There are rules, stupid rules, and rules that nobody argues about. Like, the one where you don’t answer out loud if someone whispers to you. Call it common sense, human behavior at its best, or an unwritten rule, that doesn’t change it—you just whisper if someone whispers at you.
So what are these unspoken rules that never get written down and are considered logical arguments or actions? Are they that different when it comes to various people?
A person on r/AskReddit dared to find out as they posted the seemingly simple, yet very illuminating question “What is one 'unwritten rule' you think everyone should know and follow?” 44.7k upvotes and 18.3k comments later, we’ve got some of the most interesting replies. They show some rules worth respecting don’t need to be carved into stone and can perfectly live in the part of the brain where “it’s just like this” is enough to explain why.
#1
Never make fun of someone else's laugh — be it how they sound or how they look. Laughing is the most natural expression of joy and happiness, and for someone to feel self-conscious about that because of other people's comments is so brutal.
Image credits: ArthurMcSlothington
#2
Do not swipe left or right if someone shows you a photo on their phone.
Image credits: whattheheckisdecaf
#3
Don’t leave your shopping cart in the middle of the grocery aisle!
Image credits: M3ggsandbacon
#4
Don't propose at someone else's wedding.
Image credits: LongliveLazarus
#5
Don't cook fish in the office kitchen
Image credits: TiNYWalL
#6
Buy a plunger before you need a plunger.
Image credits: olafthebent
#7
Don’t ever say ‘oh, you’ve only got one child. That must be so lonely for them.’Because maybe that person tried for years to have that one child, maybe they chose one for good reasons, maybe that had another child that died that you don’t know about.
Or, maybe it’s none of your business how many children people have. Actually, it’s definitely not your business. So, shhhhh.
Image credits: debbastar
#8
Don't say s**t about someone's appearance if it can't be fixed in less than 30 seconds. Spinach in someone's teeth? Let a homie know. Body type? Bad haircut? Worn-out clothes? Don't need to mention it.
Image credits: vaguelyhumanpotato
#9
For buses/trains/any other public transportation, let people exit first before you get on.
Image credits: miaowies
#10
Be kind to people who are working: food staff, medical staff, etc. Don’t take your bad day out on someone else.
Image credits: sas1013
#11
If you're borrowing it for a third time, you need one of your own.
Image credits: Kayge
#12
Leave it in a better condition than you found it.
Image credits: Essexal
#13
Don’t mess up an apology with an excuse.
Image credits: MHE17
#14
If you have to cancel on a friend, it should be your responsibility to reschedule.
Image credits: Havoo
#15
Don't start drama at a funeral.
Image credits: mattcruise
#16
Don't look through the f**king gap of bathroom stalls.
Image credits: PatricktheVieiraYep
#17
Announce your visits.You can't be offended that nobody is home when you decide to drop by at random.
Plus it's super unfair to the host since it gives no time to prepare anything and they might have to drop everything they were just doing just to entertain you or cancel their plans.
Image credits: Dionysus24779
#18
When driving a car, dont be nice, be predictable. People being nice leads to a s**tload of accidents.
Image credits: Tauqmuk181
#19
Don't let friends drive drunk. Maybe offer to get an uber or something for strangers, too, if you can
Image credits: M31K_
#20
If you borrow someone's car, fill up the tank before you return it.
Image credits: simplypsyched
#21
Always ask if a dog is friendly. You never know what kind of weird behavior things a dog can have, even when they appear friendly at first.I had a dog who would be fine until someone bent down to pet him. He was very protective and nearly bit a few people. I'd they has asked first we could have told them that he doesn't like being pet by strangers.
I would hate to have to put my dog down because you are an idiot around animals.
Image credits: Hotlikessauce69
#22
There was only 1 rule in my house growing up...do not wake anyone up. My parents worked shift work. Its amaZing to me now how many people don't respect sleep.
Image credits: tonineri31
#23
Don't talk to anyone at the urinal.
Image credits: MustBeTheMeds
#24
I have two:1. do not wear perfume or cologne if you’re getting on an airplane.
