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From how we dress and what we eat to how we talk and even what we allow ourselves to feel; we humans need to internalize a lot of rules if we are to properly function in our societies.

But as you probably know, it can be tricky to rationalize if our actions are acceptable or not.

Recently, Reddit user IPlayBongos was browsing the platform when they came across the question "What feels illegal, but isn't?" in one of the subreddits they follow. "I can't remember which one now, but it was a post that had ... one funny answer (I think it was ... about feeling guilty to leave a supermarket without buying anything.)," they told Bored Panda.

"I thought there must be so many other things that feel this way in life so I just went to r/AskReddit to see what people can come up with."

IPlayBongos reposted the same question there and it instantly caught the eye of the 35.6M-big community. So even though it's not technically an original idea, the Redditor did correctly identify the immense potential of entertainment it possessed. And we're really glad they decided to seek more replies because of the nearly 9K comments IPlayBongos has received, many pinpointed the exact circumstances our moral ambiguity kicks in.

Since we at Bored Panda had such a blast going through the discussion, we decided to compile the most interesting ones and bring you in on the fun too. Enjoy!

#1

A hundred-billion-dollar corporation paying absolutely zero in taxes whilst also owning several billion-dollar businesses.

KaityKat117 Report

#2

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Bringing your baby home from the hospital the first time. I remember thinking “they’re really going to let me just walk out of here with this fragile infant and no experience?!”

Munich11 , Hollie Santos Report

"I would say most of the answers were driven by some expectations that should be fulfilled by some societal measures, but it somehow feels wrong if they are not," IPlayBongos said. "Like in the supermarket example above, it just feels strange to go inside a store and not buy anything because if you leave empty-handed it feels awkward to just pass by the cashier and simply say bye to them or to just slip out around so many paying customers."

Or consider another scenario: you're talking to colleagues during a coffee break and your boss rolls around. "Even if he doesn't say anything and you're perfectly ok joking around on your break, it somehow reminds you of your duties and the fun dies down."

"One of the top comments was a guy who uses a wheelchair, but still can stand up if needed," IPlayBongos added. "It makes perfect sense to use a wheelchair even if you're not completely disabled, but maybe it's also the fault of pop culture and the infinite gags about faking a disability that we feel like wheelchairs are strictly for people with serious disabilities and others are fakes."

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The Redditor said it was actually one answer that they did not expect to hear and that is precisely why they like the platform. "There's always someone who faces completely different challenges than you and it is eye opening [to hear about them]," IPlayBongos said.

#3

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Asking someone for the money you lent to him/her.

remy_00 , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dear old dad used to say not to lend more money than you're willing to lose. Solid advice, I don't lend money to anyone besides my mom. I never expect her to pay me back because she's mom and has only ever asked twice to borrow money.

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#4

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine It feels illegal getting out of my wheelchair. I’m not paralyzed but it helps to have a wheelchair, but people always think I’m faking a disability when I get out of my chair.

FawnTi , Henry & Co Report

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Beth S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With all the disabled parking vigilantism and overall disbelief that someone is ill coupled with the general stupidity of the public in regards to chronic illness/injury - this does not surprise me at all.

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#5

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Your employer will tell you you're not allowed to discuss your wages but legally you are and you cannot be fired for it

CharacterPotential66 , charlesdeluvio Report

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Dee Bowmer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It may be legal to discuss your wages with fellow employees, but I bet you're two to one if you do it and you tell your boss that they'll figure out a way to fire you.

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#7

U.S legislators are allowed to trade stock in and sit on boards of private companies while passing legislation affecting those companies.

Ok_Metal3877 Report

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martin734
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In many countries, including the UK, this is either illegal or very tightly regulated.

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#8

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Walking out of a store without buying smth

AwiiiLama , Hanson Lu Report

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𝙸'𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚘𝚋!(new account)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. I would just kinda anxiously nod at security at the exit and fear they'll stop me, thinking I might've shoplifted something. :')

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#9

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Driving next to a cop at the speed limit

Zynse , Erik Mclean Report

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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or in front of. Heck, I get nervous driving behind them because I had a cop use his rear speed radar and some questionable and unsafe driving tactics to goad me into speeding, just long enough for him to drop behind me then pull me over. He ultimately fined me for doing 70 in a 60, saying he could've nailed me for 75. Judge threw it out in court after hearing about his shenanigans on the highway. Apparently he had a habit of using unorthodox and unsafe maneuvers to trick people into breaking a traffic law just so he could ticket them. I still had to pay admin fees but that was nothing compared to the $300 fine itself.

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#10

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Being a 30-something male and taking your 4 yr old niece to a kid's live musical. My partner and I took my niece to the Frozen live musical today. Because we purchased tickets at late notice, I had to take a seat in the row behind my (female)partner and my niece. The stares I was getting from the other audience members because I was a dude sitting by myself at a kid's musical... I felt like I should've been in prison.

9/10 though would do it again, the Frozen musical was great!

Sexforcrack , osseous Report

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Dr. M.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So stupid. So us woman are allowed to enjoy music, theater etc for kids because it's cute but men aren't? Stupid people

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#11

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Sitting at the restaurant, not liking the menu, and leaving.

XiVo47 , Nienke Broeksema Report

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Tamsin Far
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

German restaurants usually have the menu posted outside so you can read it before you enter - don't you have this in the US? It saves everyone a lot of trouble, especially if you are vegetarian.

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#12

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Telling your barber that you don't like the haircut

mtvshnya , Allyson Carter Report

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#14

Big companies buying up a whole bunch of housing in some city and renting it out to visitors.

runningdreams Report

#15

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Not liking dogs. People treat it as the worst thing in the world if you aren't deathly allergic and just don't like dogs.

