ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#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

ADVERTISEMENT
#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

Add photo comments
POST
ninjawolfy94 avatar
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...

raereynolds58 avatar
Rae Reyn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a mechanic and do art commissions on the side. I charge the same amount for labor whether I'm changing oil or drawing a picture. It's what my time is worth. People have no problem paying when I'm turning wrenches but will argue to high heaven when I create their OC furry art.

Load More Replies...
queenmiri avatar
QueenMiri
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

!!!!!! As a friend I would pay full price. Out of respect and support for my friends business

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

I offer my services for free to friends and family, as long as they offer to pay me first. You offer to pay and I am like, "Nah man, I got you." You don't offer to pay, I give you an estimate.

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

If I offer to pay and it gets rejected out of kindness, I make sure to "repay" the favour with a gift or something tasty anyway. If not, that person can expect a nice present for the next occasion (birthday, Christmas etc.)

Load More Replies...
enea avatar
Enea
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the other way round: I don't want to be obliged to get services or buy stuff from family/friends rather than non-related providers.

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

if they say they will give you one from the start, thats fine but they shouldnt be guilt tripped by you to give you a discount. regardless if you know them personally or not, you are still a customer, period.

mike_flodin_9 avatar
Mike Flodin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do carpentry, if you think I will give you a discount because we are friends, why don't you pay me more instead because we are friends?

master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I'm buying from a friend I'd pay full price and try to buy as much as I can. That's their livelihood.

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

Yeah this is something most people will feign naivety on. Look if it's a small thing like dropping by for 15 minutes to fix a leaky faucet sure. But you better pay attention so you can do it yourself next time. But if you want me to reseal an entire window pane, then you call a contractor. Even though I know how, it doesn't mean I am obligated to spend a day doing it for you. I don't work in construction, I just grew up taking odd jobs.

rjm_agostinho avatar
Rodrigo Agostinho
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a friend of mine does art comisions, he charged me 15 i payed 20, i gladlly suport my friends

joanne-k-schmitz avatar
Jupittance
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Much better to pay their regular rate. They will do an excellent job, be responsive, and may even go above and beyond without being asked. Why lowball your friends? It makes no sense.

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

Or expects it for free, which so many friends/relatives have done.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or better yet, that you're entitled to to free service and labor. I ditched quite some "friends" and family members who only contacted me when they needed something done.

donnared avatar
Donna Red
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, I'm a seamstress & I do offer to do little repairs for friends for free but when people I barely know show up with heaps of clothes for me to basically turn into different items of clothing there had better be an offer of payment!

mdburke avatar
Grady'sRaider
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Invited over for supper, and found yourself working on a problem your host just can't fix ... BTDT!

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

I was working as an au pair for a family in Beverly Hills, my best friend would call me on my days off and ask: “what are you doing right now?” Thinking she was going to suggest lunch or a movie, I would say: “not busy at the moment” and she would say: “I have an appointment, I’m desperate, can you watch my kids?!” This infuriates me to the moon and back…

baali_venomax avatar
Baali Venomax
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hehe "Mates Rates". I always ask first. Some friends are okay giving you a discount, some not. It's polite to ask how much before you go into that kind of interaction.

quillingmama avatar
Pamela Scott
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly, if they do it for there living you shouldn't be trying to cut them out of that living.

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

For my jewelry business, if I know someone personally I'll probably give them an automatic discount, but if they ask for it then absolutely not.

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

Preach! I have encountered people asking for 10%-20% discount on a $5-$10 profit 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

sammywilson avatar
Sammy Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

eh,well sometimes you just gotta cash in your:"dude im your friend discount plz" its really not that big of a deal

leighc_ avatar
Leigh C.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or being related to them, even if they aren't doing their craft as a business or just starting out.

shelbyaj319 avatar
shelbyaj319 avatar
Shelby Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even my dad. He's a mechanic and usually does my maintenance. I always ask how much I owe them and my mom says they'll add it to my bill.

Load More Replies...
hermionem avatar
Hermione
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree. Unless there’s an exchange of favours which is usually the case.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
veronica-trousse avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
teapot avatar
~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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
teapot avatar
~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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#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

Add photo comments
POST
cybermerlin2000 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
nfrlprdpr avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
normadennis2004 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
nfrlprdpr avatar
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#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

Add photo comments
POST
jjdubsw avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
michellesavage226 avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

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

jdward01 Report

Add photo comments
POST
acsdp86 avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
nfrlprdpr avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
donotreplytokjk avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
nfrlprdpr avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
donotreplytokjk avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

Add photo comments
POST
alexia_1 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
dinagregoire avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
adi_eugen avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
jennymckeown avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

Add photo comments
POST
scotttbrynildsen avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
dinagregoire avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
kevinkgoertzen avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
nfrlprdpr avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
scotttbrynildsen avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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