At some point of your day, you get annoyed at something but you just can’t be angry at it. Like when someone just doesn’t care about public manners, or like when your co-workers don’t clean up their own mess. There are certain aspects of life that should be practiced by everyone but some people are oblivious to it. How easy would it be if these little manners were written on paper as a law? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that the internet has answered!
Here are 50 of the best ‘unwritten rules’ that should definitely become laws.
Imagine a world where everyone obeyed these rules!
1. Just don’t…
It’s annoying. That’s it, really. It’s annoying to be told to “smile more.” Just don’t do it. Let people just be themselves without interjecting. You don’t know what kind of day they’re having.
2.) More people need to know this
If you’ve ever had to sit in the middle seat of the plane, you know how uncomfortable and awkward it can be. The person by the window can always lean over to rest against the wall and the person on the aisle has the freedom to go as they please. The least these people could do is give the middle person both armrests. Everyone wins!
3. It just makes sense
If you’re boarding a train or a bus, wait for the people on board to exit first. They have somewhere to go and the bus driver won’t leave you. Just wait a minute. It’s less chaotic and you’ll have more seats to choose from too.
4. Absolutely correct.
We think this Reddit user’s unwritten rule is spot on–especially if you work in an office. If you’re the person that pours the last cup of coffee from the pot, it’s your job to make some more (or at least ask if anyone wants more).
5. Don’t be a jerk
The rule below is just out of sheer humanity. If a happy child is excited enough to see you that they wave at you, you wave back. Always! No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
6. Don’t steal the thunder
Please, please don’t ever propose at someone else’s wedding. Let the newlywed couple have the spotlight that day. Lord knows they probably spent a lot of money on the event too. Save your shining moment for another time.
7. Why tear someone down?
Everyone has insecurities, why make them worse? If someone is doing their best or putting an effort into something, never make fun of them or belittle them. A mean comment during a vulnerable time like that can last a lifetime.
8. Why would that be okay?
If a bedroom door is closed and you knock on it without getting a response–why on earth would you proceed to open it? It could mean the person is sleeping, getting out of the shower, or having a private moment. No response, no entering.
9. Have some follow-through
When you tell someone you’re going to do something – DO IT. Otherwise, don’t tell them that you will. It’s more polite being honest and upfront if you can’t take something on than it is to make promises you can’t keep.
10. Respect their privacy
When someone shows you a picture on their phone, they’re showing you that picture and that picture only. Don’t swipe in either direction to see more. Some people keep personal things on their phones that aren’t meant for anyone’s eyes but their own.
11. It’s just petty
If you’re in an argument, be an adult and argue or debate using your words and your logic. If you start insulting the other person, it just means you’re losing the argument and you have to get petty to have a dog in the fight.
12. You’re not exempt from the rule
Why would you think you’re so special to not have to remove your shoes? The bottoms of your soles are just as gross as everyone else’s. If it’s the house rule, you follow it.
13. Zip it up!
Merging lanes seems to be one of the hardest concepts for drivers. We’re not sure why, but it is. People need to treat it like a zipper. Follow the merge lane to the very end and the alternate merging into the lane with the one that’s being merged into. It’s not rocket science, people!
14. Pick up after yourself
Just because you pay money to have a gym membership, doesn’t mean you can be a slob when you’re there. Always put equipment back where you found it and, for the love of God, wipe off your sweat!
15. Never
Never, ever, ever ask a woman when her baby is due. Unless you know she is pregnant (100% for sure) and you just happened to forget the due date, don’t ask. Ever.
16. What are we, savages?
This Reddit user’s rule below is just common sense! I mean, who would put a soaking wet sponge back on the counter without squeezing it out first? That would just be plain ridiculous. Wring it out!
17. Gross
Microwaved fish produces possibly the most ungodly stench to ever exist. It’s super gross. Never use the communal kitchen fridge at your office to heat up fish. You’ll ruin everyone’s day.
18. Hello? Another human here.
If you’re opening a door, check behind you to see if anyone is coming in right after you. If they are, hold the door. If you don’t look, that means you’re not aware of your surroundings. If you do look and slam it anyway, then you’re just a jerk.
19. Laughter is joy
Don’t ever make fun of someone’s smile or laugh. Their smile or laugh is what they use to show joy and happiness. By making them feel insecure about it, it takes the warmth out of that joy and happiness, making them not want to do it anymore.
20. Sound advice
Always try and be of service to others before yourself. If you have things to do that other people are waiting on, do those things first. Then, focus on the other tasks.
21. Take a hint
When someone says they’re not interested, they’re not interested. Bottom line. Just because you push them to talk to you more by asking “why” or to “give you a chance,” just respect what they said and walk away.
22. Turn it off
Using your phone in the movie theater is so rude. Literally everyone can see that blinding and annoying light. And why did you pay for a movie you’re not even going to watch? Turn it off or take it outside.
23. Just be discreet
Always let someone know if they have a piece of food stuck in their teeth or sauce on their face. No one wants to look in the mirror later knowing full well that you must have noticed it but didn’t say anything.
24. But at the same time…
Don’t ever point out something about someone’s appearance that they cannot change or do anything about. That’s just plain rude.
