There are things we learn, like how to read, or do algebra.
And then there are the things we kinda just pick up along the way.
Social etiquette is mostly unspoken rules if you think about it.
Recently the people of Reddit shared their list of the most important unspoken rules that just get followed (or should) without having to be told.
The question:
The answers:
1. “If someone you don’t know suddenly strikes up a desperate conversation…”
If someone you don’t know suddenly strikes up a desperate conversation and seems to be wary of their surroundings while on a night out – they are your best friend. Best friend. Because they’re probably being harassed by another drunken patron and need some backup and I don’t care if it’s your mortal enemy, you act like you love them because they’ve got problems.
You do not ignore someone like that.
– McStaken
2.
If you’re securing something in a truck bed or trailer, you must always say “that ain’t goin’ anywhere” once you’ve finished.
3.
You don’t microwave fish in the break room at work.
4.
Don’t make marks in a book that someone loaned to you. That means no dog-earing the pages, no highlighting/underlining/circling phrases and no writing notes in the margins. If you want to do that crap, get your own copy, don’t ask to borrow a copy from me.
5. “If you offer something…”
If you offer something, you offer twice only. If they say no both times you don’t push it
– ghostye
6.
When a child hands you a toy phone, you pretend to have a conversation.
7.
Small wave at the driver when they stop at the crosswalk so they know you know they saw you.
8. You do not initiate small talks with someone with their headphones on.
9.
For any space holding people(train, elevator, classroom), let people exit before you try to enter
10. “If she looks pregnant…”
Don’t ask if she is pregnant. Just don’t.
11.
An appearance flaw that cannot be easily changed shall be completely ignored.
12.
When using tongs, you must always click them together a couple times.
13.
If you work in childcare and see a baby walk for the first time you don’t say anything to the parent.
14.
NEVER propose at someone else’s wedding, never.
– Kearshi
15.
Give me six feet of space when I’m at the ATM or the urinal. Basically, whenever I’m taking valuables out of my pants.
16.
If you’re watching garbage Facebook videos in the break room and other people are trying to enjoy their hour of peace wear some fucking headphones Alana.
17.
If somebody gives their phone to look at a picture don’t scroll and see all their other pictures.
18.
If a two year old speaks gibberish to you, you reply with either “you think so?” Or “thank you for telling me”.
19. “If it has pockets…”
If your dress has pockets, you must tell everyone.
20. Don’t put your phone on speaker in public places.
21.
If you notice something on someone that can be fixed within 5 minutes, tell them (Shirt stain, food in teeth etc)
– Bogshow
22.
Never expect a friend to fix your car for free or for a six pack. Ask them how much they’ll charge you. If they do ask for beer, ask their favorite. Don’t buy cheap shit
– kmg_365
23.
Zipper Rule: when driving and two lanes become one drivers merge from alternate lanes one at a time right left right left … like a zipper.
24.
If a child shoots you with a toy gun you act hurt or pretend to die for them. No questions asked. I learned this when I became an aunt lol.
25.
If someone asks if you have a pad or tampon and you have one give it to her. You’d want someone to do the same for you.
26.
If you are done using the microwave and there is time left, you must clear off the remaining time.
Don’t be a savage.
– Fritz376
27. You don’t take pictures of kids that aren’t yours
28.
When walking through a door and someone is behind you, hold the door long enough so the person doesn’t get hit by it.
29.
Closing your mouth when you chew.
30.
When using a stud finder, you must first point it at yourself and go “beep”
31.
When you enter an elevator, you face the door.
32.
Don’t drive slower than traffic on the left lane of a highway.
– EvaIina
33. “Picking your nose is very satisfying, but don’t do it in public”
34.
When walking in a store, treat the aisles as you would the road. AKA stay to the right (US).
35.
The internet is forever, so be damn fucking careful what you put on it- especially if your real name/face/details are attached. People will find them and bring them up at the worst possible times. A few seconds of thinking about if it’s really a good idea to post that comment or whatever can do a lot of good.
36.
If you’re in a public toilet, don’t piss on the toilet seat. Sadly, there are always people that disregard that rule.
– -eDgAR-
37.
If you have two friends over, who don’t know each other, you don’t leave them alone.
The exception to this rule is if you are trying to set them up
– ballen15
38.
There will always be a demilitarized urinal between two urinating men, unless overpopulation becomes a factor, in which case participating piddlers will look either straight forward or directly down at their dingle dongle.
39.
Covering your mouth when sneezing…although everyone doesn’t always do it
– Mojovman
40.
You don’t reject your grandma’s offer of food (at least in Mexico)
– Achela12
41.
The problem magically goes away when the person who’s there to fix it shows up.
42.
If the teacher makes a mistake that benefits everyone (forgets homework, leaves answers on the board, etc) you don’t point it out!
43.
You don’t get a “bless you” after sneeze number 3.
44.
DO NOT! I repeat, DO NOT go through someone’s night stand drawers.
45. “Don’t wear white to another woman’s wedding”
46.
Don’t ruin Santa Claus for little kids
47.
In public transportation, you let the person in most need have your seat.
48.
Put it back in the same place you found it.
49.
“In the house of a hanged man, don’t talk about rope”
Old proverb. Meaning don’t dig up old, nasty stuff with people you know will be uncomfortable/offended
(Edit: this doesn’t apply to people trying to make a point, but rather about politeness)
50.
Do not stand still in any choke-point of an indoor or outdoor space. Doesn’t have to be a doorway or hallway.