2. do not use speaker phone or play videos on your phone without headphones in public places. Especially in public transit.
Image credits: UninfluentialWear
#25
Chew with your mouth closed. Shocks me how many adults i see chewing with their mouth open.
Image credits: knasty015
#26
There are 2 people in your life you NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LIE TO. Your doctor and your lawyer.#27
If someone asks you a question, finish what you’re saying with, “what about you?”Enjoy noticing how many people actually don’t do this.
Image credits: thakrustykrabpizza
#28
Don’t put your music on speakers when in a public space. It’s not like everyone wants the same genre or was in the mood for music. Get your headphones.
Image credits: MedschoolgirlMadison
#29
Turn down your bass! Be more considerate of your neighbors in apartment complexes.I'm tired of people sitting outside my window in their car with their bass on full blast...at 2-3am! ((That's why I'm awake right now.)) I'm also greatly annoyed at my neighbors turning up their music (bass) to the point where it's rattling things on my walls. After getting multiple complaints you know it's a problem thus are choosing to be bad neighbors. *Also they have a lot of small children who should definitely be asleep but of course arent.
Image credits: Komikazekitten
#30
Be kind to strangers even if you’re having a hard time#31
Not pointing out flaws in someone’s physical appearance#32
Don’t just say things like “I love your baby bump!” to some random person.#33
When out to dinner with a group, only the person who ordered the least expensive meal/combo of things can offer to split the check evenly.#34
Stand up when you shake someone's hand.
Image credits: KingZogofDreamland
#35
Don't ask for something if the person only has one left (gum, cigarette, piece of cake, etc.).
Image credits: anothersocialoutcast
#36
Always say please and thank you. Just because your an adult doesn't give you the right to stop practicing manners. Drives me crazy.#37
Dont sneeze directly into another persons face.#38
If you're going to.listen to music, videos, or anything else on your phone that requires sound and isnt a phone call, either wait until you get home or invest in some headphones.#39
Knock twice before opening the door.#40
DON’T USE THE URINAL IN YOUR DREAM! You’ll thank me later.#41
Raise your children in a loving environment, but always make sure you respect them as individuals as well. One day they’ll be living their own life and might have to decide whether or not they personally want to take care of you when you’re old/sick/deteriorating.#42
I live by this rule I made after thinking about things late at night.If someone does something that makes them happy and confident. If it doesn't hurt them or anyone else, animals included. Then leave them alone, let them do that thing. Let them be happy.
#43
The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with. Don’t do it.#44
Wash your hands after the toilet. Walkouts are shocking.#45
Pee first. No matter what it is, pee first.
Image credits: ChompyNuggets
#46
If someone whispers, you whisper back.
Image credits: GalvanizedRubber
#47
FFS be self-aware. I mean, be aware of the space you occupy, of your movements, of where you are. Don't zig-zag on sidewalks, don't fill the entire width of the sidewalk. Be aware of your kid moving their arms like a helicopter. DON'T STOP IN YOUR TRACKS TO CHECK THE F**KING PHONE, walk slower, or step aside but don't be that kind of person.Just be aware of your body and don't be a dummy. This applies to whole families too, and people in cars, in supermarket lanes, wherever.
#48
You can be wrong. It isn't a bad thing, either. And when you are wrong, acknowledge it, and learn from it, you don't need to dig down in your beliefs to try and comfort yourself because you can't handle not being right all the time.#49
I have 2...1. Don't touch someone you don't know; you might get throat punched. And for that matter, if you DO know the person and KNOW they don't like to be touched, just because you're their mother doesn't give you the right to touch/hug them - and saying "I'm going to touch you" before you do it, just makes us tense up. And when you feel that tension, don't start to rub our shoulders to relax us. Respect boundaries.
2. Just because you're elderly and think you have the right to speak your mind doesn't mean you actually should. Keep your trap shut and mind your own business, you old biddy.
#50
If your going out to dinner with other people, and theyre paying, dont order the most expensive thing on the menu, go cheapfrom Bored Panda https://bit.ly/3bUmY83
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