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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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Insert Generic Username
Community Member
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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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talcottmargaret avatar
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Community Member
2 years 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
2 years 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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Barry Mckokiner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We can: cook, do laundry, dishes change diapers and get the children to practices and events, but musicals are off limits. We can't show sadness either, it is a sign of weakness.

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

I think it's pathetic men can't go to Disney/ kids oriented entertainment events just because they like the show. I seriously don't get why people judge so much. I had a male friend "borrow" my kids to go see a disney on ice show because he'd feel weird without having kids with him. He's just a normal guy who loves disney on ice. He's completely embarrassed by this. I wish I could tell him he was being ridiculous but I can't and I hate it.

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

Try being one of two grown men who assumed the Beauty & The Beast attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom was some sort of dark ride, only to find out it's a kids fancy dress attraction. Never felt so awkward and so misplaced in my life!!

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Zoe Duddle
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I love reminding my husband of a similar thing that happened to us because he cringes so hard every time! We went into what we thought was a Little Mermaid ride but it was actually a photo meet and greet. We ran in as the park was due to close and we wanted to get the last ride as we’d not been on it. We rounded the corner and ‘Ariel’ was sat there with 2 photographers. They looked a bit confused but then jumped right into the spiel and sat us down and took photos. We both felt awkward as we’re not good at small talk. When the pics were taken we went around the next corner and were back in the park. I was so confused wondering where the ride was. It turns out we’d just sprinted in to see Ariel!

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

Just as well, people get nervous when a man hugs his child 0.01 seconds longer then they think, but if it's a woman, no issues at all!! (Single dad of 3 children here) -- So sick of getting stares at the store while I am there with my 12 yo daughter trying to help her choose a dress for a school dance!

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Jenny Rosbach
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We wouldn't be so hyper aware of this if there weren't decades of gross pedos out there that people trusted around our kids.

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pemdas927
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't feel comfortable being by myself like that. Like dude, I want to watch the new Disney movie, too. And while I have no problem going to see any other movie by myself, I wouldn't even think of watching a kids movie w/o my wife. No matter how bad I want to watch it. Men are just perceived as. sexual predators. Y'all forget you yell at us for being children all the time.

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

Same. I go on daddy-dsughter dates with my 8 year old. I get some seriously villainizing looks. Like I'm there doing something less than wholesome. I'm there, with my kid, to teacher her what she should expect from a partner, and to not settle for less than what you want.

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

I don't know if anyone else posted this, but I believe even Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a brony. Anyone can be a fan of anything.

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B Jean the Jelly Bean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a kiosk in our local Mall where the owner brought her daughter with her everyday. My 90 year old father walked the Mall everyday and the child always greeted him and would sit by him when he took a rest. He was very worried that someone would think he was trying something nefarious. Such a shame.

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

Yup. There have been a bunch of kids movies I'd have loved to go to, but I often go to movies alone. I'd feel super weird being possibly the only grown dude in a theater full of kids and parents.

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FailBunny17
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oof, wait till you go to a water park (children majority) and get separated from your S.o

heroman237 avatar
Heroman237
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men aren't allowed to interact with children or they're pedophiles, so says society

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

Same feeling going to the movies by yourself for many, or going to Disneyland/world without children. The companies don't give a s**t, they're getting money. It's just the dumb goers.

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

Watching kid cartoon/animation movies because you know the voice actors.

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

Didn't have to throw in "female" partner, that was unneeded information for the story to throw in he is straight. That implies that gay uncles are bad.

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

No, it's important information because the implication is that his partner was considered to "belong" at a girly musical performance due to being female, while he was getting dirty looks *because* he's a man. If he'd been sitting with the kid and she had been sitting alone, it would have been totally different because at least people would think he's a dad there with his daughter.

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

It's not illegal, but you will get some looks, and possibly handcuffed

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

That's usually in your head. People are generally too busy thinking about themselves to notice you. As a single dad, I used to feel that way when I took my daughter to the park. But really, no one seemed to care.

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

No, I've heard, they judge any male watching a kid, wether it's theirs, their friend's, or their sister's. Sometimes it's silent judgement, but we always get looks

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

Lego also- we were not allowed to go into LEGOLAND in Kansas city without a kid. I know there are creeps around but I like Legos and want to see them even if I don't have a kid with me.

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

The only reason I (a dad) had kids was so that I could play with beanie babies and not look too wierd.

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

I don't get this. Why do men get strange looks at kids' musicals?

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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
2 years 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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#13

30 People Share Things That Feel Illegal Even Though They're Perfectly Fine Coughing in public places

Edified001 , Mikael Blomkvist Report

#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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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

Note: this post originally had 50 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.