child, or why they don't have children already. It's not your business and you don't know what trauma you may unveil. Maybe they had a miscarriage, maybe they did have a child who died at birth, or maybe they have been struggling to get pregnant.

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#27

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If you borrow a friends car or truck, always return it with a full tank of gas.

nraasch19 , SnapwireSnaps Report

#28

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) The last one to go to bed has to turn all the lights off

Rebeca2277 , Emma Fabbri Report

#29

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) When someone else is paying the bill, you shouldn't order something very pricey. (It's understandable if something expensive is the only thing you are able to eat.)

yomomma1000 , Blake Wisz Report

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

If you're sharing the bill and you clearly spent more than everyone else.. . Make sure you insist on paying the difference.

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#30

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) When you are shopping/looking for clothes and suddenly decide you don't want it anymore, put it back where you found it. Don't just dump it somewhere — it makes life hard for both workers who are cleaning up and the customers looking for something to buy.

i_dunno_mate_159 , Becca McHaffie Report

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

Actually not, in a lot of stores you have a designated area near the cabins where you should leave them. Especially during the pandeminc it is not so smart to put your clothes back with the others after you have tried them on, they could carry nasty things.

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#31

If you make an appointment and can’t keep it, cancel or let someone know. I manage sales for a car dealership and we thrive on appointments. We understand things come up, just let us know. That simple gesture goes a long way.

Abombdizzy Report

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

Car salesmen can be very pushy though! My mum ended up making an appointment because the person talking to her wouldn't take no for an answer but she had no intention of buying the car and didn't attend. I understand what you're saying but she didn't want to have to ring and engage with him again, having been intimidated into making the initial appointment.

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#32

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If your advice or opinion wasn’t asked for, don’t give it.

heyNOTathrowawy , Mimi Thian Report

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

I believe it's called a conversation. People have been having them for a very VERY long time. People need to stop making everything about them.

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#33

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) If you are going to talk with someone about your problems/issues, do a quick check-in first. Like, 'Are you in a good space for me to talk this out with you?' I’ve used it a few times, and I think just the basic courtesy of asking is such a relief to people!

lucille1234 , Andrea Tummons Report

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

I don't know about other cultures but in the UK this is pointless advice. There is NO Way anyone would respond to this by saying "actually no I'm in a s**t mood" we'd just grin and bear it either way.

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#34

The last of any food/drink is reserved for whoever bought said food/drink

Always leave stuff cleaner than it was when you got to it (campsites, AirBnBs, anything shared with people really)

L0NE_ Report

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

With the ridiculous cleaning fees that Airbnb's often charge, I'm not certain why I should be doing the cleaning for them.

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#35

If someone can't fix an aspect of their appearance in five minutes or less, don't mention it.

greentea2727 Report

#36

If you’re about to turn the light on in a dark room and someone is there, you have to announce what you’re about to do so the person doesn’t get a surprise. I feel like it’s really disrespectful to turn the light on without announcing it

Rebeca2277 Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife and I do this when it gets dark so that we can prepare our eyes.

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#37

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) When walking through a store, treat the aisles like lanes on a road. Keep to the right.

Bacondaddy199 , StockSnap Report

#38

Don't bombard people with a ton of taking when they obviously feel tired and overwhelmed, they are having enough trouble with their own stuff, to deal with all of your stuff.

MettaMorphosis Report

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

You need to speak up if you’re tired. Not put it on others, you may think it’s obvious to other people and they may not be seeing what you think they’re seeing

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#39

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Never drink the last beer if you didn't buy them.

Digital_loop , kazuend Report

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

Someone on a budget wrote this. If you're offered the last beer, you get the last beer.

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#40

People Are Sharing "Unwritten Rules" Of Life That Everyone Should Be Aware Of (40 Answers) Always space out by one urinal in the restroom.

Mega_Smasher , Help Stay Report