25. It’s gross if you don’t
Always, always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. There’s no excuse. Your snot, spit, and grossness goes spraying much further than you think. No one wants that nastiness. Cover it up.
26. Everyone take note
This is one traffic rule that it seems like 90% of humans have forgotten. Even if there are only two lanes, this is the rule. Don’t just hang out in the far left lane. It’s for passing only.
27. Be kind, please.
Why would you just ignore the person that held a door open for you? They literally went out of their way to make sure you didn’t have to push or pull that door and now you’re going to pretend they’re not there? That’s just crazy. Look them in the eye and say ‘thank you.’
28. It’s not that hard
It’s never okay to chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see that chomped up sandwich that you’re mushing down so it can go into your esophagus. Keep your mouth closed.
29. Again, be kind.
You’re a human! You know how rough life can be sometimes. Well, turns out, that goes for every human! It’s terrible to gossip about people, they’re dealing with their own issues and difficulties in life, they don’t need judgment and rumors.
30. No one wanted that to happen
People shouldn’t get upset when they get bumped into. They’re partially at fault too. Because if either person was really paying attention, someone would have moved.
31. Keep it short
If you borrow something from someone, keep the borrowing time to a minimum. Don’t keep it long enough for it to be asked for it back. That’s just awkward.
32. Let them have the floor
When someone tells a great story about their weekend or a new hobby they’ve taken up, don’t come in with a ‘better’ story about a similar thing. It sounds like you’re trying to one-up them which isn’t very cool.
33. Don’t dilly-dally
The car was polite enough to stop to let you pass. Don’t waste their time by strolling slowly across the street. Give a courtesy wave and put a little pep in your step to get to the other side.
34. A good general rule
If you’re not sure which side of the sidewalk to walk on, just follow the flow of traffic in that country or region. It’s just common sense.
35. So awkward
Unless you have no other choice, men – don’t stand directly next to another person at the urinals. It’s weird, it’s creepy, and it should never be done if it can be avoided.
36. They’re in a zone
When someone has earphones in at the gym, on the train, or just walking down the street, that means they don’t want to be bothered. They’re listening to music or a podcast (or maybe nothing at all), so just leave them be.
37. Just like that Seinfeld episode
Another great unwritten law of life is to never double dip. Unless you’re eating that entire bowl of dip yourself, no one wants to have that piece of chip that was halfway in your mouth back in the guac.
38. We don’t want to hear it
Speakerphones are meant for the privacy of your own car or talking to someone while you’re prepping dinner in your kitchen. They’re not meant to be used in a public space. The entire world doesn’t want to hear about your business deal or wife’s bad day at work.
39. Return the favor
If someone was kind enough to give you a ride and use their gas, offer to give them some money for gas, even if it’s only a buck or two. The gesture itself really means a lot.
40. Step it back
Why is it necessary to stand right up to the belt at the luggage dropoff at an airport? Your bag clearly isn’t the only one that’s coming down the chute. Take a step back and just wait until you see your bag. This allows everyone to watch for their bag without having to climb on top of each other.
41. Out of the way, please.
It’s incredible how many people just come to a dead stop in the middle of a walking path or hallway. It’s like they forgot about every single person that was around them and figured they could all wait or go around them. Rude. Just take a few steps off to the side, will ya?
42. The cook should never clean
If someone was nice enough to cook you a homemade meal, always offer to clear the table and clean the dishes. It’s a beautiful gesture to let them see your gratitude.
43. On that same note…
If you know someone will be picking up the bill at dinner, you might think “oh, good! I can order that lobster and filet mignon surf n’ turf dinner!” But, please don’t. Doing that makes it feel like you’re simply taking advantage of them instead of accepting a gracious offer they didn’t have to make in the first place.
44. So dirty
Think of all the hands that dollar bill has passed through before landing in your hands. If you can’t seem to put it anywhere while tying your shoe or picking something up, do not put it in your mouth. So nasty!
45. Who does that?
In nearly every office environment, you’ll hear of someone who has had their lunch stolen from the office fridge. Who does that? And you can just walk around that office building and look at that hungry person straight in the eye? So barbaric.
46. Be aware of others
When you step onto an escalator, keep all the way to the right if you plan on just standing there. The left is for those that would like to walk up. And if you’re with someone, be sure to stand or walk single-file.
47. It’s really not that hard
A responsible dog owner should and will always pick up after their dog has gone poo. It’s so not cool to just leave it out there for someone to accidentally go trampling in. It’s a real day-ruiner.
48. Respect ‘the bubble’
It’s always so odd and strange when someone chooses to sit directly next to someone in an empty movie theater. Yes, I know the middle seats in the middle row are the best, that’s why I got here early. Looks like you’ll have to settle for the row back.
49. What happened to human connection?
When you’re talking to someone in person, give them your undivided attention. Nothing feels worse than being the “second choice” for attention. Put the phone away while you’re conversing with someone.
50. Never just ‘pop by’
If you want to swing by someone’s house, don’t ever just do it randomly. People would always prefer a heads up so that they can get dressed or clean up the house a little.