BucketIsTired , Matt Nelson Report

#16

Having fun at work. Your boss walks around the corner and everybody scatters in the most totally not suspicious way.

Traditional_Letter50 Report

#17

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Bringing reusable grocery bags to a different grocery store than the one the bags are branded as.

Hypersapien , No Revisions Report

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Tamsin Far
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel completely the opposite - I am always worried that they will ask me to pay for it again if I use it in the shop it came from. No problem with one from another store :).

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#18

Using the other genders bathroom when yours is occupied

Eremitt Report

#19

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Card counting in a casino. It’s totally legal within the law, but the security and management will make you feel like a criminal for doing it.

Vandiall , Aperture Pro Report

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Rodney Bowie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They would be banning you from doing math in your own head, right? Loads of dystopian sci fi novels tell me that's "thought policing."

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#20

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Purchasing an item with no bag, and leaving the shop with it under your arm

SigProc , Jack Sparrow Report

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did this yesterday. I always keep the receipt in my hand just so I can wave it at security if they should stop me. In almost half a century, nobody ever has! LOL

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#21

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Watching a video on your phone at full volume in a public place, I've done this a few times on accident and I wanted to crawl out of my skin and [pass away].

AdLiving7358 , ROBIN WORRALL Report

#22

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Taking time off work always feels illegal. Even if it's paid time off I've earned.

CreeperBinks , Toa Heftiba Report

#23

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine The first time driving a car after you've got your license

pseudophant , Alex Chernenko Report

#24

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine My dad had a tendency to go to a store and eat and drink off the shelves. Then go pay for the wrapper at the end. Always thought we'd get arrested for that.

McGinneth , Atoms Report

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martin734
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This technically is actually illegal. Until you pay for the goods, you do not own them and the shop owner/manager has the right to withdraw any goods from sale. By eating or drinking the produce before you pay for them you are taking away the owner/manager's right to exercise control of their goods.

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#25

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Walking into a store with a mask on, your hood up, all with sunglasses

dino-soreass , LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR Report

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Steve Kenney
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not illegal but it is shady, First the mask thing is nothing, everyone is wearing or not wearing masks right now, However when you walk into a store with your hood up and sunglasses on inside a store it possibly could put the staff on notice that you - might - be there to steal. I know it's not fair but they don't know you, they've never met you so they have to go with their instincts.

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#26

Breaking off a banana from the bunch in the store

MagicObama Report

#27

Going to a concert after covid. After the last 2 years of avoiding crowds and people it just feels wrong.

UltraDucks895 Report

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K Miller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What do they mean "after" covid?... it's still happening... one of my coworkers has been living her life like normal even after mask mandates were lifted... she just tested positive smh...

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#28

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Getting a haircut from someone other than your regular hairdresser

T-Muffin , Adam Winger Report

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Beth S
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It doesn't feel illegal but it does feel like cheating on them. LOL

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#30

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Pulling your pants down when you have 2 pairs of pants

PolyGonePie , EL SULTAN Report

#31

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Being at a red light next to a Police officer

TheTastySpoonicorn , Ximena Ibañez Report

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Beth S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't not feel illegal - just anxiety inducing. The whole bug under a magnifying glass type of effect in my case.

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#32

Taking the hotel freebies

XiVo47 Report

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Kimi Tomminello
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're paying for them anyway. Do you honestly think the owners are coming out of pocket to restock them?

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#33

Smuggling your own (non-alcoholic/hot) snacks into the cinema.

GucciGingo Report

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Mazer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rather buy the overpriced snack that pay $25 a ticket. Many theaters depend on the concession sales to stay in business

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#35

Watching the next episode of a box set without your significant other.

SnooSketches7308 Report

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Anna Banana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Singles' version: starting an episode of a series (where continuity is not a big issue), realising you don't like it, and skipping it to watch the next one. It took me decades to realise I could do that!

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#37

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Using a bathroom for disabled/handicapped people.

Feisty-Key-5250 , Paul Green Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As we saw with Roy, it's not recommended. You might end up on a bus to Manchester.

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#40

When we got out of covid lockdown in Melbourne: going outside, going out to a restaurant/bar, having friends in your house.

Now it’s just not wearing a mask at the supermarket

Thrillhol Report

#41

Reading a book completely in a book store then not buying it.

SuvenPan Report

#42

Calling customer care.

Mr__Scrumptious Report

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Eleanor Watcin-Thomas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love doing it, it's done because something is unjust and you want it put right. What's wrong with that?

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#43

Staring at someone through binoculars from your house

areallyrealboy Report

#45

after turning 18 or 21 in some places and being able to just do anything, without anyone's permission, with your own car that can take you wherever you please. Still feels weird

PsychoDog_Music Report

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Liam F.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lol not if that's all you've ever wanted your whole life and have been looking forward to that day because your insanely overprotective parents wouldn't let you do anything on your own...this might've gotten a little personal but fr

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#46

Driving on german Highways with a speed of 200-250 km/h

Dustyon Report

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

The consequences of a mistake at that speed are where the legalities lie.

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#47

Turning right at a red light.

viking_of_the_month Report

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Trevor Nicholson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's illegal in Montreal. And it just results in really weird crossings for pedestrians. Lots of scatter crossings but also where one side and cross and another can't, and lots of advanced cross for pedestrians.

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#48

Using conditioner first

bringteahoe Report

#49

Facebook stalking

somegoodolreddit Report

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Barry Mckokiner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't have an account with them. Now you can't stalk and you get bonus happiness points for not letting Facebook stalk you.

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#50

Taking someone’s shopping cart with their groceries in it, while inside the store.

KindHearted_IceQueen Report